10 Best Infant Car Seats For Your Baby
Car seats are designed to make transporting your baby in a car safer. The best infant car seat for small cars are the best companion and the safest way to make your child’s journey better. The car seat provides protection to your child when you are in travel. The infant car seat is one of the most important things you buy for your child. As we know, small infants under 2 years have soft bones and can be damage car accident. For protecting your child from such types of car crashes you must arrange a car seat for the baby.
The rear-facing car seat is the best for infants under 2 years old as they cannot withstand in a sudden break or crash. You can also use the convertible car seat so that when your child grows bigger, the size of the car seat can be adjusted with respect to the growth of the child. The baby car seats are very useful. You can take your child anywhere with you without any trouble. So if you want your child’s safety, choose the top car seat for the comfortable journey of your child. We are providing you the top rated car seats list.
The Best Infant Car Seats For Small Cars
NO.1 : Safety 1st Grow
The safety 1st Grow and Go is a very comfortable 3-in-1 best infant car seat for small car. It provides you with different seating positions in three ways.
These are:
- Rear-facing mode
- Forward-facing mode
- Belt-positioning booster
The rear-facing protection is especially for new born babies. It is the safest way for the children to travel. It prevents head and spinal injuries. It can bear a weight of 5 to 40 pounds and a height of 19 to 40 inches.
The forward-facing mode is for toddlers and it can be used from 22 to 65 pounds. The forward-facing height is 29 to 52 inches. The belt-positioning booster can be used when your child is grown enough up to 100 pounds. The convertible car seat provides a side impact protection which protects your baby from injuries in a side collision.
The car seat has a QuickFit harness which can be easily adjusted in a single step along with the headrest. The integrated harness holders keep the harness open so that you can easily get your child in and out of the seat. The seat has 2 integrated cup-holders when it is placed rear-facing. It takes less space leaving legroom of 7 inches for the passengers of front seat. If messed up by the baby, not to worry, it is machine washable and dries easily.
Features
- 3 in 1 car seat
- Convertible Car Seat
- Supports children 40 to 100 pounds
Specification
- NAME : Safety 1st
- WEIGHT: 18.66 pounds
- COLOR: Harvest Moon
Pros
- Available in various colors
- 3 in 1 convertible car seat
- Offers 3 different modes of positioning (forward-facing, rear-facing and belt positioning)
- Easily convertible to booster seat
- Quick fit 5-position harness
- Machine washable and dryer safe
- Seat pad is removable
- Cup holders are located on both sides
- Combined harness holders
- Easy to install and remove
Cons
- Harness may be difficult to tighten
- Cup holders are irremovable
- Latch cannot be used with booster option
- Takes much space in rear-facing position
NO.2 : Maxi Cosi
The Maxi Cosi is a 2 in 1 convertible car seat that has two different seating positions i.e. the rear-facing position that allows a weight from 5 to 40 pounds and the forward-facing position which allows a weight from 22 to 85 pounds. The car seat is air protected by the advance air cushion system which protects the baby’s head from the side collisions being a safer side impact. It has an integrated cup.
Its rear-facing mode is deep and recline that makes the installation easy. The seat is equipped with removable cushions to give younger babies a comfortable fit. It has one click latch system that helps in secure installation. The harness holders keep the harness open and the flip away buckle will not stuck in the clothes of the baby while getting in and out of the seat.
The ClipQuik auto-magnetic chest clip easily opens by one click only and it locks on its own when the magnets slide together. The height of the harness can be adjusted. It is machine washable and dries easily. The seat pads can be removed easily over the frame. The cushions are of premium quality fabric. The Pria 85 Max provides the greatest comfort to your baby during journey.
Features
- 2 in 1 car seat
- Convertible Car Seat
- Advance Air Cushion System
Specification
- NAME : Maxi Cosi
- WEIGHT: 23.7 pounds
- COLOR: Nomad Sand
Pros
- Harnessed convertible car seat
- Offers forward and rear- facing positions
- Variety of colors to choose
- Machine washable
- Dryable cover
- Consists of an integrated cup holder
- Premium quality fabric and padding
- Auto-magnetic chest clip
- Advance air cushion system
- Removable seat pads
Cons
- Expensive
- Straps can be hard to tighten
- Small legroom for front passenger in rear-facing position
- Difficulty in latch operating is reported
NO.3 : Graco
The Graco extend car seat is designed for the safety of your child. Its 4 position extension panel is easily adjusted to come up with additional legroom of 5 inches which helps the child to ride in a rear-facing position safely. Small infants from 4 to 50 pounds can comfortably fit on the rear-facing harness and forward-facing harness is for toddlers from 22 to 65 pounds.
The 6-position recline will help your child to enjoy a lot of journeys with you. The 10-position headrest easily adjusts with the growth of your child. The frame of the seat is ultra strong made from stainless steel which provides due to which it is strong and long-lasting and can be used for years. There are integrated dual cup holders in the seat for the convenience of the child’s drinks and snacks, etc.
The installation of the car seat for travel is made easy by one-click InRight latch system and by the level indicator which is easy to read. The buckle that refers to the harness storage makes it easy to get the child in and out of the seat. The Graco ProtectPlus engineered is a union of various rigorous crash tests that confirms the safety of your child in all types of collisions and crashes. This best budget infant car seat is available in different colors that include Binx, Davis, Garner, Gotham, Kenzie, Solar and Spire.
Features
- 4-position extension panel
- Convertible Car Seat
- From 22-65 Pound
Specification
- NAME : Graco
- WEIGHT: 23.2 pounds
- COLOR: Kenzie
Pros
- The cover is machine washable
- Latch installation is easy
- Rear-facing position allows a weight up to 50 pounds
- Adjustable extension of 5 inches for extra legroom
- It offers 10 different headrest positions and 6 recline positions
- Performed well in crash test
- Dual integrated cup holders
- Allows passenger legroom in rear-facing
Cons
- In rear-facing position seat belt installation may be tricky
- Too big for the small new born
- The cover is hard to remove and replace
NO.4 : Graco Slim
The Graco SlimFit is a 3 in 1 slim convertible car seat which has a rear- facing (5 to 40 pounds), forward-facing (22 to 65 pounds) and a belt positioning booster (30 to 100 pounds). The rear-facing is for infants and the forward-facing is for toddlers. It can bear a weight from 5 to 100 pounds.
It is a comfortable all in one seat which can extends with the growth of your child. The height of the harness and the headrest can be easily changed and increase with the need. The harness straps that are not used are held by the integrated harness storage. The seat belt acts as the belt positioning booster. The 4-position recline will comfy your child and you can enjoy various rides with your child safely.
The rear-facing mode of the seat has InRight latch system that has latch attachments which allows trouble-free installation. The side impact protection will prevent any side collisions and protect the baby. The car seat has a saving design as it contains two unique cup holders that rotate and swivel to save space.
The cushion and pads are removable so it can be washed easily. The Graco is best cheap infant car seats engineered and has been proven of being safe and secure during any crash. It is available in two colors Anabele and Darcie.
Features
- 3 in 1 car seat
- Convertible Car Seat
- Washable seat cover
Specification
- NAME : Graco
- WEIGHT: 19.69 pounds
- COLOR: Darcie
Pros
- Space-saving design
- 10 headrest position
- 4 different recline positions
- Right-in latch offers easy and quick attachment
- Steel reinforced frame offers strength and durability
- Compact for smaller cars
- Removable padding
- Machine washable
- Light weight car seat in 3 in 1 design
Cons
- Latch system may be difficult to pull tight
NO.5 : Graco 4
The Graco 4Ever is convertible car seat, in its features as it has 4 different modes of use including the rear-facing harness; it can hold children from 4 to 50 lbs, the forward-facing harness that holds children from 22 to 65 lbs, the belt-positioning booster which can bear a weight of 40 to 100 lbs and the backless-belt positioning booster which can hold children up to 120 lbs.
It is the only 4 in 1 car seat that can be used from small infants to young ones of 120 lbs. there are three easy and simple steps for safe and secure installation just to release and attach the latch, pull in the EZ Tight latch, and push center of seat to tighten.
The 4Ever Extend provides 4- position extension panel which gives an additional 5 inches legroom in the rear-facing mood. You can easily adjust the harness and headrest. It offers 6-position recline that is helpful for a safe journey. It consists of dual cup holders for the child to drink and eat snacks with comfy. It has passed all the safety tests so you can choose this car seat for the safe journey of your child. It is available in two colors; Hayden and Ottlie.
Features
- 4 in 1 car seat
- Convertible Car Seat
- 6-Position Recline
Specification
- NAME : Graco
- WEIGHT: 22.8 pounds
- COLOR: Hayden
Pros
- Safe design and easy installation
- Convertible in 4 positions
- 10 different headrest positions
- 6 recline positions
- Provides additional legroom of 5 inches in rear-facing position
- Certified for its use in aircraft
- 10 years warranty
- Available in many colors
- Dual integrated cup holders
- Simple and safe harness and headrest adjustment
Cons
- Heavy in weight
- Requires a good room
- Harness is tricky to tighten
NO.6 : Chicco
If you have a very small baby then you need to buy this best value car seat presented by Chicco naming this style Keyfit 30. It is number 1 rated infant car seat in the USA. This car seat has a positioning system for the newborn. It has a removable head and is perfect for the newborns and smaller infants for their complete body support. It has a super cinch tightening system that consists of a force-multiplying latch tightener that helps to achieve a secure and tight fit with a less effort. The car seat has a spring-loaded leveling foot which helps in achieving and verifying a proper base angle during the installation along with the two easy-to-read bubble levels.
It offers one pull harness; for a snug fit the 5-point harness can be very easily tightened with one hand only with a less effort. It has a maximum weight capacity to hold a child from 4 to 30 pounds. The minimum height of the child should be 30 inches to put the child in the car seat. It is very easy to install. The harness is easy to adjust and the padding is plush. It comes in a reasonable price as compared to other high quality car seats.
Features
- The easiest infant car seat to install
- No.1 rated infant car seat in America 5-point harness adjusts with one hand
- Booster mode backless feature is not present
Specification
- Name Chicco
- Color Lilla
- Type Infant Car Seat
Pros
- Available in various designs and colors
- Quite easy to install
- Top rated infant seat
- Compact and sized for small vehicles
- Easily removable and machine washable
- Travel friendly
- Adjustable recline angles
- Comfortable for the baby
- Airplane compatible
- Compatible with a wide range of vehicles
- Meets FAA regulations
Cons
- Non-breathable fabric causes overheating specially in summer
- Its small canopy does not stretch too far to provide sun protection to the baby
- Tightening of straps may be difficult
- Made in China
- Not secure without the base
NO.7 : Britax B-Safe
The B-Safe 35 infant car seat helps keep baby safe. It provides full body protection to your baby by surrounding your baby’s neck, head and trunk. This best slim fit convertible car seat has a lot of features. The side impact protection surrounds the head, neck and torso of your baby. The safe cell technology helps in absorbing the crash energy. This car seat offers a spring-assisted recline and dual level indicators that aid to find a proper angle of installation. There is a built-in lock-offs that snug the installation of the vehicle’s seat belt. There is a perfect safe center latch system that provides easy to secure and tighten base.
This car seat is manufactured by a premium quality material and has a high steel frame that reinforces the base of the car seat. If you want to remove the cover of the seat then it’s too easy to remove the harness and cleaning will also be made easy for you. It comes with an extra large canopy that provides protection to the baby from rain and sun. The seat has a length of 26.5 inches, a width of 17.75 inches and a height of 25 inches. The seat area is 13 inches long and 8.75 inches and the shoulder width is 10 inches. The height of the harness slot is 5 inches to 11 inches.
Features
- Surrounded in safety
- Steel frame
- Easy installation
Specification
- Name Britax
- Type Infant Car Seat
- Color Raven
Pros
- Impact resistant foam provide side protection
- Safe Cell technology absorbs crash energy
- High strength steel frame
- Spring-assistant recline and dual level indicators
- Built-in lock offs
- Cover is easily removable
- Extra large canopy
- Large canopy for sun protection
- 1 year warranty
- Top safety features
Cons
- No cup holder
- Adjustment of harness is difficult
- Fabric is not breathable so baby may become hot
- Not comfortable for large babies
- Base leveling may be tough
NO.8 : Safety 1st
This car seat can bear a weight ranging from infants of four pounds to toddlers of 35 pounds. It is crash tested from every angle for impacts such as rear, front, side and roll over impacts. It consist of an air protect cushioning system which provides an immediate protection from crash with our most advanced side impact energy management system that is available in this car seat. The side impact protection surrounds the head, neck and torso of your baby. A GCell HX is present for the displacement of the crash energy around the trunk of your child.
For adding stability a reinforced handle is present. This car seats has a deep seat structure which helps to provide shield to your child. The car seat is machine washable and is safely dried. This car seat makes your child feel cozy and it protects your child from head, spinal, trunk, neck injuries and many accidental cases. The best inexpensive convertible car seat has reversible pillows for a proper fit of babies as small as 4 pounds. The carry curve handle provides comfort grip that makes the seat light weight and easy to carry.
Features
- Providing five layers of safety
- Crash tested from every angle
- The five-point harness adjusts
Specification
- Name Safety 1st
- Color Raven HX
- Weight 18.48 pounds
Pros
- The cover is machine washable and dryable
- Ergonomic handle for a comfortable grip
- Air protect cushioning system provides side impact protection
- GCell HX race car foam absorbs the crash energy
- A deep seat structure
- Latch storage for keeping the straps out of the way
- Easily removable
- Affordable
Cons
- The fabric is non-breathable
- Straps may be hard to tighten
- Not compatible with a variety of strollers
- May be heavy for some vehicles
NO.9 : Graco SnugRide
This car seat has a capacity to accommodate babies from four pounds to 30 pounds. It can carry a baby up to a height of 30 inches. This best cheap car seat for travel features a True Shield technology that offers a hassle-free installation either by using a latch system or a vehicle seat belt. It is installed in just three steps and you will observe a safe and secure installation. It is very light weight having a weight of just 7 pounds.
The cover of the seat is machine washable so when it will get dirty you don’t need to worry just put off the cover and wash it in the machine then dry it. A perfect safe center latch system provides an easy to secure and tighten base. While installation to check whether the seat is at proper installation angle, you will need to eyeball each single line on the seat belt because there is no level indicator to tell this. A good thing about this car seat is its reasonable price; it is inexpensive yet having the best features. It has a large canopy to protect your child from sunlight or rain.
Features
- Adjust handle
- With one hand
- Leaving other hand free Silent Shade
Specification
- Name Graco
- Type Infant Car Seat
- Weight 9.75 pounds
Pros
- Space-saving design
- Level indicator
- Easy to install
- Compatible with a wide range of strollers
- Light weight
- One hand adjustable handle
- 4 different adjustable base positions
- Crash tested
- InRight latch system
- Meet or exceed US standard FMVSS 213
Cons
- Small canopy does not provide sun protection
- Tightening may be difficult
NO.10 : Chicco KeyFit
It is the number 1 rated infant car seat in America. This car seat has a dimension of 28.40 x 17.30 x 15.50 inches. The maximum weight capacity of this car seat to hold a child is ranging from 4 to 30 pounds. The minimum height of the child should be 30 inches to put the child in the car seat. If your baby is very small then you have to buy this baby car seat which is presented by Chicco naming Keyfit 30. This car seat has a perfect positioning system for the newborn. It has a removable head and is perfect for the newborns and smaller infants for their complete body support.
It has a super cinch tightening system that consists of a force-multiplying latch tightener that helps to achieve a secure and tight fit with a less effort. The infant car seat for small cars has a spring-loaded leveling foot which helps in achieving and verifying a proper base angle during the installation along with the two easy-to-read bubble levels. It offers one pull harness; for a snug fit the 5-point harness can be very easily tightened with one hand only with a less effort. It is very easy to install. The harness is easy to adjust and the padding is plush. It comes in a reasonable price as compared to other high quality car seats.
Features
- 5 Point Harness
- Adjustable Head Support
- Canopy, carrying handle and latch
Specification
- Name Chicco
- Type Infant Car Seat
- Color Black
Pros
- Available in various colors
- Top rated baby car seat
- Quite easy installation
- Compatible for airplane
- Compact and small sized
- Perfect for small vehicles
- Easily removable and machine washable
- Compatible with a number of vehicles
- Travel friendly
- Recline angles are adjustable
- Comfortable
- Meets or exceeds FAA regulations
Cons
- Small canopy thus less sun protection
- Made in China
- Tightening of strap is difficult
- Fabric is not breathable
Best Infant Car Seat Buying Guide
Car seats are of four types basically. These include infant car seats, convertible car seats, 3-in-1 car seats, and the booster seats. The infant car seat is designed for the infants under two years of age. It can support the rear-facing position. The convertible car seat is used from birth until your child outgrows a car seat. It can be used as a rear-facing and forward-facing position also.
The 3-in-1 car seat is also known as All-in-one seat, it is similar to that of the convertible car seat. Its advantage is that it can be used until your child is able to wear a seatbelt just. It can be used as rear-facing and forward-facing and as a booster seat also. The booster seat is especially for the kids in a forward- facing position.
Here are some tips to choose and buy the best comfortable car seat suitable for your child.
Image source amazon.com
Portability:
Before buying the car seat, check out whether it is portable or not. If the seat is portable you can move it from one car to the other. It will be helpful if you want to use the same seat in another vehicle.
Choose a convertible car seat:
Choose a convertible car seat so that you have not to invest money on another car seat after two years when your child become toddler from an infant. Newborns can adjust in two types of car seats: infant car seat and convertible car seat (rear and forward facing). Buying a convertible car seat saves money because it lasts through toddlerhood.
Side impact:
Look out for the seat containing the side impact with advance air cushion system, this is important as it saves the child from side collisions and head and spinal injuries.
LATCH system:
LATCH system should be present for the easy attachment of the car seat to the car. It will make the installment easy.
Harness and headrest:
A 5-point harness offers easy adjustment to the growing child and a perfect fit for children of all sizes and shapes. It should be flexible and adjustable according to the physique of the child. The harness holders keep the harness open so that it becomes easy to get the child in and out of the seat. The headrest should be adjustable so that its size can be increased with the increase of the child’s growth.
Easy to clean:
Check out either the cushion pads are washable so that it becomes easy to wash and keeps it clean, as cleanliness is also very essential for the child. Almost all the car seats in our list are machine washable.
Legroom:
The design of the seat should be elegant that it leaves legroom of a few inches if placed in rear-facing position.
Other accessories:
Cup holders should also be a part of the car seat, some seats have one and some have two cup holders. The integrated cup holders in the seat are for the convenience of the child’s drinks and snacks, etc.
Our list includes the best rated and best quality of the car seats. You can choose anyone of these, which you seem to be comfortable for your child.
Image source amazon.com
The Best Baby Car Seat FAQ
Q: Is A Baby Car Seat Safe For The Baby?
A: Yes, a baby car seat is really safe for the baby. The baby will remain safe and secure even in any kind of accident. Most of the baby car seats are crash tested and proven to be safe. So you don’t need to worry about the protection and safety of your child. The baby car seat not only provides seat for your child but also it protects that baby.
Q: Which Type Of Car Seat Should I Buy For A Very Small Child?
A: For a very small baby i.e. an infant the best choice of the car seat is to buy a convertible car seat. A convertible car seat has two features one is the rear-facing feature and the other one is the forward-facing feature.
Q: What Is The Benefit Of Buying A Convertible Car Seat?
A: A convertible car seat can be used for many years. It is because the rear-facing mode is for small infants and the forward-facing mode is used for the toddlers. So you will not need to buy a new car seat for your baby when he/she will grow to a toddler.
Q: Is It Important To Consider The Weighing Capacity Of The Car Seat?
A: Yes it is essential to consider the weighing capacity of the car seat. Different car seats have different weighing capacities depending upon the type of the car seat. You cannot buy a rear-facing car seat for your toddler as it has a very small weighing capacity.
Q: Which Type Of Car Seat Is Suitable For Grown Up Child?
A: A belt-positioning system is especially for the children who are grown enough up to 100 pounds.
Q: Do Other Accessories Are Part Of The Car Seat?
A: It is all your choice. If you want more ease for your baby then you can choose a car seat having extra accessories such as the cup holders.
More Info About: Booster Seat Laws
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Conclusion
Good to see you!
Picking up a good item from a vast variety is considered the most arduous task so far. If you have a better comprehension about the item which you are going to purchase then you can choose the best item. Now the question is that from where you can get the guidance about such products. For this purpose you don’t need to get worked up as I am available here to provide you the topmost information about any type of product that you want.
Here I have debated about the top infant car seats. From my side I have tried my best in providing you a fruitful description and guidance about the Infant Car Seats for your vehicles. I hope that you may have read the description of each infant car seat that is given above; all these are manufactured by different brands.
Perhaps you may have chosen a car seat for your child but it will be a charm for me to help you choosing the best infant seat for your car among all by giving you a counsel about the one which has the best reviews and also the best quality.
In the list of infant car seats that are mentioned above, you will see that there are various kinds of car seats for your infant which are manufactured by various brands. Among these car seats I consider that the Safety 1st Grow is the best car seat to buy for your child. It has three different seating positions, prevents head and spinal injuries, and protects the baby from side collisions and side impacts. It takes less space and is really comfortable.
If you are a little bit confused about choosing a car seat for your bay among this vast variety then you should have a look at our buying guide and the FAQs too. Read the buying guide carefully so that you can have more information about the car seats. Also take a review at the description of the car seat which I have suggested you.
Please leave a comment here to let me know if you have any kind of inquiries other than the FAQ. I will be glad to provide you related answer.
Have a superb day!