Top Infant Car Seats of 2023

An infant car seat is, arguably, the most important purchase you'll make before your baby is born. It is the one product that can literally save your baby's life.

When you load baby up for their first car ride, we want you to be confident that you've chosen the car seat that is right for your family, so let's dig in on our top infant car seats!

The Liing Infant Car Seat by Clek is one of the easiest installs of infant car seats that we have yet to come across – and that’s saying a LOT! A proper angle is easy to find with a bubble level indicator that can be adjusted once the seat is already installed – this is literally unheard of until now in the car seat world!

The rigid latches make it a “sweat-proof” install and the load leg adds additional stability and decreases rotation in case of a collision. Pair those things with the green indicators throughout and you can be confident you’ve got a proper install every single time.  

One more thing! It’s also super narrow and quite compact from front to back, so a top choice for 3-across installations, smaller vehicles, or long-legged parents up front who can’t have their front seats too close to the dashboard.

For an in-depth review, check out our entire Clek Liing Infant Seat Review!

THE SPECS:

• Use From: 4-35 lbs
• Install without base when required [aka European Belt Path or “taxi-safe” belt path]: Yes
• FAA Approved: Yes
• Extendable Canopy: Yes
• Canopy UPF Rating: 100+
• Infant Inserts Included: Yes
• Load Leg or Anti-Rebound Bar: Load leg
• No Re-Thread Harness: No

BIGGEST PROS:

• Very easy to get a super secure install and be confident it's properly installed every single time
• Made in Canada!

BIGGEST CONS:

• Not a no re-thread harness

The Primo Viaggio 4-35 Nido infant car seat by Peg Perego comes with a base that is equipped with both a load leg AND an anti-rebound bar which work together to significantly decrease rotation in case of a collision. It also has a bubble level indicator that you’ll use to ensure your car seat is at the correct angle for your baby’s weight and a dial on the base to adjust the foot to achieve this correct angle. The deep shell with side impact protection provides ultimate protection for baby.

THE SPECS:

• Use From: 4-35 lbs
• Install without base when required [aka European Belt Path or “taxi-safe” belt path]: Yes
• FAA Approved: Yes
• Extendable Canopy: Yes
• Canopy UPF Rating: 50+
• Infant Inserts Included: Yes
• Load Leg or Anti-Rebound Bar: Both!
• No Re-Thread Harness: Yes

 

BIGGEST PROS:

• Load leg and anti-rebound bar provide excellent stability & no re-thread harness is very convenient for adjustments on the fly

BIGGEST CONS:

• Base is not as easy to properly install as some of the others on this list
  

Parents love the simplistic look and leatherette accents on the PIPA Infant Car Seat by Nuna [they are beautiful car seats!] and it’s also one of the lightest car seats on the market at just 7.9lbs! They were able to keep this car seat at such a low weight AND include a “Dream Drape” which is a pop-out sun canopy that provides complete coverage from all the elements. 

The PIPA is equipped with rigid latches for an extremely quick installation! You are able to install using the rigid latches AND the seatbelt [note that on all other infant car seats you must use one or the other]. Although in the United States it features a load leg on the base, it does NOT in Canada.

If you’re comparing the Nuna PIPA, Nuna PIPA Lite and Nuna PIPA Lite LX you can read our full comparison, here!

THE SPECS:

• Use From: 4-35 lbs
• Install without base when required [aka European Belt Path or “taxi-safe” belt path]: Yes
• FAA Approved: Yes
• Extendable Canopy: Yes
• Canopy UPF Rating: 50+
• Infant Inserts Included: Yes
• Load Leg or Anti-Rebound Bar: Neither
• No Re-Thread Harness: No

BIGGEST PROS:

• Extremely lightweight and looks very stylish

BIGGEST CONS:

• Can be difficult to achieve a proper recline in vehicles without use of pool noodles or towels to aid in adjustments
  

And the winner of the popularity contest this year is the MESA V2 infant car seat by  UPPAbaby. Parents rave about how easy it is to use this car seat, especially when paired with a  UPPAbaby  stroller!

This seat requires no additional adapters and connects right onto the frame of the  VISTA V2  or  CRUZ V2  strollers. Simple right? It has all the same popular features as the OG MESA with a few appreciated upgrades.

The MESA V2 now features a bigger canopy, a larger headrest, and a more comfortable, contoured infant insert to create a perfect fit for your little one. It also includes the one crotch buckle position, to help eliminate misuse when adjusting.

The  MESA V2  base still features a “SmartSecure” system, which is essentially self-retracting UAS connectors so that you can easily get a tight and secure installation without breaking a sweat!

For a full in-depth review of the MESA V2, click here.

THE SPECS:

• Use From: 4-35 lbs and up to 32″ in height, whichever comes first 
• Install without the base when required [aka European Belt Path or “taxi-safe” belt path]: Yes  
• FAA Approved: Yes 
• Extendable Canopy: Yes 
• Canopy UPF Rating: 50+  
• Infant Inserts Included: Yes 
• Load Leg or Anti-Rebound Bar: Anti-Rebound Bar
• No Re-Thread Harness: Yes  

BIGGEST PROS:

• The seat is easy to install, has a no re-thread harness, an anti-rebound bar, and a one crotch buckle position 

BIGGEST CONS:

• The seat isn't compatible with other stroller brands

MAXI-COSI MICO 30

The Mico 30 from Maxi-Cosi has parents in mind. It is the lightest infant car seat in its class and features an ergonomic handle for extra comfort while carrying. This is a huge plus, especially when you’re lugging around your car seat just about anywhere you go.

This car seat is a smooth transition when paired with a Maxi-Cosi (and other stroller brands with an adapter). The stay-in-car base lets you attach the car seat easily, so you can spend more time doing the things you enjoy.

Most importantly, the Mico 30 is at the top of the list for safety features such as the five-point safety harness, Side Impact Protection, and Cozi-Dozi head insert, for extra support.

For the finishing touches, the Mico 30 is made of moisture-wicking fabric and padded harness covers to help keep baby as comfy as can be during their travels. Not to mention their seat pad is easy to remove and machine washable!

With parents and baby in mind, this infant car seat checks all the boxes for an easy and comfy ride.

THE SPECS:

• Use From: 5-30 lbs
• Install without base when required [aka European Belt Path or “taxi-safe” belt path]:Yes
• FAA Approved:Yes
• Extendable Canopy: Yes 
• Canopy UPF Rating: 50+ 
• Infant Inserts Included: Yes 
• Load leg or Anti-Rebound Bar: No
• No Re-Thread Harness: No

BIGGEST PROS:

• Compatible with a wide variety of strollers to make a travel system [with adapters sold separately]
• Lightweight and easier to carry than others on this list.

BIGGEST CONS: 

• The Maxi Cosi Mico 30 does not have an anti-rebound bar or load leg. The harness must also be rethreaded.
  

PEG PEREGO LOUNGE

If you’re searching for a stylish infant car seat, look no further. The Viaggio 4-35 Lounge Infant Seat by Peg Perego is the perfect combination of style and safety. It has all the show-stopping features of the Primo Viaggio 4-35 but with an added touch. The Lounge is one of the only infant car seats with a recline function when you’re using the car seat on your stroller! The backrest reclines and the leg rest extends to allow baby to comfortably lie flat in three recline positions!

This infant car seat comes with Peg Perego’s Nido Base, which features a load leg and an anti-rebound bar. These two safety features work together to help reduce the seat’s rotation in a crash by more than 50%! That’s not all, Kinetic Pods on the sides of the seat have also been added to disperse forces away from the child in the event of a side-impact collision.

The Viaggio 4-35 Lounge also features a dual-stage cushion system and expanded Poly Styrene foam in shell and head panel for the ultimate comfy ride. The icing on the cake? It comes in several fun colours and patterns to help match your car’s aesthetic. It’s beauty and brains all in one with this premium car seat.

For the full in-depth review of the Peg Perego 4-35 Lounge, click here.

THE SPECS:

• Use From: 4-35 lbs
• Install without base when required [aka European Belt Path or “taxi-safe” belt path]: Yes
• FAA Approved: Yes
• Extendable Canopy: Yes
• Canopy UPF Rating: 50+ 
• Infant Inserts Included: Yes 
• Load Leg or Anti-Rebound Bar: Both! 
• No Re-Thread Harness: Yes 

BIGGEST PROS:

• Load leg and anti-rebound bar provide excellent stability & no re-thread harness is very convenient for adjustments on the fly 
• Lounge feature that allows you to recline in three-different positions when attached to a stroller base. For safety reasons the car seat does not recline in the car.

BIGGEST CONS:

• Base is not as easy to properly install when compared to some of the others on this list
• A little bit pricier than other car seats on this list.
• The Viaggio 4-35 weighs a few extra pounds compared to some of its competitors.
  

BABY JOGGER CITY GO

The City Go Infant Car Seat from Baby Jogger is a safe and affordable option parents can feel good about. This infant car seat is called the City GO for a reason! The seat securely attaches to Baby Jogger Strollers with ease to create the perfect travel system, plus it features a taxi-safe belt path, making it simple to go from city streets to taxi in a jiffy, even without the car seat base.

With parents in mind, Baby Jogger has made installation a breeze with an easy-install 6-position adjustable base that can quickly be installed with the push-button LATCH or belt lock-off for your seatbelt. It also includes an easy-to-see bubble level, to ensure your car seat is level every time.

Let’s talk cozy! The City GO includes an infant body insert that helps keep baby properly positioned and is removable when your little one gets bigger. Plus, the extended UV 50+ canopy ensures your bundle of joy is protected during those long city strolls.

Check out our Baby Jogger City GO Infant Seat Review for more details.

THE SPECS:

• Use From: 4-35 lbs  Install without base when required [aka European Belt Path or “taxi-safe” belt path]: Yes
• FAA Approved: Yes
• Extendable Canopy: Yes, Canopy UPF Rating: 50+ 
• Infant Inserts Included: Yes 
• Load Leg or Anti-Rebound Bar: No
• No Re-Thread Harness: Yes

BIGGEST PROS:

• Easily transfers into a cab with the Taxi-Safe belt path.
• Most affordable than most car seats on this list.
• LATCH feature for easy installation

BIGGEST CONS:

• Not as many safety features compared to some of the car seats on this list.
• The City GO has decent padding on the seat, but the warning labels on the headrest, which may be a bit uncomfortable for your little one.
• Can only be used as a travel system with certain Baby Jogger strollers, car seat adaptors are an additional cost.
  

If you are shopping for your first car seat, it’s easy to get confused with all the terminology. For a breakdown of all the car seat terms you need to know, click here, or stop by your local Snuggle Bugz location and ask one of our friendly staff members for guidance. We even have a Dry Fit Program that allows you to test any of our floor model car seats in your vehicle.

No matter what infant car seat you choose from our list, baby will enjoy a comfortable and safe journey. As you continue to shop, keep in mind the features that really matter to you and your lifestyle. If you are on the go frequently, you will want to make sure your car seat can be used as part of a travel system. To discover our Top Travel Systems of the year, be sure to check out our Learning Centre article, here. If you aren't fussed about having a travel system and you want a one-and-done car seat for you kiddo, you may want to take a closer look at our Top All-In-One Convertible Car Seats. We also have some great car seat safety tips along with our must-have car seat accessories for baby, here.

Happy Shopping!