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Top Infant Car Seats of 2024

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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 you've chosen the car seat that is right for your family, so we have rounded up our top options to help you decide.
Let's dig in on our top infant car seats!

Video Review



Clek Liing

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

Peg Perego Primo Viaggio 4-35 Nido

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

Nuna PIPA

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.

For more information, check out our full in-depth review, here.

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

UPPAbaby Mesa V2

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

      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!

      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 
      • 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
      • The Viaggio 4-35 weighs a couple extra pounds compared to some of its competitors.

      Maxi- Cosi Mico XP Max

      The Mico XP Max Infant Car Seat by Maxi-Cosi is the perfect solution for parents seeking a stylish and safe infant car seat at a reasonable price. The car seat features an anti-rotation stability leg that limits back and forth movement, side-impact protection, and has a simple installation via an adjustable base.

      The Mico XP Max is also incredibly lightweight, making it easy to transport and maneuver. The materials used in the construction of this car seat are of premium quality, while the fabrics are elegant and easy to clean.

      Comfort is key for a baby, and the Mico XP Max delivers that too. The car seat features plush padding, providing a cozy ride for your little one, and a generously sized canopy shields your child from the elements.

      For the full in-depth review of the Mico XP Max, click here 

      THE SPECS:    

      • Use From: 4-30 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: Load Leg 
      • No Re-Thread Harness: Yes 

      Biggest Pros:  

      • Exceptional safety features including a anti-rotation stability leg that limits back and forth movement for maximum head and neck protection

      Biggest Cons:  

      • Can only be used to 30 lbs, which is a few pounds less than other seats on our list.

      UPPAbaby Mesa Max

      The Mesa Max Infant Car Seat by UPPAbaby is the ultimate combination of safety, style, and convenience for both parents and babies. It has been designed with meticulous attention to detail to provide a comfortable ride and complete peace of mind.

      The advanced side-impact protection offers robust shield-like security. SMARTSecure technology further enhances the ease of installation of the car seat, ensuring a secure and straightforward fit in your vehicle.

      Taking safety a step further than the Mesa V2, this seat includes two new safety features in its base. First is the anti-rotational load leg for added stability and second is an anti-rebound panel.

      The Mesa Max also doesn't compromise on style, boasting premium fabrics and a sleek design that adds a touch of elegance. With a no-rethread harness, adjustable headrest, and an extendable canopy, it adapts as your baby grows. The Mesa Max Infant Car Seat is also compatible with the Mesa travel system, which creates a seamless and versatile transportation solution for parents.

      For the full in-depth review of the Mesa Max, 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: 25+ 
      • Infant Inserts Included: Yes 
      • Load Leg or Anti-Rebound Bar: Both, in base
      • No Re-Thread Harness: Yes 

       Biggest Pros:  

      • In its base it includes an anti-rotational load leg for added stability and an anti-rebound panel, adding another layer of defence during collisions.

      Biggest Cons:  

      • The seat isn't compatible with other stroller brands
       

      Cybex Aton G 180° Swivel SensorSafe

      The Aton G 180° Swivel SensorSafe Infant Car Seat by Cybex is a revolutionary innovation in child safety and convenience.

      Its built-in SensorSafe technology sends real-time alerts to your smartphone to ensure your child's safety at all times. The Aton G also has superior side-impact protection and an energy-absorbing shell, providing peace of mind during every ride. The adjustable headrest and harness offer a snug fit as your child grows, while premium, moisture-wicking fabrics keep your baby comfortable on hot days. 

      We also love that this car seat features an innovative 180° swivel, making it incredibly easy to get your baby in and out of the car without straining your back.

      For more information, please check out our full in-depth review, 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: Anti-Rebound 
      • No Re-Thread Harness: Yes 

      Biggest Pros:  

      • Innovative 180 swivel feature and SensorSafe Technology  
      • Extremely light-weight at only 9 lbs! 

      Biggest Cons:  

      • A higher price point when compared to some other infant seats on the market.

      Final Thoughts

      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 (or off), 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!