Are you looking for a best lightweight infant car seat that can easily install and move from one car to another? If so, you will want to check out our top 8 lightweight car seats available today. These seats are ideal for parents who want something that is easy to use and doesn’t take up a lot of space in their vehicle.
There are a lot of different factors to consider when choosing a best infant car seat – from weight and height limits to installation options. But one of the most important things to consider is how much the seat itself weighs.
After all, you’ll be carrying your baby in the seat for long periods, so it needs to be light enough that it won’t cause any back or shoulder pain.
Read Also: 12 Best Lightweight Baby Strollers For Travel
So, what is the lightest infant car seat 2022 on the market?
This blog post will discuss some of the best and lightest infant car seats on the market today. We will also provide a buying guide to find the perfect seat for your needs.
Do I Need an Infant Car Seat?
Some parents worry about their baby sleeping during the transfer from car to stroller. However, purchasing a travel system with an infant seat attached will make this process much easier because they can stay asleep while being transferred!
It’s also much quicker and less stressful clicking your child into their own specially designed base, permanently installed in one vehicle. Parents won’t need another for every type of transportation needs like some lightweight convertible car seats (though these are still great options).
Related: How To Keep A Baby Cool In A Car Seat ( 20 Best Solutions)
How long can a baby use an infant car seat?
Most infants outgrow their car seats by 8 to 10 months old. That said, keeping your child rear-facing for as long as possible is essential. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) now recommends that all kids ride rear-facing until age 2. You can also feed your baby in a car seat following these guidelines and travel accessories.
What are the other major types of car seats?
What is the best car seat for infants? There are three major types of car seats:
Rear-facing only seat
Rear-facing-only seats are the safest option for infants and toddlers. They should be used until your child reaches the seat’s maximum weight or height limit.
Forward-facing seat
Forward-facing seats are for children who have outgrown their rear-facing seats. They should be used until your child reaches the seat’s maximum weight or height limit.
Convertible car seat
A convertible car seat can be used in the rear- and forward-facing positions. Depending on the model, they are usually suitable for children from birth to around eight years old.
Is there a difference between a newborn car seat and infant car seat?
An infant car seat is a specific car seat designed for babies. It can be used in both rear- and forward-facing positions, but it is typically used in a rear-facing position for newborns and infants. Infant car seats also include convertible car seats. A regular car seat is a less specific seat that can be used for children and adults. It is typically used in a forward-facing position.
8 Best lightweight infant car seats
A lightest infant car seat is an excellent option for parents on the go, and there are some great options available on the market. This post will look at the best lightweight infant car seats available and tips for choosing the right one for your needs. Stay safe while driving with your little one by using a top-rated car seat!
Peg Perego 4/35 Nido car seat
Primo Viaggio 4/35 is the most available lightweight car seat with spectacular properties, including an anti-rebound bar, load leg, and premium base. On top of that, the extendable Pakoda hood with mesh netting on the sides provides ventilation and full-fledged coverage to shield the kids from the elements. The seat is recommended for babies weighing up to 4-35 lbs and up to 32 inches.
Ultimate protection
The double padding system in this lightest car seat has brought ultimate convenience for infants and actively growing babies. Two stages are involved in this system. Stage 1 is manufactured for infants weighing up to 4lbs and provides additional balance on the bottom side and neck. Stage 2 is exclusively drafted for growing kids to keep their heads positioned adequately.
Quality Material
The fabric used in this baby car seat construction is Fresco Jersey which is soft and breathable. EPS and EPP foams provide enhanced protection throughout this comfort nest and headrest.
Premium base and heavy-duty latch
The presence of a heavy-duty metal-based load leg allows the seat to be adjusted in up to 10 different positions. Plus, the anti-rebound bar increases stability to the next level and significantly reduces the risk of injuries in case of accidental hits.
The base has an advanced security system, including a latch strap or your car’s seat belt. This system securely locks the seat, providing guaranteed security and stability.
Final verdict:
The newborns’ most appropriate option for a lightweight rear facing car seat. Its strict security system doesn’t let any accident harm your kid, and the headrest provides six different positions with no re-threading of the harness.
Chicco KeyFit 30 Infant Car Seat
Chicco KeyFit 30 is another beautiful addition to the best infant car seat family, specially designed to secure newborns. It offers numerous reliable features that contribute to keeping the comfort and safety of infants—hassle-free installation and ergonomic base spice up with its classy, innovative design.
Detachable head and body support
The compact infant car seat allows you to install head and body support if you have a tiny baby up to 4lbs or a few days old. A five-point harness gets tightened with just one pull keeping your baby safe and secure. A smooth and sophisticated inner side doesn’t cause any stress or damage to the vehicle’s seats.
Leveling foot
The seat has a spring-loaded leveling foot for stable installation that imparts flexibility to the base. Two Ride Right bubble level easy-to-read indicators provide constant readings helping you to achieve the correct base angle.
The base is further composed of a premium latch that gets tightened with just one pull and provides the kid with a secure and stable environment. Shell is contoured with energy-absorbing foam that absorbs all the shocks and improves protection.
Full-size extendable canopy
An adjustable, removable hoodie prevents the sun’s shade and shields the baby from harmful UV radiation. As it is removable, you can wash it in the washing machine.
Final verdict:
Chicco KeyFit 30 is engineered with groundbreaking features that are functional and extremely simple to use. The only drawback of this lightweight car seat is that kids outgrow the seat very soon, which becomes useless after a few months.
Graco SnugRide 35 Infant Car Seat
Graco Snugride 35 is a perfect lightweight baby car seat for parents looking for a car seat with hassle-free installation and compatibility with Graco click-connect strollers. Its lightweight construction makes it comfortable to carry for parents. The seat has undergone several crash tests, such as rollover crashes and frontal, rear, and side hits, and is famous as the most robust car seat.
A multi-position adjustable base
The lightest Graco car seat has been designed to provide four different adjustable reclining positions in mind comfortable positions. No matter if the baby is tired of sitting in one position, you can always switch to another position to keep the baby relaxed all the time.
Snug Lock technology
This outstanding technology makes the installation super quick in less than one minute using the seat belt or tightening latch. This advancement keeps you confident that the baby is in safe hands and that you can drive safely without looking back.
An easy-read indicator helps eliminate all the guesswork, so you can rest assured that the installation has been done correctly. Furthermore, click connect technology ensures quick one-step installation.
Compatibility with BOB strollers
Graco Snugride 35 is one of the lightweight car seats compatible with BOB single and double strollers with the help of the BOB Graco adapter model 2016 Single Infant Car Seat Adapter.
Rear-facing car seats
The rear-facing ability of car seats has made traveling with a baby super easy and more secure than ever. You don’t have to install a seat every time you use it; your baby stays protected from neck, head, and spine injuries.
How much do Graco infant car seats weigh? This lightest rear facing car seat can endure infants up to 32 inches and weigh about 4-35 lbs. Removable head and body support add to your convenience and baby’s comfort. If you are looking for the best convertible car seat, you can check Graco Extend2Fit Convertible Car Seats.
Final verdict:
Graco snug ride 35 is an ideal car seat for flights, road trips, or park rides. It is feasible with all Graco click-connect strollers and has unique extra safety features to accommodate a year kid. However, it is not appropriate for tiny babies.
Maxi-Cosi Mico 30 Infant Car Seat
Maxi-Cosi Mico 30 is one of the lightest infant car seats with soft, premium cushioning. This best car seat has an ergonomic handle design that can curve around your hips for a comfortable carry. An adjustable canopy provides ultimate protection by moving in multiple directions depending on your baby’s needs.
High-quality material
The whole infant seat is blended with plush, premium PureCosi fabrics. The lightweight car seat doesn’t contain any wool and has eliminated the need for fire-retardant chemicals. The innovative seat pad design offers easy removal from the base without rethreading the harness and can be washed in the machine and dried safely.
The materials used in the lightest infant car seat options are highly breathable and eliminate the liquid away from the skin to keep the baby dry all day.
Adjustable base
Mica 30 includes an adjustable car seat base with a study Latch and padded 5-point harness cover that provides ultimate protection to your child while keeping him comfortable.
Multi-position sun canopy combined with a flip-out visor shields the baby’s sensitive eyes and skin from ultraviolet rays and bright light, so you can keep your baby cool in a car seat while driving on a hot sunny day.
Superior protection
This great car seat delivers the most satisfactory side protection by providing cushions and fluffy pillows that cater extra neck and head support for infants.
Final verdict:
This lightweight rear facing car seat is made of premium quality materials without harmful chemicals ensuring the baby’s protection and comfort. It is breathable and can accommodate weights up to 30 pounds. This soft car seat has extra protective features for tiny babies
UPPAbaby MESA Infant Car Seat
UPPAbaby MESA Infant Car Seat is an innovative, friendly, and impressive option with updated features. This top-class infant car seat is designed to make installation as intuitive as possible for parents to provide secure assembly, ensuring minimal human error. Fire-resistant materials make it the best baby car seat and an attractive option for parents concerned about chemical exposure.
Endurance level
An infant insert and low harness position make this travel car seat highly suitable for 4-8 pounds babies. It can withstand a maximum weight of 4-35 lbs and up to 32 inches. An extendable canopy can be easily tucked away when not used and acts as a first-line soldier facing all weather conditions.
No-rethread harness
Mesa’s 5-point harness works synchronously with the headrest, assuring that the saddle is installed correctly. Removing the harness is unnecessary, even if the baby is outgrowing the car seat.
Smart, secure system
This advanced system combines a level indicator that turns green when the travel car seat is correctly installed. Otherwise, it turns red, indicating uncertainties. Auto-retracting latch connectors make installation simple and accurate.
Pairable strollers
You can pair the UPPA baby car seat with most BOB strollers. Gear Single Jogging Stroller Adapter for UPPA baby Infant Car Seats is the adapter that acts as a bridge between the stroller and car seat.
Final verdict:
UPPABaby Mesa is a much-needed car seat for families who love traveling, and regular flights are part of their life. It might be a little expensive, but with some good features, it makes your investment worth it.
Britax B-Safe Gen2 Infant Car Seat
Britax rear facing infant car seats offer safety features, including a shock-absorbing base, dual-layered side impact protection, and a heavy-duty metal steel frame. The Gen 2 infant car seat is compatible with all the Britax strollers and allows you to just tuck the seat into the stroller without removing the baby from it.
Washable fabric
Its smooth touch knit fabric is easily machine washable and is highly ventilated, keeping your baby cool, calm, and dry. The Gen 2 infant car seat weight is 4-35 pounds, so you can use it from the day your baby is born.
Compatibility
The Britax Infant Car seat adapter helps to build compatibility with the BOB and other strollers.
Ergonomic handle
The seat is equipped with a nonslip handle that provides a firmer grip for safe transitions of your baby from one vehicle to the other. Either cook it in your arm or hold it in your hands. The handle is designed to provide immense support. But, the steel metal frame has made the carrier a little bulky, about 20 pounds without a baby in it.
Easy installation
Like other Britax seats, Gen 2 uses a latch installation system that makes the assembly a breeze for parents. It’s a three-step process, and you just have to link lower anchors, pull the straps to tighten them and tuck the seat into the base. How simple it is!
Waterproof canopy
An extendable canopy works excellently for baby strollers. This sturdy waterproof canopy fabricated with UPF 50+ fabric shields your baby from sunlight and harsh elements. Safe cell technology absorbs all the crash energy and throws it away before reaching the baby.
Final verdict:
Britax B-Safe Gen2 is well known for its superior quality and unique security systems. It combines all the essential safety features for enhanced comfort and convenient assembly. However, a metal frame might make it a little bulky, but it can protect your child in case of any crash or accident.
Cybex Aton M Infant Car Seat
This lightest Infant Car Seat is a happy place for kids traveling. It provides simple functionality in a safe and comfortable environment and is manufactured for kids about 0-18 months. It can accommodate a weight of up to 4-35 lbs with a height of 30 inches. Moreover, it has a removable insert for newborns and supports 4-11 lbs.
Safe Lock Base
This robust base acts as a height-adjustable load leg and a powerful anti-rebound design providing extreme safety and stability. It offers an extra seat base that is simple to adjust from one car to another and makes it super handy for families who have to travel now and then.
Linear side impacts protection(L.S.P)
You can set up an additional protective boundary for your kid by extending the side protection system on the side of your lightweight travel car seat. The primary function of this system is to absorb maximum impacts before they reach your child and reduce the impact forces to affect the kid by up to 25% compared to the security system of other car seats.
Sensor safe technology
This technology lets you keep an eye on your child’s well-being by installing the Sensor Safe application on your phone. The sensor is fixed into the chest clips of Cybex best infant car seats. It provides instant updates and alerts if the seat has become overheated or cold if seated for too long, if the child has unlocked themselves or been left behind accidentally.
Adjustable headrest
The headrest provides 11 different positions to keep the little one happy and cheerful when traveling far. An integrated harness guide automatically alters the harness’s length by adjusting the headrest.
Final verdict:
Are you looking for unparalleled safety for your kid? This Best Infant Car Seat is truly the one. It offers a lot of advanced technologies that take strict charge of your kid’s safety. High-quality fabric and adjustable headrest make it a cotton-soft and comfortable little nest for your kid.
Bugaboo Turtle One by Nuna Car Seat + Base
The Bugaboo Turtle One by Nuna Car Seat is one of the best lightweight infant car seats. It’s made with aircraft-grade aluminum and reinforced with a steel load leg for extra safety. The seat has side impact protection and a five-point harness.
The Nuna Pipa Lite RX weighs just 8.8 pounds, making it one of the lightest infant car seats on the market. It also has a removable canopy and an adjustable handle so that you can easily carry your baby.
Easy to install
The Bugaboo Turtle One by Nuna Car Seat + Base is easy to install, even if you’re a first-time parent. It comes with a clear car seat manual and a user-friendly manual. You can also find helpful installation videos on the Nuna website. And if you have any questions, the Nuna customer service team is always happy to help.
Safety features
As mentioned, it is made with aircraft-grade aluminum and reinforced with a steel load leg for extra safety. The seat also has side impact protection and a five-point harness. The Bugaboo Turtle One by Nuna Car Seat also comes with a base that has an anti-rebound bar. It helps to protect your baby in the event of a collision.
The base is also equipped with an adjustable load leg. It helps to distribute a crash’s force evenly, so your sleeping baby stays safe and sound.
Comfort and convenience
In addition to being one of the safest infant car seats on the market, it is also highly comfortable and convenient. The lightest toddler car seat has a removable canopy that provides shade and protection from the elements. The canopy is also UPF 50+ rated, so you know your baby is protected from the sun’s harmful rays.
Final Verdict:
The Bugaboo Turtle One by Nuna Car Seat also has an adjustable handle that makes it easy to carry your sleeping baby. It can be used with or without the base, so you can use it as a carrier if needed. It is great for parents who want a safe, lightweight, and easy-to-use infant car seat.
Conclusion: Best lightweight car seats
After reviewing numerous products, we have shortlisted the 8 Best lightest infant car seats. I’m sure that you will find a perfect carrier for your baby by the end of this article. But if you ask about our top recommendation, then Peg Perego’s 4/35 Nido car seat seems to outshine the others. The classy design, strict security system, material, and durability have just got a lot of other parents and us.
The best thing about it is that it has the least to no negative feedback and works best for newborn babies. It is highly feasible with all the Peg Perego strollers, and you won’t need to buy a separator adapter. However, if you have a stroller of any other brand, you would need a compatible adapter to join them.
If you are looking for a more versatile option that even 8-10 yrs old can use, then Britax B-safe 35 can be great.
Why is the lightest rear facing car seat necessary?
Are lightweight car seats safe? Yes, the lightest rear facing car seat is necessary for two main reasons. The first reason is that keeping your infant in the safest possible position while riding in the car is imperative. Rear-facing seats are proven to be the safest way for infants and small children to ride, so it’s essential to choose a seat that will allow you to keep your child rear-facing for as long as possible.
The second reason is that, as any parent knows, small children can be fussy travelers. A lightest infant car seat with infant car seat cooling pad can significantly affect how comfortable your child is during the ride, which can help reduce fussiness and crying.
Where Is the Best Place to Put an Infant Car Seat?
According to Child Passenger Safety Technicians (CPST), the best place to put an infant car seat is in the back seat of your car. It is the safest place for your child to be during a car ride. If you have a passenger in the front seat, they should adjust their seat as far back as possible to make room for the car seat.
You should also ensure that your baby’s lightest car seat is installed correctly before each ride. If you’re unsure how to do this, you can ask a CPST for help.
Buying guide about the lightest infant car seats
You need to consider numerous things before investing in an infant car seat. Any random car seat is more likely to risk your money significantly. Okay! That’s understandable. But when you step into the market, the multiple similar-looking options will hit you right in the face leaving you all confused and agitated, right?
You keep juggling with the options and brands but can’t acknowledge the definition of an ideal carrier for you. I have mentioned some essential elements you can consider before finalizing any deal. Let’s see what they are!
Lightweight
The weight of a carrier matters a lot. Best lightweight car seat for travel are easy to carry from one place to another, making installation less hassle. So, light baby carriers are sorted if parents suffer back pains or joint problems.
Some parents also prefer heavy and convertible car seats as they don’t roll over easily on sudden brakes and tend to protect the child in case of accidents.
Adapter Compatibility
The first and foremost thing you must consider is the feasibility of a car seat compatibility with an adapter. As adapters are different types, you can’t pick any random adapter, assuming it is a perfect fit for a car seat. Make sure that the car seat you will choose has a compatible adapter. Otherwise, your investment would all go in vain.
Many brands, such as Chicco, Peg Perego, Britax, and Graco, go with bob adapters. So, stick to the brands that work well with bob adapters when shopping for lightweight car seats.
Maximum weight limit
Every car seat has different maximum weight recommendations, and if you keep putting extra weight on it, the seat will all be ruined. Before buying any car seat, check out the weight limit mentioned on the label and compare it with your baby’s weight. You can estimate how long the seat would be helpful for your baby.
Also, be mindful about how long you will put your baby in a car, which will help you be careful about the materials used in its construction and their sturdiness.
Installation
The infant car seat is essential to keeping your little one safe while traveling in the vehicle. To ensure that you have installed it correctly, consult this helpful chart from NHTSA, which shows how easily each type can be installed by following some easy steps with a certified child passenger safety technician if necessary!
Security system
There should not be any compromise on security, right? No matter how expensive or fancy the carrier is, consider it a big red flag for your child’s safety if the security lags. Most high-quality lightest infant seats offer a heavy-duty latch system that you also need to look for. Some best car seats have sensors fixed on multiple spots to keep you updated and alert about your child’s well-being.
The European belt and several other safety features add more to the security. No matter how many security systems a seat has, it can never be enough, right?
Ease of Cleaning
You’ll want an infant car seat that can easily be cleaned. Ideally, the fabric cover should come off and be machine-washable, so you don’t have to spend time scrubbing it when your baby gets too dirty or spills something on its surface!
Material quality
Apart from security, comfort is another significant aspect you need to take care of. Because the premium car seat is uncomfortable for the kid, what’s the use of that much security when the baby is unhappy and you will end up biting your nails? Ensure the fabric is plush and soft enough to keep your baby happy all day. The material should be highly breathable to prevent your baby from constant sweating and keep him calm and dry. Also, ensure that the fabric is soft, durable enough to resist wear and tears, and easy to wash.
Convertible car seat
Convertible car seats can be used in both rear- and forward-facing positions. Depending on the model, they are usually good for children from birth to around eight years old. So if you want to save money, you can buy your baby’s best lightweight, convertible car seat.
Value to money
The biggest misconception is that more money means the best quality, but that’s not always the case. It sometimes works that way, but no matter how much money you spend on buying a product, if you have zero knowledge about its features, you can’t guarantee the quality of a product.
You will find many overly priced products in the market labeled with multiple fancy features, but what if their basic specs are not that functional? So, it’s always better to study all the product’s essential characteristics and shortlist the products within your budget, like choosing the lightest convertible car seat.
Parents Also Ask
Why does my child’s head fall forward in the car seat?
Here are a few reasons your child’s head might fall forward in their convertible car seat. One reason could be that the seat is not reclined enough. The seat should be at a 45-degree angle to provide the best support for your child’s head and neck. Another reason could be that the harness straps are not tight enough. The straps should be snug against your child’s body but not so close that they are uncomfortable.
When should you set up a lightest infant car seat?
You should set up your infant car seat before your baby is born. This will allow you to practice using the seat and ensure it is installed correctly. It is also a good idea to have a seat installed by a certified car seat technician.
What is the best age for a booster seat?
Some children are ready for a booster seat as early as four years old, while others might not be ready until they are eight years old. Ultimately, it is up to the parent or guardian to decide when their child is ready for a booster seat.
