In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician

Comparing Infant Car Seats

Showing 15 products | Change
 
Awards Editors' Choice Award Top Pick Award   Editors' Choice Award 
Price $480 List
$499.99 at Amazon
$400 List
$399.99 at Amazon
$270 List$330 List
$279.99 at Amazon
$270 List
$229.99 at Amazon
Overall Score
80
74
67
72
75
Star Rating
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Pros Best crash test analysis, load leg, great LATCH system, color indicators, easy to installSoft fabric and lots of cushion, canopy/handle design, retractable LATCHEasy to tighten LATCH, easy to adjust harness, great ergonomic handle, one of the bestVery easy to use, one-handed handle adjustment, simple LATCH install, more comfortableBetter performance across all metrics, nice padding, easy to buckle and tighten
Cons Expensive, heavy base, harder buckle operationExpensive, below-average chest sensor results, install wasn't easy in all test carsAnnoying belt lock-off, harness buckle inserts get lost down the side,
hard to remove carrier from base
Poorly designed handle grip, heavier, higher price pointNon-rigid LATCH, rougher headrest
Bottom Line If your budget allows, this seat has the highest-scoring crash test analysis scoreIf quality and comfort are your priorities, this is the seat for you, but there are better crash test results to be had in other contendersA good contender with the easy installation of the LATCH system, but grabbing the carrier of the base is more challenging than mostIf the price is within budget, it is one of the easiest-to-use infant seats with some comfort featuresNot much to dislike in this higher-performing seat, with above-average results in all metrics and high stroller compatibility
Rating Categories Clek Liing UPPAbaby Mesa Max Britax B-Safe Gen-2... Chicco Fit2 Chicco KeyFit 35
Crash Test (40%)
8.7
7.3
7.4
7.1
7.6
Ease of Install - LATCH (20%) Sort Icon
9.0
8.0
7.5
7.0
7.0
Ease of Install - Belt (10%)
8.3
6.5
6.0
6.8
7.0
Ease of Install - w/o Base (5%)
7.8
7.0
6.8
6.5
6.8
Ease of Use (15%)
5.5
7.0
4.5
9.0
8.5
Comfort/Quality (5%)
6.0
9.0
6.5
7.0
7.5
Weight/Size (5%)
6.8
6.8
6.2
5.8
6.9
Specs Clek Liing UPPAbaby Mesa Max Britax B-Safe Gen-2... Chicco Fit2 Chicco KeyFit 35
Aircraft Certified Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Minimum Weight 4 lbs 4 lbs 4 lbs 4 lbs 4 lbs
Maximum Weight 35 lbs 35 lbs 35 lbs 35 lbs 35 lbs
Maximum Height 32 in 32 in 32 in 35 in 32 in
Belt Routing Style European European European European European
Measured Carrier-Only Weight 10.5 lb 10.6 lb 11.6 lb 12.3 lb 10.4 lb
Number of Recline Positions 7 4 5 6 6
Shoulder Harness Positions 3 Infinite 6 6 5
Crotch Strap Positions 1 1 2 2 1
Built in Lock Off Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Anti-rebound Bar No Anti-rebound handle position No Yes Yes
Load Leg Yes Yes No No No
Locking Handle Positions 3 4 4 3 3
Allowed Handle Positions For Auto Travel Upright Position Position 4 (all the way forward) Any position Stage 1: Any
Stage 2: Base Storage Position (behind the seat)
Any position
Head Support Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Newborn Insert Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Method To Adjust Harness Shoulder Height Rethread Non-rethread Non-rethread Non-rethread Non-rethread
Onboard Manual Storage Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Level Indicator On Base Bubble, in middle Bubble, both sides Mark on a dial, both sides Bubble, both sides Bubble, both sides
Level Indicator On Seat Line on Decal Line on Decal Line on Decal Line on Decal Line on Decal