In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician

Comparing Infant Car Seats

Showing 15 products | Change
 
Awards Editors' Choice Award  Editors' Choice Award   
Price $480 List
$499.99 at Amazon
$180 List
Check Price at Amazon
$270 List
$229.99 at Amazon
$330 List
$329.99 at Amazon
$330 List
$279.99 at Amazon
Overall Score
80
55
75
64
72
Star Rating
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Pros Best crash test analysis, load leg, great LATCH system, color indicators, easy to installEasy install with belt, lightweight carrier, budget-friendlyBetter performance across all metrics, nice padding, easy to buckle and tightenGood comfort, canopy fits with handle, retractable LATCHVery easy to use, one-handed handle adjustment, simple LATCH install, more comfortable
Cons Expensive, heavy base, harder buckle operationDisappointing crash testing performance, hard to install w/o base, poor comfort featuresNon-rigid LATCH, rougher headrestLower crash test analysis, disappointing indicator, LATCH release is hard to pressPoorly designed handle grip, heavier, higher price point
Bottom Line If your budget allows, this seat has the highest-scoring crash test analysis scoreThe disappointing crash test results make this a seat we'd avoid over better higher performing seatsNot much to dislike in this higher-performing seat, with above-average results in all metrics and high stroller compatibilityA hard to love seat given the lower crash test results and higher price given the higher-performing competitionIf the price is within budget, it is one of the easiest-to-use infant seats with some comfort features
Rating Categories Clek Liing Graco SnugRide Snug... Chicco KeyFit 35 UPPAbaby Mesa v2 Chicco Fit2
Crash Test (40%)
8.7
4.2
7.6
5.5
7.1
Ease of Install - LATCH (20%)
9.0
6.0
7.0
6.8
7.0
Ease of Install - Belt (10%) Sort Icon
8.3
7.8
7.0
7.0
6.8
Ease of Install - w/o Base (5%)
7.8
3.8
6.8
6.3
6.5
Ease of Use (15%)
5.5
7.0
8.5
7.5
9.0
Comfort/Quality (5%)
6.0
4.0
7.5
7.0
7.0
Weight/Size (5%)
6.8
8.0
6.9
6.8
5.8
Specs Clek Liing Graco SnugRide Snug... Chicco KeyFit 35 UPPAbaby Mesa v2 Chicco Fit2
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 32 in 35 in
Belt Routing Style European American European European European
Measured Carrier-Only Weight 10.5 lb 8.5 lb 10.4 lb 10.5 lb 12.3 lb
Number of Recline Positions 7 4 6 4 6
Shoulder Harness Positions 3 4 5 5 6
Crotch Strap Positions 1 2 1 1 2
Built in Lock Off Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Anti-rebound Bar No No Yes Anti-rebound handle position Yes
Load Leg Yes No No No No
Locking Handle Positions 3 4 3 4 3
Allowed Handle Positions For Auto Travel Upright Position Any position Any position Position 4 (all the way forward) Stage 1: Any
Stage 2: Base Storage Position (behind the seat)
Head Support Yes No Yes Yes Yes
Newborn Insert Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Method To Adjust Harness Shoulder Height Rethread Rethread Non-rethread Non-rethread Non-rethread
Onboard Manual Storage Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Level Indicator On Base Bubble, in middle needle, one side Bubble, both sides Dial, both sides Bubble, both sides
Level Indicator On Seat Line on Decal Line on Decal Line on Decal Line on Decal Line on Decal