The 7 Best Lightest Infant Car Seat for travel

When traveling with your little one, having the right gear is essential, and an infant car seat is one of the most important items you’ll need. These seats are designed for babies from birth until they reach around 30 inches or weigh between 30 to 35 pounds. Depending on your child’s growth, you’ll likely be using the infant car seat for anywhere between 9 months and 2 years.

While all infant car seats sold in the U.S. meet rigorous safety standards, opting for the lightest infant car seat can make your travels much smoother. A lightweight seat is a game-changer when you’re navigating airports, hopping into taxis, or renting a car during family vacations. It allows you to move quickly and comfortably without sacrificing safety. After reviewing several models, talking to experts, and testing them on real trips, we’ve identified the best lightest infant car seats that offer the perfect blend of portability, comfort, and security.

An infant car seat is a convenient, bucket-like carrier that secures your baby with a five-point harness. It faces the rear of the car and clicks into a base that stays installed in your vehicle. The base is easily installed with either a seatbelt or the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system, which simplifies setup and ensures stability. Plus, if you’re traveling, you can buy additional bases for different cars, or even use the seat with just a seatbelt—perfect for taxis, rental cars, or while flying.

Best Lightest Infant Car Seat:

Image	Product	Price
	UPPAbaby Aria Lightweight Infant Car Seat Ultra-lightweight, under 6 lbs	Check on Amazon
	Graco SnugRide Lite LX Infant Car Seat Budget-friendly, quick installation	Check on Amazon
	Maxi-Cosi Peri™ 180 Rotating Infant Car Seat 180° swivel for easy access	Check on Amazon
	Baby Trend EZ-Lift 35 PLUS Infant Car Seat Chiropractor-recommended EZ-Lift handle	Check on Amazon
	Evenflo LiteMax 35 Infant Car Seat Lightweight with 4 recline options	Check on Amazon
	Clek Liing Infant Car Seat Rigid LATCH with load leg	Check on Amazon
	Chicco KeyFit 30 Infant Car Seat and Base Easiest installation with SuperCinch	Check on Amazon

Best Overall

UPPAbaby Aria Lightweight Infant Car Seat

Why We Love It
It’s the lightest infant car seat on the market with high-end safety and comfort features.

What to Consider
It comes with a premium price.

If lightweight portability is a top priority, the UPPAbaby Aria stands out as the ultimate choice. Weighing just under 6 pounds, it’s one of the lightest infant car seats available, making it a dream for parents constantly on the go. Despite its minimal weight, the Aria doesn’t cut corners on safety. It meets rigorous crash-test standards and features side-impact protection, a load leg, and an anti-rebound panel for extra stability during rides.

Installation is quick and easy thanks to UPPAbaby’s SMARTSecure system, with visual indicators ensuring a secure fit in seconds. The extra-large UPF 25+ canopy offers excellent sun protection and ventilation, while the no-rethread harness and adjustable headrest provide a customized, hassle-free fit as your baby grows.

Added perks include a two-piece infant insert designed to support preemies starting at 4 lbs, FAA approval for air travel, and direct compatibility with UPPAbaby strollers for seamless transitions from car to stroller.

Key Details:

• Weight: Under 6 lbs
• Fits Babies: 4-22 lbs, rear-facing
• Installation: Seatbelt or LATCH, load leg included
• Canopy: XL UPF 25+ with ventilation
• Harness: No-rethread 5-point harness
• Travel Friendly: FAA certified, stroller compatible

Color options include Jake (Charcoal/Black Leather), Anthony, Declan, Greyson, Gwen, and more.

If you want a lightweight, safe, and luxury-feel infant seat—the Aria delivers on all fronts.

Best Budget Option

Graco SnugRide Lite LX Infant Car Seat

Why We Love It
Affordable, lightweight, and easy to install.

What to Consider
Padding is more basic compared to higher-end models.

The Graco SnugRide Lite LX strikes an ideal balance between cost and practicality, making it a great option for budget-conscious parents. Weighing just 7.2 lbs, this car seat is lightweight and easy to move from car to stroller. The Click Connect system allows for a quick and secure attachment to Graco strollers, turning it into an instant travel system.

While it doesn’t offer plush, luxury-level padding, it still delivers comfort with a removable head support and adjustable harness that grows with your baby. Safety is also a priority—this seat meets all US safety standards and features Graco ProtectPlus Engineering, which includes rigorous crash testing for front, side, rear, and rollover impacts.

The 4-position adjustable base and easy-to-read level indicator make installation straightforward, reducing the guesswork and helping ensure a secure fit every time.

Key Details:

• Weight: 7.2 lbs (car seat only)
• Fits Babies: 4-30 lbs, rear-facing
• Installation: LATCH or seatbelt, adjustable base included
• Safety Features: ProtectPlus Engineered crash protection
• Travel Friendly: Compatible with Graco strollers

If you want a lightweight, reliable, and budget-friendly infant seat, the SnugRide Lite LX is a dependable choice.

Best Rotating Infant Car Seat

Maxi-Cosi Peri 180 Rotating Infant Car Seat

Why We Love It
A 180-degree rotating feature makes getting your baby in and out easier than ever.

What to Consider
A bit heavier than standard infant seats.

The Maxi-Cosi Peri 180 brings extra convenience to parents with its 180-degree rotating seat, allowing you to turn the car seat toward the door for quicker and easier access—ideal for reducing back strain. At just under 8 lbs, it’s impressively light for a swivel seat, though slightly heavier than traditional infant car seats.

Designed for both comfort and safety, the Peri 180 features side-impact protection, energy-absorbing foam, and a load leg with an anti-rebound bar for added stability. The ClimaFlow ventilation system helps keep your baby cooler, while the QuikFit harness and 6-position adjustable headrest grow with your child without rethreading.

Installation is straightforward with Maxi-Cosi’s TensionFix indicator, which helps ensure the vehicle belt is properly tightened. Plus, the stay-in-car base with LATCH connectors makes it quick to click in and out of the car.

Key Details:

• Weight: Under 8 lbs (without canopy and inserts)
• Fits Babies: 4-30 lbs, rear-facing
• Installation: LATCH or seatbelt, load leg and anti-rebound bar included
• Comfort: ClimaFlow ventilation, 5 recline positions, no-rethread harness
• Swivel Feature: 180° rotation for easy access

If you want a rotating infant seat without the typical bulk, the Maxi-Cosi Peri 180 delivers premium comfort.

Best for Travel

Baby Trend EZ-Lift 35 PLUS Infant Car Seat

Why We Love It
Ergonomic design makes carrying the seat easier during travel.

What to Consider
Lightweight with an ergonomic handle for easier carrying, perfect for travel.

What to Consider:
Padding isn’t as plush as premium models.

For families who travel often or need a light, practical option, the Baby Trend EZ-Lift 35 PLUS offers impressive convenience. Weighing under 8 lbs, it’s one of the lightest options available and features a chiropractor-recommended EZ-Lift handle to minimize strain while carrying. It’s also FAA-approved, making it an excellent companion for air travel.

Safety is a top priority with this seat—it meets and exceeds federal safety standards, and the handle doubles as an anti-rebound bar to limit movement during collisions. The 4-position adjustable base with a bubble level indicator ensures quick and proper installation in various vehicles.

While it doesn’t have premium-level padding, the plush seating still provides adequate comfort for both quick errands and longer road trips.

Key Details:

• Weight: Less than 8 lbs
• Fits Babies: 4-35 lbs, rear-facing
• Installation: LATCH or seatbelt with adjustable base
• Safety Features: Anti-rebound handle, meets/exceeds safety standards
• Travel Friendly: FAA-approved, ergonomic handle for easy carrying

If you need a budget-friendly, travel-ready infant seat that’s light on weight but solid on safety, the EZ-Lift 35 PLUS is a smart pick.

Best for Long-Term Use

Evenflo LiteMax 35 Infant Car Seat

Why We Love It
Extended rear-facing use with comfortable padding.

What to Consider
A bit bulkier than ultra-lightweight models.

The Evenflo LiteMax 35 offers a nice balance between lightweight portability and long-term use. Weighing around 8 lbs, it’s still easy to carry but designed to comfortably support your baby up to 35 lbs in the rear-facing position—ideal for parents who want to maximize rear-facing safety without extra bulk.

It comes with four recline options, four harness height adjustments, and an ergonomic handle for easy carrying. The full-coverage canopy provides protection from the elements, and the belt lock-off system ensures a secure, straightforward installation with either LATCH or seatbelt.

While it’s not as featherlight as some models, it makes up for it with extra comfort features and a longer usage window for growing babies.

Key Details:

• Weight: About 8 lbs
• Fits Babies: 4-35 lbs, rear-facing
• Installation: LATCH or seatbelt with belt lock-off
• Comfort Features: Reclines in 4 positions, no-rethread harness
• Safety Features: Meets all safety standards, secure base installation
• Portability: Ergonomic handle, easy to carry

If you’re after a car seat that’s easy to carry but built for extended rear-facing comfort, the LiteMax 35 is a dependable option.

Best Safety Features

Clek Liing Infant Car Seat

Why We Love It
Rigid LATCH system and load leg for maximum security.

What to Consider

Pricier than most infant car seats.

If safety is your top concern, the Clek Liing offers one of the most advanced safety systems on the market. It features a rigid LATCH system for foolproof installation and an adjustable load leg that reduces crash forces by up to 40%. Energy-absorbing foam and multiple protective layers deliver excellent side-impact protection.

The seven recline positions allow for a perfect fit in various vehicles even on sloped seatswhile its compact 16.9-inch width helps save space and can fit three-across in most vehicles. Despite weighing 9 lbs, its high-quality stain-resistant fabrics, superior safety engineering, and compatibility with many popular strollers make it a standout for parents who prioritize both safety and convenience.

Key Details:

• Weight: 9 lbs
• Fits Babies: 4-35 lbs, rear-facing
• Installation: Rigid LATCH or seatbelt with load leg
• Safety Features: Load leg reduces crash forces by 40%, energy-absorbing foam, meets updated side-impact standards
• Comfort Features: 7 recline positions for proper fit
• Extra Perks: Compact design, stain-resistant and non-toxic fabrics, stroller compatible

For parents willing to invest in best-in-class safety and premium materials, the Clek Liing is hard to beat.

Best for Everyday Use

Chicco KeyFit 30 Infant Car Seat

Why We Love It
Highly rated for safety and easy installation.

What to Consider
Slightly heavier than some lightweight options.

The Chicco KeyFit 30 is a long-time parent favorite known for reliable safety features and super easy installation system. Weighing 9.6 lbs, it’s a bit heavier than minimalist models but makes up for it with energy-absorbing foam, side-impact protection, and SuperCinch LATCH tighteners that create a secure fit in seconds.

It comes with a removable infant insert, providing better support for smaller babies right from birth, and the spring-loaded leveling foot along with bubble indicators ensure proper positioning every time. The KeyFit 30 also connects effortlessly to Chicco strollers, creating a smooth travel system for on-the-go convenience.

Key Details:

• Weight: 9.6 lbs
• Fits Babies: 4-30 lbs, rear-facing
• Installation: LATCH or seatbelt with bubble-level indicators
• Safety Features: Energy-absorbing foam, side-impact protection
• Comfort Features: Removable infant insert, adjustable canopy
• Convenience: Quick stroller compatibility, easy one-hand release

For parents who want a safe, user-friendly car seat that’s simple to install and transition from car to stroller, the Chicco KeyFit 30 remains a trusted go-to.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right infant car seat comes down to what matters most for your family—whether it’s lightweight convenience, advanced safety, or ease of use. In this guide, we covered a range of options to suit different needs and budgets. If you want the lightest seat for everyday carry, options like the UPPAbaby Aria or Graco SnugRide Lite LX are great picks. For those focused on advanced safety features, the Clek Liing or Maxi-Cosi Peri 180 offer extra protection with premium materials. And if you’re looking for simple, reliable everyday use, seats like the Chicco KeyFit 30 or Evenflo LiteMax 35 won’t disappoint.

No matter which seat you choose, make sure it fits your car, meets safety standards, and works well for your lifestyle. A good car seat should make life easier while keeping your baby safe and comfortable every ride.