ByWhen 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:
| Photo | Title | Buy |
|---|---|---|
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UPPAbaby Aria Lightweight Infant Car Seat | Check Price |
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Graco SnugRide Lite LX Infant Car Seat | Check Price |
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Maxi-Cosi Peri™ 180 Rotating Infant Car Seat | Check Price |
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Baby Trend EZ-Lift 35 PLUS Infant Car Seat | Check Price |
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Evenflo LiteMax 35 Infant Car Seat | Check Price |
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Clek Liing Infant Car Seat | Check Price |
|
Chicco KeyFit 30 Infant Car Seat and Base | Check Price |
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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 has a premium price tag.
For parents prioritizing lightweight portability, the UPPAbaby Aria is an excellent choice. Weighing under 6 lbs, this infant car seat is the lightest on our list, making it incredibly easy to carry, especially for frequent travelers. Despite its featherlight design, it doesn’t compromise on safety—the Aria meets rigorous crash-test standards and includes side-impact protection for enhanced security.
The seat is designed for hassle-free installation, with a SMARTSecure system that ensures a tight and accurate fit in seconds. The extendable, UPF 25+ canopy provides shade and protection, while the soft, breathable fabrics offer premium comfort for your baby. The Aria is also compatible with UPPAbaby strollers, allowing for seamless transitions from car to stroller.
The Details: Weighs under 6 lbs | Supports babies 4-22 lbs | Rear-facing | Latch and seatbelt installation
Best Budget Option
Graco SnugRide Lite LX Infant Car Seat
Why We Love It
Affordable, lightweight, and easy to install.
What to Consider
Limited padding compared to premium models.
The Graco SnugRide Lite LX offers a balance of affordability and convenience, making it an excellent choice for parents on a budget. Weighing just 7.2 lbs, this car seat is easy to carry and install. Its Click Connect system allows for quick attachment to Graco strollers, creating a seamless travel system.
While it doesn’t have the most luxurious padding, it still provides adequate comfort and meets all US safety standards. The adjustable harness and removable head support ensure a snug fit for newborns and growing infants. If you’re looking for a lightweight, no-fuss option, the SnugRide Lite LX is a solid pick.
The Details: Weighs 7.2 lbs | Supports babies 4-30 lbs | Rear-facing | Latch and seatbelt installation
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
Heavier than traditional infant car seats.
The Maxi-Cosi Peri 180 featuring a 180-degree swivel that allows parents to easily rotate the seat toward the car door for quick loading and unloading. Weighing under 8 lbs, it is lighter than most rotating car seats while still offering superior comfort and breathable fabrics for extended use.
It includes advanced safety features such as side-impact protection and energy-absorbing foam. The base features an anti-rebound bar, adding an extra layer of security. While slightly heavier than standard lightweight seats, its rotating design makes daily use incredibly smooth.
The Details: Weighs under 8 lbs | Supports babies 4-30 lbs | Rear-facing | Latch and seatbelt installation
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
Padding is thinner compared to premium options.
Traveling with an infant is challenging, but the Baby Trend EZ-Lift 35 PLUS makes it easier. Weighing less than 8 lbs, this car seat features an EZ-Lift handle, designed to reduce strain when carrying. It’s FAA-approved for air travel, making it an excellent choice for families on the go.
The seat meets all federal safety standards and has a 4-position adjustable base for a customized fit in different vehicles. While it lacks premium padding, it’s still comfortable enough for short and long trips alike.
The Details: Weighs less than 8 lbs | Supports babies 4-35 lbs | Rear-facing | Latch and seatbelt installation
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
Bulkier than ultra-lightweight models.
The Evenflo LiteMax 35 is an excellent choice for parents who want an extended rear-facing option without adding too much weight. Weighing approximately 8 lbs, it’s light enough to carry, but sturdy enough to last as your baby grows.
This car seat features four reclining positions, extra cushioning for comfort, and an ergonomic handle for easy carrying. It’s a great choice for those looking for longevity and comfort in one package.
The Details: Weighs approximately 8 lbs | Supports babies 4-35 lbs | Rear-facing | Latch and seatbelt installation
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 other options.
The Clek Liing Infant Car Seat stands out with its advanced safety technology. It features a rigid LATCH system for easy installation and an adjustable load leg, which reduces crash forces by up to 40%.
This car seat also offers seven recline positions, ensuring the best fit for different vehicles. While it weighs 9 lbs, its superior safety features and high-quality materials make it worth considering for parents who prioritize security.
The Details: Weighs 9 lbs | Supports babies 4-35 lbs | Rear-facing | Latch and seatbelt installation
Best for Everyday Use
Chicco KeyFit 30 Infant Car Seat
Why We Love It
Highly rated for safety and easy installation.
What to Consider
Heavier than some lightweight competitors.
The Chicco KeyFit 30 remains one of the most popular infant car seats for good reason. Weighing 9.6 lbs, it offers excellent impact protection, energy-absorbing foam, and a reliable LATCH system for straightforward installation.
This car seat also features an infant insert, making it a comfortable option for smaller newborns. While slightly heavier than other models, it’s one of the most user-friendly options available.
The Details: Weighs 9.6 lbs | Supports babies 4-30 lbs | Rear-facing | Latch and seatbelt installation
