infant car seats

Must. Have. This. You’ll need a car seat for safety, of course, but infant seats also make getting around waaaay easier in that (ahem) challenging first year

in this guide: • should you get one? • what to know • expert tips • and check out…

consider an infant car seat if…

Most hospitals won’t let you leave unless you have a car seat, and infant car seats are specifically designed to cater to newbies—newborns, yes, but fumbling parents too!

MESA® Infant Car Seat by UPPAbaby®

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Most hospitals won’t let you leave unless you have a car seat, and infant car seats are specifically designed to cater to newbies—newborns, yes, but fumbling parents too!

These chairs are two pieces: a base you install and a seat that clicks out of it, so you can carry a napping baby when you get where you’re going. (Because, trust us, that’s just when they nod off!)

what to know

Things to look out for when shopping for an infant car seat.

FOR 0-12 months Age varies based on height, weight, and manufacturer. this cover comes off to pop in the wash! just click it out when you get home or to the store

secure base

A good sturdy base stabilizes the seat, and many have features that simplify installation.

five-point harness

Restrains babies from all sides, spreading the forces of impact in a crash. Many unbuckle with one hand.

adjustable pads

Head supports and a removable insert keep newborns snug, then come out or adjust as your teeny one grows.

side-impact protection

Both the shell and base are designed to absorb crash forces, shielding your baby in a collision.

REAL-PARENT TIP: Walk around a store > to see which seats are comfiest to carry, then try ones you like in your backseat. Some seats are wider than others, so you want to ensure it fits well in your car (and with siblings’ seats). We can even help you practice the installation!

…and what to seek out for sanity’s sake

easy-to-carry handle

Look for a stroller that folds easily with one hand to make transfers easier. Some, like this one, even stand on their own.

angle indicators

Shows you when the baby is reclined at a proper angle for their age. You’ll want one on both sides.

retractable canopy

Adjustable canopies (with UPF protection) shield your baby from sun, wind, and rain.

washable cover

With all the drooling, pooing, and peeing, you want one you can remove to wash.

smooth out your ride

Your rear-facing baby seems miles away? You worry it might be chilly back there? There’s an accessory for that!

Our infant seat simplifies everything and makes me more confident getting around with a new baby.” —Customer

I hated seeing sun in my baby’s eyes. Shades fixed that!” —Angie C

a shortlist of faves to look at

Graco® SnugRide® 35 Lite LX Infant Car Seat

It’s loaded with features, such as a rotating canopy for sun protection, but light to carry.

Chicco KeyFit® 35 Infant Car Seat

With an anti-rebound bar and extra rear-facing legroom, it keeps babies safe and comfy for longer.

MESA® Infant Car Seat by UPPAbaby®

Has a handy visual indicator that turns from red to green so you’ll know when you’ve aced the installation.

Then think about going right for the convertible car seat, which is also safe and snug for newborns. It doesn’t click in and out, but you can use it from day one, instead of buying an infant car seat now, convertible later.

shop convertible car seats