Choosing the best car seat for your newborn is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a new parent. It’s not just about comfort — it’s about safety, fit, and peace of mind every time you hit the road.
With so many options on the market, finding the right one can feel overwhelming. That’s why we’ve done the research for you. Whether you’re looking for something lightweight, affordable, or ultra-cozy, this guide will help you find the best car seat for your newborn to keep your baby safe and snug from day one.
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Things to Consider When Choosing the Best Car Seat for your Newborn
Here’s a list of the important factors to consider when choosing a car seat for your newborn. Use these tips to ensure you get a car seat that fits your family’s needs and priorities best.
- Safety Standards – Make sure the seat meets or exceeds your country’s car seat safety standards.
- Rear-Facing Design – Newborns must ride in a rear-facing seat. Look for an infant-only seat or a convertible one that supports rear-facing for the first couple of years.
- Size – Not all car seats fit all vehicles perfectly. Test the fit and consider if you need to fit more than one car seat in your car either now or in potentially in the future.
- Ease of Installation – Look for seats with LATCH system compatibility or clear seat belt paths. Consider models that offer a level indicator and adjustable base.
- Newborn Support and Padding – Check for adequate head and neck support, including an infant insert or extra cushioning to properly position a small baby.
- Ease of Use – Choose a model with a simple harness system and smooth buckle and adjustment mechanisms.
- Weight and Portability – Infant car seats that double as carriers can be very convenient. Lighter models are easier to carry, especially if you’ll be transferring them often.
- Compatibility with Strollers – If you’re considering a travel system, make sure the car seat is compatible with your stroller or comes as a bundle.
- Longevity – Convertible car seats grow with your baby. Look for models with adjustable harness height and recline positions to support your baby’s growth.
- Cost & Budget – Be sure to balance quality with your budget and cost of the car seat.
Best Infant Car Seats for Newborns (Travel System Car Seats)
My personal preference was to use an infant car seat until my babies were 6-9 months old. The convenience of being able to move your baby while they stay in the car seat is huge in my opinion. It’s especially useful when they are napping.
If you will be moving your baby into and out of the car a fair amount, then I would recommend getting an infant car seat for your newborn. Then, once they grow out of this seat, you can start using a convertible car seat. With that said, let’s review my picks for the best infant car seats for newborns.
1 – Graco SnugFit 35 LX
The Graco SnugFit 35 LX infant car seat is on my list as my #1 choice because Graco were the car seats I always liked the best. And with twins plus one, I’ve tried many different brands.
There are three reasons I recommend Graco infant seats. First of all, they are one of the lightest weight seats, making them easier to carry around. Second, they are one of the more reasonably priced infant car seats on the market, while still getting a very high quality product.
And third, buckling and unbuckling these seats was the easiest of all the car seats I’ve tried. I will also add that installation of Graco seats is pretty straightforward with the LATCH system.
2 – Chicco KeyFit 35
I know many parents that opted for the Chicco KeyFit 35 infant car seat. This is a very high quality brand that I have never heard anything negative about, which is why I’ve included it on this list. The Chicco infant seat is a little bit heavier than Graco, but you can be assured your babies will be safe and cozy in these seats.
The Chicco infant car seat is also more expensive than the Graco infant car seat. An advantage of the Chicco seats is their width. The Chicco infant seat is only 16.5 inches wide, while the width of the Graco car seat from above is 18.1 inches.
3 – Baby Trend Secure-Lift Infant Car Seat
Baby Trend is a good quality car seat brand when you are on a budget. The budget-friendly car seat option I recommend is the Baby Trend Secure-Life infant car seat. The weight and width of this car seat is similar to the Chicco infant seat, it just comes in at a much cheaper price.
Before we move on, you might want to grab these FREE printable Pregnancy Checklists. They include a baby registry, hospital bag, and trimester checklist and you can get them by clicking the button below.
Best Convertible Car Seats for Newborns
A convertible car seat is a cost-effective, long-term option for newborns, as it grows with your child. It goes from rear-facing for newborns and infants to forward-facing for the older years. It eliminates the need to buy a separate infant seat, saving money over time.
Convertible car seats are not portable like infant seats, but if you don’t need to frequently carry your baby in the seat or use a travel system, a convertible seat is a practical choice right from birth. Here are my picks for the best convertible car seats for newborns.
1 – Graco SlimFit3 LX 3-in-1
The Graco SlimFit3 LX convertible car seat is my personal choice for convertible car seats because you can fit them 3-across in many cars. Plus, as mentioned above, I really like the car seats from Graco. I have successfully used these seats for a 3-across setup in my Mazda CX-7 and the second row of a Honda Pilot.
The width of this car seat is 16.7 inches. Additionally, this slim car seat grows with your child. It starts with infants from 5lb and it will convert and adjust with your child all the way up to 100lb (as a high-back booster seat).
The LATCH system allows for quick installation and removal of the car seat. You will also find that the 4-position recline system allows for your infant to stay comfy and safe at all times.
2 – Graco 4Ever DLX 4-in-1 Car Seat
How would you like to buy a car seat once and be done forever? That’s what you get with the Graco 4Ever DLX 4-in-1 car seat! If you don’t want or need an infant car seat, this car seat is probably a great choice for you.
You can start in the rear-facing position for your newborn for weights as low as 4lb. With this seat you get 6 recline positions ensuring your baby is positioned safely and comfortable. Plus, you get all the other great benefits of Graco seats including simple installation with the LATCH system, easy buckling and unbuckling, and a great price considering this seat will last until your child doesn’t need a car seat anymore.
One negative with this car seat is it’s size. If you need to install multiple car seats in your car, this takes up quite a bit of space and you definitely can’t fit three of them across.
3 – Britax Poplar Convertible Car Seat
I have put the Britax Poplar S convertible car seat on this list because it is the most comfortable. If you are looking for a car seat that is easy to install and get your child into and out of, and also includes the ultimate amount of cushioning and support for your baby, this is for you.
The price point is mid-range to a little bit on the higher side. This seat can be used for newborns (minimum weight of 5lb) in the rear-facing position. Once your child is ready, it can also be turned around to the forward facing position.
Another great perk is the width of only 17 inches. That means you will be able to fit three of these seats across in most vehicles, if you need that.
4 – Baby Trend Trooper 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat
The Baby Trend Trooper 3-in-1 car seat is the most cost-effective newborn convertible car seat option on this list. It can go from infant rear-facing (minimum weight 4lb) to toddler rear-facing, and then finally to forward-facing.
This convertible car seat also comes in a few different colors so you can select the color you like best for your car. With its narrow physique of only 16.75 inches, it is a great option for a three-across setup in most vehicles.
This car seat is quick to install and the bubble indicator lets you know which is the most preferred angle and position. The provided cushioning and head protection is perfect for preemie babies too.
I hope you are able to find the best car seat for your newborn from the list above!
That wraps up my picks for the best car seats for newborns. Hopefully you have been able to figure out or at least understand the difference between getting an infant car seat versus a convertible car seat for the newborn phase. Good luck finding the best newborn car seat for your family!
