This model is exceptionally easy to install and is designed to minimize user error with extensive color-coding. Additionally, it features a large sun canopy and includes the added safety benefit of a load leg.
The instruction manual for the Clek Liing is detailed yet approachable; don’t be intimidated by its thoroughness. Installing the Liing with its base is remarkably straightforward. One Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) noted that it’s so simple that her 5-year-old could manage it with adult supervision—and we have no reason to doubt that. Like our other recommended seats, the Liing features additional guides and instructions printed directly on the seat itself. These on-seat instructions are among the most comprehensive we’ve encountered, reiterating crucial information from the manual where it matters most on the seat.
During my initial attempt, installing the seat took a couple of minutes, and subsequently, about a minute. To begin installation, extend the load leg from the seat’s base. This load leg, a key safety feature of the Liing, is a telescoping metal rod that provides additional support between the seat base and the vehicle floor. In the event of a crash, the load leg absorbs initial impact and restricts seat rotation or rebound. While the base can be installed without the load leg, Clek’s crash tests with the Liing demonstrated up to a 40% reduction in potential injuries when the load leg was utilized.
The combination of the rigid LATCH connection and the load leg makes it feel as if the Liing’s base is built into your car.
To secure the Clek Liing’s base using the LATCH system, extend the metal arms integrated into the base and insert them directly into your vehicle’s LATCH anchors. As the connection is made, the indicator window next to the connectors shifts from red to green. This type of LATCH system is referred to as rigid LATCH, and it’s our preferred type due to its ability to facilitate the safest and most secure installation. Releasing the base with rigid LATCH is straightforward: simply press down and slide back the red LATCH release buttons located near the LATCH anchors.
The final step in installation is adjusting the base to one of seven recline positions. A liquid-filled bubble level indicator assists in selecting the appropriate recline setting based on the baby’s weight. Once the base of the Liing is installed with rigid LATCH and the load leg, it remains securely in place without any movement—it feels seamlessly integrated into the vehicle.
The Liing has a rigid LATCH system. You line up the connectors with your car’s LATCH anchors and push until they click into place and the indicator turns green.
To install the Clek Liing base using the seat-belt method, start by opening the belt tensioner using the lever located on the base. Thread the seat belt through the bright blue plastic threader on the top edge of the base, pull it tight, and then close the belt tensioner. While our tests found this installation method to be very secure, it didn’t quite match the rock-solid feel of the LATCH method.
Whether using the LATCH system or the seat-belt method, color-change indicators provide clear feedback when components are properly locked. A red indicator signifies not locked, while green indicates a secure lock. At the base of the load leg, another color-change indicator turns green once the leg is lowered using the “Pull” tab.
When ready to attach the seat bucket to the base, yet another color indicator on the side of the bucket confirms proper insertion. It displays red if not securely attached and turns green when the seat is properly locked in place. With its extensive color-coding—more than any other seat we’ve tested—the Liing makes it nearly impossible to inadvertently misinstall any component.
The Liing’s base features several indicators that transition from red to green upon proper installation, located on the LATCH connectors and the load leg. Additionally, it includes a bubble level indicator to assist in adjusting the base’s angle according to your infant’s weight.
Similar to our selections from Graco and Chicco, the Clek Liing seat allows for one-handed removal from its base, although the release lever is situated on the base itself, not on the bucket seat. Adjusting the handle requires both hands (unlike our Graco pick), yet it moves smoothly and is comfortable to grasp. As your baby grows, adjusting the harness straps follows the traditional method of removing and rethreading them. (A no-rethread harness, as found in the Graco seat and the Chicco KeyFit 35, offers quicker and easier adjustments.)
The Clek Liing is narrow and compact, measuring 16.9 inches wide and 27.7 inches deep—just slightly larger than the Chicco KeyFit 30 and KeyFit 35, which are the smallest among our selections. Like our other picks, the Liing is well-suited for fitting three across. Without the base, the bucket carrier weighs 9 pounds, over a pound lighter than our top-pick seat from Graco. While we didn’t find significant weight differences noticeable among our four picks, the extra pound may become more noticeable as your baby grows and carrying becomes more challenging.
Despite its compact dimensions, the Liing accommodates infants up to 35 pounds or 32 inches in height, and it supports babies as small as 4 pounds, making it suitable for some preemies. Included with the Liing is removable support padding designed for infants weighing less than 11 pounds. Clek refers to this padding as “two-stage,” comprising a headrest and a support cushion. The headrest can be used until the baby outgrows the seat, while the bottom support cushion remains suitable until their shoulders reach the top harness slot.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
When you’re investing this much in a seat, it’s natural to scrutinize and identify areas for potential improvement. Take, for instance, the Liing’s harness system, which requires manual adjustments as your child grows. While this task isn’t overly complicated, the absence of a no-rethread harness helps keep the seat lightweight—though, having experienced the convenience of such a feature on top models like Graco’s leading pick and the Chicco KeyFit 35, its omission becomes noticeable.
Moreover, there are other considerations to address head-on: Even among premium choices, the Liing’s price tag is notably steep. It commands roughly double the cost of comparable alternatives, making it one of the most expensive infant seats on the market. We recognize the financial strain this may impose, especially since infant seats typically serve a short-term purpose. This disparity prompted extensive internal discussions as we revised our recommendations, mindful of endorsing a product that’s financially out of reach for many families, despite its safety benefits.
Regrettably, due to safety concerns associated with used car seats, unlike bikes or strollers, we can’t recommend seeking a secondhand option unless its history and condition are unequivocally trustworthy.
Ultimately, while the Liing’s price may exclude it from consideration for some, we chose not to discount its merits solely on cost. Our guide strives to offer a spectrum of excellent choices, catering to diverse budgets, ensuring confidence in every recommendation we make.
Chicco KeyFit 35Like our runner-up pick, with a few notable upgrades
This seat is equally easy to install and use compared to the KeyFit 30, and it offers several enhancements. These include an anti-rebound base and a European belt path, making it easier to install without the base when traveling.
In several aspects, the Chicco KeyFit 35 surpasses its counterpart, the Chicco KeyFit 30, which is our runner-up choice for infant car seats. Like the KeyFit 30, the KeyFit 35 excels in ease of installation and usability. However, the KeyFit 35 includes additional safety features such as an anti-rebound base, a European belt path (particularly beneficial for families using the seat frequently without the base), and a convenient no-rethread harness. It weighs half a pound more than the KeyFit 30 and comes at a slightly higher price point.
Installing the KeyFit 35 with its base closely mirrors the process for the KeyFit 30. Similar to the KeyFit 30, installation using the LATCH system is straightforward, while using the vehicle seat belt requires a bit more effort. The KeyFit 35 features a distinct base design compared to the KeyFit 30, akin to our top-pick Graco seat, incorporating an anti-rebound base for enhanced safety, although this does not affect the installation procedure. Additionally, the recline-angle adjuster is conveniently located at the top of the base, unlike the KeyFit 30’s side positioning, making it easier to adjust. The base’s curved, elongated metal front sits flush against the vehicle seatback, designed to minimize secondary (or rebound) movement in the event of a collision.
The Chicco KeyFit 35 comes with an anti-rebound base, which sits flush against the vehicle seat to help reduce the rebound motion of the infant seat in the event of a crash.
Another notable feature of the KeyFit 35 is its European belt path, akin to our premium pick, the Clek Liing. This belt path is particularly useful when installing the seat without its base, relying solely on the vehicle seat belt—commonly used for taxi rides or travel scenarios where carrying the base isn’t practical. Unlike most infant car seats in the US that utilize an American belt path, which secures the seat belt over the top of the seat alone, we’ve found in our tests that achieving a secure installation with an American belt path can be challenging.
An overhead view of the European belt path demonstrates where the vehicle’s lap belt threads through the seat.
In contrast, a European belt path guides the lap belt over the top of the seat and the shoulder belt around the back of the seat, significantly minimizing the seat’s potential for movement and shifting. While installing an infant seat without a base using a European belt path may not be as secure and stable as with a base, the difference between a seat installed with an American versus European belt path is substantial. If you frequently travel without the base, the type of belt path your infant seat features should be a crucial consideration. The KeyFit 35 offers this valuable European belt path feature at a significantly lower cost compared to our premium choice, the Clek Liing.
Many of the KeyFit 35’s fundamental features remain consistent with those of the KeyFit 30, including the carrying handle. However, a notable enhancement is the KeyFit 35’s no-rethread harness: as your baby grows, you no longer need to detach the harness straps from the splitter plate, manually thread them through the seat’s back holes, and reattach them. Instead, you simply adjust the harness up or down to the desired position (the headrest adjusts automatically), and you’re done. While rethreading harness straps isn’t overly burdensome, this thoughtful design feature saves time and effort, a detail we particularly value on our top-choice Graco seat as well.
While the KeyFit 35 and KeyFit 30 share similar aesthetics, the KeyFit 35 exudes a noticeably sleeker and more upscale appearance. It features its own selection of fabric options distinct from the KeyFit 30. Available choices include various shades of black, navy, and gray, along with the Chicco KeyFit 35 ClearTex option, which maintains the same seat features but uses fabric without added chemicals and has received Greenguard Gold Certification for lower chemical emissions. Spot-cleaning the KeyFit 35 is straightforward, and the cover can also be removed for machine-washing and line-drying.
The sun canopy on the KeyFit 35 extends slightly farther than that of the KeyFit 30, though it’s not as expansive as the canopy on our premium pick, the Clek Liing. For those seeking a larger sunshade, the KeyFit 35 Zip ClearTex model offers a canopy that can be fully unzipped to provide complete shade for the seat, at an additional cost of about $30. The KeyFit 35 Zip ClearTex also features a quick-remove seat pad, allowing you to easily detach the top part of the seat cover for washing. While these extras are a nice upgrade for those willing to spend more, we believe most users would find the standard KeyFit 35 model perfectly adequate.
Similar to the KeyFit 30, the KeyFit 35 measures 16½ inches wide, making it suitable for fitting into a three-across car seat configuration. It is slightly longer than the KeyFit 30 at 28 inches and weighs half a pound more at 10 pounds (still half a pound lighter than our top-pick Graco seat).
The KeyFit 35 features a slightly higher maximum passenger height and weight limit compared to the KeyFit 30. Both seats have a minimum weight limit of 4 pounds, accommodating some preemies. While the KeyFit 30 supports up to 30 pounds and 30 inches, the KeyFit 35 extends this to 35 pounds and 32 inches. While this may offer a few extra months of use before transitioning to a convertible seat, we believe the portability advantage of an infant seat diminishes around this size. Nonetheless, the higher limits can extend the KeyFit 35’s usability.
Like the KeyFit 30, the KeyFit 35 includes a newborn insert (removed at 11 pounds) and a headrest cushion usable beyond the newborn stage. Both models expire after six years and come with a one-year warranty. Notably, specific NHTSA crash-testing data for the KeyFit 35 is not available.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
Many of the shortcomings we identified in the KeyFit 30, such as its American belt path and basic features, are addressed in the KeyFit 35, which also boasts a slightly more stylish appearance. Weighing 10 pounds, it is half a pound heavier than the KeyFit 30 but still lighter than our top pick from Graco, which weighs 10½ pounds. While the KeyFit 35 comes at a higher cost than the KeyFit 30, we believe the added benefits—including an anti-rebound base and a European belt path—justify the price increase.
Additionally, for those considering reuse, note that like the KeyFit 30, the KeyFit 35 has a lifespan of six years before expiration, which is shorter than our top pick from Graco (seven years) or our upgrade pick from Clek (nine years).
Upgrade pick: Clek Liing
Clek Liing
An infant seat in a class of its own
This model is exceptionally easy to install and is designed to minimize user error with extensive color-coding. Additionally, it features a large sun canopy and includes the added safety benefit of a load leg.
Clek, a Canadian car seat manufacturer renowned for its robust convertible car seats often likened to tanks, introduced its inaugural infant car seat, the Clek Liing, in 2019, which might still be unfamiliar to some. However, in our recent testing, we were genuinely impressed—almost to the point of gushing—by the Liing’s exceptional functionality, engineering, safety features, and overall design.
The instruction manual for the Clek Liing is detailed yet approachable; don’t be intimidated by its thoroughness. Installing the Liing with its base is remarkably straightforward. One Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) noted that it’s so simple that her 5-year-old could manage it with adult supervision—and we have no reason to doubt that. Like our other recommended seats, the Liing features additional guides and instructions printed directly on the seat itself. These on-seat instructions are among the most comprehensive we’ve encountered, reiterating crucial information from the manual where it matters most on the seat.
During my initial attempt, installing the seat took a couple of minutes, and subsequently, about a minute. To begin installation, extend the load leg from the seat’s base. This load leg, a key safety feature of the Liing, is a telescoping metal rod that provides additional support between the seat base and the vehicle floor. In the event of a crash, the load leg absorbs initial impact and restricts seat rotation or rebound. While the base can be installed without the load leg, Clek’s crash tests with the Liing demonstrated up to a 40% reduction in potential injuries when the load leg was utilized.
The combination of the rigid LATCH connection and the load leg makes it feel as if the Liing’s base is built into your car.
To secure the Clek Liing’s base using the LATCH system, extend the metal arms integrated into the base and insert them directly into your vehicle’s LATCH anchors. As the connection is made, the indicator window next to the connectors shifts from red to green. This type of LATCH system is referred to as rigid LATCH, and it’s our preferred type due to its ability to facilitate the safest and most secure installation. Releasing the base with rigid LATCH is straightforward: simply press down and slide back the red LATCH release buttons located near the LATCH anchors.
The final step in installation is adjusting the base to one of seven recline positions. A liquid-filled bubble level indicator assists in selecting the appropriate recline setting based on the baby’s weight. Once the base of the Liing is installed with rigid LATCH and the load leg, it remains securely in place without any movement—it feels seamlessly integrated into the vehicle.
The Liing has a rigid LATCH system. You line up the connectors with your car’s LATCH anchors and push until they click into place and the indicator turns green.
To install the Clek Liing base using the seat-belt method, start by opening the belt tensioner using the lever located on the base. Thread the seat belt through the bright blue plastic threader on the top edge of the base, pull it tight, and then close the belt tensioner. While our tests found this installation method to be very secure, it didn’t quite match the rock-solid feel of the LATCH method.
Whether using the LATCH system or the seat-belt method, color-change indicators provide clear feedback when components are properly locked. A red indicator signifies not locked, while green indicates a secure lock. At the base of the load leg, another color-change indicator turns green once the leg is lowered using the “Pull” tab.
When ready to attach the seat bucket to the base, yet another color indicator on the side of the bucket confirms proper insertion. It displays red if not securely attached and turns green when the seat is properly locked in place. With its extensive color-coding—more than any other seat we’ve tested—the Liing makes it nearly impossible to inadvertently misinstall any component.
The Liing’s base features several indicators that transition from red to green upon proper installation, located on the LATCH connectors and the load leg. Additionally, it includes a bubble level indicator to assist in adjusting the base’s angle according to your infant’s weight.
Similar to our selections from Graco and Chicco, the Clek Liing seat allows for one-handed removal from its base, although the release lever is situated on the base itself, not on the bucket seat. Adjusting the handle requires both hands (unlike our Graco pick), yet it moves smoothly and is comfortable to grasp. As your baby grows, adjusting the harness straps follows the traditional method of removing and rethreading them. (A no-rethread harness, as found in the Graco seat and the Chicco KeyFit 35, offers quicker and easier adjustments.)
The Clek Liing is narrow and compact, measuring 16.9 inches wide and 27.7 inches deep—just slightly larger than the Chicco KeyFit 30 and KeyFit 35, which are the smallest among our selections. Like our other picks, the Liing is well-suited for fitting three across. Without the base, the bucket carrier weighs 9 pounds, over a pound lighter than our top-pick seat from Graco. While we didn’t find significant weight differences noticeable among our four picks, the extra pound may become more noticeable as your baby grows and carrying becomes more challenging.
Despite its compact dimensions, the Liing accommodates infants up to 35 pounds or 32 inches in height, and it supports babies as small as 4 pounds, making it suitable for some preemies. Included with the Liing is removable support padding designed for infants weighing less than 11 pounds. Clek refers to this padding as “two-stage,” comprising a headrest and a support cushion. The headrest can be used until the baby outgrows the seat, while the bottom support cushion remains suitable until their shoulders reach the top harness slot.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
When you’re investing this much in a seat, it’s natural to scrutinize and identify areas for potential improvement. Take, for instance, the Liing’s harness system, which requires manual adjustments as your child grows. While this task isn’t overly complicated, the absence of a no-rethread harness helps keep the seat lightweight—though, having experienced the convenience of such a feature on top models like Graco’s leading pick and the Chicco KeyFit 35, its omission becomes noticeable.
Moreover, there are other considerations to address head-on: Even among premium choices, the Liing’s price tag is notably steep. It commands roughly double the cost of comparable alternatives, making it one of the most expensive infant seats on the market. We recognize the financial strain this may impose, especially since infant seats typically serve a short-term purpose. This disparity prompted extensive internal discussions as we revised our recommendations, mindful of endorsing a product that’s financially out of reach for many families, despite its safety benefits.
Regrettably, due to safety concerns associated with used car seats, unlike bikes or strollers, we can’t recommend seeking a secondhand option unless its history and condition are unequivocally trustworthy.
Ultimately, while the Liing’s price may exclude it from consideration for some, we chose not to discount its merits solely on cost. Our guide strives to offer a spectrum of excellent choices, catering to diverse budgets, ensuring confidence in every recommendation we make.
Chicco KeyFit 35Like our runner-up pick, with a few notable upgrades
This seat is equally easy to install and use compared to the KeyFit 30, and it offers several enhancements. These include an anti-rebound base and a European belt path, making it easier to install without the base when traveling.
In several aspects, the Chicco KeyFit 35 surpasses its counterpart, the Chicco KeyFit 30, which is our runner-up choice for infant car seats. Like the KeyFit 30, the KeyFit 35 excels in ease of installation and usability. However, the KeyFit 35 includes additional safety features such as an anti-rebound base, a European belt path (particularly beneficial for families using the seat frequently without the base), and a convenient no-rethread harness. It weighs half a pound more than the KeyFit 30 and comes at a slightly higher price point.
Installing the KeyFit 35 with its base closely mirrors the process for the KeyFit 30. Similar to the KeyFit 30, installation using the LATCH system is straightforward, while using the vehicle seat belt requires a bit more effort. The KeyFit 35 features a distinct base design compared to the KeyFit 30, akin to our top-pick Graco seat, incorporating an anti-rebound base for enhanced safety, although this does not affect the installation procedure. Additionally, the recline-angle adjuster is conveniently located at the top of the base, unlike the KeyFit 30’s side positioning, making it easier to adjust. The base’s curved, elongated metal front sits flush against the vehicle seatback, designed to minimize secondary (or rebound) movement in the event of a collision.
The Chicco KeyFit 35 comes with an anti-rebound base, which sits flush against the vehicle seat to help reduce the rebound motion of the infant seat in the event of a crash.
Another notable feature of the KeyFit 35 is its European belt path, akin to our premium pick, the Clek Liing. This belt path is particularly useful when installing the seat without its base, relying solely on the vehicle seat belt—commonly used for taxi rides or travel scenarios where carrying the base isn’t practical. Unlike most infant car seats in the US that utilize an American belt path, which secures the seat belt over the top of the seat alone, we’ve found in our tests that achieving a secure installation with an American belt path can be challenging.
An overhead view of the European belt path demonstrates where the vehicle’s lap belt threads through the seat.
In contrast, a European belt path guides the lap belt over the top of the seat and the shoulder belt around the back of the seat, significantly minimizing the seat’s potential for movement and shifting. While installing an infant seat without a base using a European belt path may not be as secure and stable as with a base, the difference between a seat installed with an American versus European belt path is substantial. If you frequently travel without the base, the type of belt path your infant seat features should be a crucial consideration. The KeyFit 35 offers this valuable European belt path feature at a significantly lower cost compared to our premium choice, the Clek Liing.
Many of the KeyFit 35’s fundamental features remain consistent with those of the KeyFit 30, including the carrying handle. However, a notable enhancement is the KeyFit 35’s no-rethread harness: as your baby grows, you no longer need to detach the harness straps from the splitter plate, manually thread them through the seat’s back holes, and reattach them. Instead, you simply adjust the harness up or down to the desired position (the headrest adjusts automatically), and you’re done. While rethreading harness straps isn’t overly burdensome, this thoughtful design feature saves time and effort, a detail we particularly value on our top-choice Graco seat as well.
While the KeyFit 35 and KeyFit 30 share similar aesthetics, the KeyFit 35 exudes a noticeably sleeker and more upscale appearance. It features its own selection of fabric options distinct from the KeyFit 30. Available choices include various shades of black, navy, and gray, along with the Chicco KeyFit 35 ClearTex option, which maintains the same seat features but uses fabric without added chemicals and has received Greenguard Gold Certification for lower chemical emissions. Spot-cleaning the KeyFit 35 is straightforward, and the cover can also be removed for machine-washing and line-drying.
The sun canopy on the KeyFit 35 extends slightly farther than that of the KeyFit 30, though it’s not as expansive as the canopy on our premium pick, the Clek Liing. For those seeking a larger sunshade, the KeyFit 35 Zip ClearTex model offers a canopy that can be fully unzipped to provide complete shade for the seat, at an additional cost of about $30. The KeyFit 35 Zip ClearTex also features a quick-remove seat pad, allowing you to easily detach the top part of the seat cover for washing. While these extras are a nice upgrade for those willing to spend more, we believe most users would find the standard KeyFit 35 model perfectly adequate.
Similar to the KeyFit 30, the KeyFit 35 measures 16½ inches wide, making it suitable for fitting into a three-across car seat configuration. It is slightly longer than the KeyFit 30 at 28 inches and weighs half a pound more at 10 pounds (still half a pound lighter than our top-pick Graco seat).
The KeyFit 35 features a slightly higher maximum passenger height and weight limit compared to the KeyFit 30. Both seats have a minimum weight limit of 4 pounds, accommodating some preemies. While the KeyFit 30 supports up to 30 pounds and 30 inches, the KeyFit 35 extends this to 35 pounds and 32 inches. While this may offer a few extra months of use before transitioning to a convertible seat, we believe the portability advantage of an infant seat diminishes around this size. Nonetheless, the higher limits can extend the KeyFit 35’s usability.
Like the KeyFit 30, the KeyFit 35 includes a newborn insert (removed at 11 pounds) and a headrest cushion usable beyond the newborn stage. Both models expire after six years and come with a one-year warranty. Notably, specific NHTSA crash-testing data for the KeyFit 35 is not available.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
Many of the shortcomings we identified in the KeyFit 30, such as its American belt path and basic features, are addressed in the KeyFit 35, which also boasts a slightly more stylish appearance. Weighing 10 pounds, it is half a pound heavier than the KeyFit 30 but still lighter than our top pick from Graco, which weighs 10½ pounds. While the KeyFit 35 comes at a higher cost than the KeyFit 30, we believe the added benefits—including an anti-rebound base and a European belt path—justify the price increase.
Additionally, for those considering reuse, note that like the KeyFit 30, the KeyFit 35 has a lifespan of six years before expiration, which is shorter than our top pick from Graco (seven years) or our upgrade pick from Clek (nine years).
Upgrade pick: Clek Liing
Clek Liing
An infant seat in a class of its own
This model is exceptionally easy to install and is designed to minimize user error with extensive color-coding. Additionally, it features a large sun canopy and includes the added safety benefit of a load leg.
Clek, a Canadian car seat manufacturer renowned for its robust convertible car seats often likened to tanks, introduced its inaugural infant car seat, the Clek Liing, in 2019, which might still be unfamiliar to some. However, in our recent testing, we were genuinely impressed—almost to the point of gushing—by the Liing’s exceptional functionality, engineering, safety features, and overall design.
The instruction manual for the Clek Liing is detailed yet approachable; don’t be intimidated by its thoroughness. Installing the Liing with its base is remarkably straightforward. One Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) noted that it’s so simple that her 5-year-old could manage it with adult supervision—and we have no reason to doubt that. Like our other recommended seats, the Liing features additional guides and instructions printed directly on the seat itself. These on-seat instructions are among the most comprehensive we’ve encountered, reiterating crucial information from the manual where it matters most on the seat.
During my initial attempt, installing the seat took a couple of minutes, and subsequently, about a minute. To begin installation, extend the load leg from the seat’s base. This load leg, a key safety feature of the Liing, is a telescoping metal rod that provides additional support between the seat base and the vehicle floor. In the event of a crash, the load leg absorbs initial impact and restricts seat rotation or rebound. While the base can be installed without the load leg, Clek’s crash tests with the Liing demonstrated up to a 40% reduction in potential injuries when the load leg was utilized.
The combination of the rigid LATCH connection and the load leg makes it feel as if the Liing’s base is built into your car.
To secure the Clek Liing’s base using the LATCH system, extend the metal arms integrated into the base and insert them directly into your vehicle’s LATCH anchors. As the connection is made, the indicator window next to the connectors shifts from red to green. This type of LATCH system is referred to as rigid LATCH, and it’s our preferred type due to its ability to facilitate the safest and most secure installation. Releasing the base with rigid LATCH is straightforward: simply press down and slide back the red LATCH release buttons located near the LATCH anchors.
The final step in installation is adjusting the base to one of seven recline positions. A liquid-filled bubble level indicator assists in selecting the appropriate recline setting based on the baby’s weight. Once the base of the Liing is installed with rigid LATCH and the load leg, it remains securely in place without any movement—it feels seamlessly integrated into the vehicle.
The Liing has a rigid LATCH system. You line up the connectors with your car’s LATCH anchors and push until they click into place and the indicator turns green.
To install the Clek Liing base using the seat-belt method, start by opening the belt tensioner using the lever located on the base. Thread the seat belt through the bright blue plastic threader on the top edge of the base, pull it tight, and then close the belt tensioner. While our tests found this installation method to be very secure, it didn’t quite match the rock-solid feel of the LATCH method.
Whether using the LATCH system or the seat-belt method, color-change indicators provide clear feedback when components are properly locked. A red indicator signifies not locked, while green indicates a secure lock. At the base of the load leg, another color-change indicator turns green once the leg is lowered using the “Pull” tab.
When ready to attach the seat bucket to the base, yet another color indicator on the side of the bucket confirms proper insertion. It displays red if not securely attached and turns green when the seat is properly locked in place. With its extensive color-coding—more than any other seat we’ve tested—the Liing makes it nearly impossible to inadvertently misinstall any component.
The Liing’s base features several indicators that transition from red to green upon proper installation, located on the LATCH connectors and the load leg. Additionally, it includes a bubble level indicator to assist in adjusting the base’s angle according to your infant’s weight.
Similar to our selections from Graco and Chicco, the Clek Liing seat allows for one-handed removal from its base, although the release lever is situated on the base itself, not on the bucket seat. Adjusting the handle requires both hands (unlike our Graco pick), yet it moves smoothly and is comfortable to grasp. As your baby grows, adjusting the harness straps follows the traditional method of removing and rethreading them. (A no-rethread harness, as found in the Graco seat and the Chicco KeyFit 35, offers quicker and easier adjustments.)
The Clek Liing is narrow and compact, measuring 16.9 inches wide and 27.7 inches deep—just slightly larger than the Chicco KeyFit 30 and KeyFit 35, which are the smallest among our selections. Like our other picks, the Liing is well-suited for fitting three across. Without the base, the bucket carrier weighs 9 pounds, over a pound lighter than our top-pick seat from Graco. While we didn’t find significant weight differences noticeable among our four picks, the extra pound may become more noticeable as your baby grows and carrying becomes more challenging.
Despite its compact dimensions, the Liing accommodates infants up to 35 pounds or 32 inches in height, and it supports babies as small as 4 pounds, making it suitable for some preemies. Included with the Liing is removable support padding designed for infants weighing less than 11 pounds. Clek refers to this padding as “two-stage,” comprising a headrest and a support cushion. The headrest can be used until the baby outgrows the seat, while the bottom support cushion remains suitable until their shoulders reach the top harness slot.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
When you’re investing this much in a seat, it’s natural to scrutinize and identify areas for potential improvement. Take, for instance, the Liing’s harness system, which requires manual adjustments as your child grows. While this task isn’t overly complicated, the absence of a no-rethread harness helps keep the seat lightweight—though, having experienced the convenience of such a feature on top models like Graco’s leading pick and the Chicco KeyFit 35, its omission becomes noticeable.
Moreover, there are other considerations to address head-on: Even among premium choices, the Liing’s price tag is notably steep. It commands roughly double the cost of comparable alternatives, making it one of the most expensive infant seats on the market. We recognize the financial strain this may impose, especially since infant seats typically serve a short-term purpose. This disparity prompted extensive internal discussions as we revised our recommendations, mindful of endorsing a product that’s financially out of reach for many families, despite its safety benefits.
Regrettably, due to safety concerns associated with used car seats, unlike bikes or strollers, we can’t recommend seeking a secondhand option unless its history and condition are unequivocally trustworthy.
Ultimately, while the Liing’s price may exclude it from consideration for some, we chose not to discount its merits solely on cost. Our guide strives to offer a spectrum of excellent choices, catering to diverse budgets, ensuring confidence in every recommendation we make.
Chicco KeyFit 30A totally solid, tried-and-true infant car seat
The Chicco KeyFit 30 is simple to install and use, and it lives up to its excellent reputation.
The Chicco KeyFit 30 infant car seat stands out as one of the simplest to use and install, particularly when employing the LATCH method. Introduced in 2006, the core design of this seat has seen minimal changes since its debut. As a result, it has garnered strong recommendations among caregivers, who often pass it along to others based on their positive experiences.
The KeyFit 30 comes equipped with clear instructions in a comprehensive booklet, supplemented by additional instructions and illustrations conveniently printed on the seat itself. A small drawer integrated into the seat provides a handy storage spot for keeping the manual accessible between uses. In our testing, this seat proved to be exceptionally easy to install using the base and LATCH method. The inclusion of liquid-filled bubble level indicators on both sides of the base ensures a straightforward and intuitive method for achieving the correct seat angle. While there isn’t a specific ease-of-use rating for the KeyFit 30, the NHTSA awarded the Chicco KeyFit 30 Magic—a predecessor with the same base configuration—four out of five stars for ease of use.
The KeyFit 30’s base has a bubble level indicator on both sides to help you identify the correct angle.
Securing the base of the KeyFit 30 using LATCH is straightforward: you engage the push-button LATCH hooks into the car’s anchors. To tighten, you pull up on a single strap located at the center of the base, marked with “Pull Strap Storage.” In our testing, achieving a snug fit with this Chicco seat required moderate effort; it was slightly more demanding than our top-pick Graco seat or our upgrade pick from Clek. This is because with the KeyFit 30, you need to press down on the base while pulling up on the LATCH pull strap, whereas the Graco seat relies on the lock-off arm and the Clek seat requires a simple push-in action.
During our tests, the initial installation of the KeyFit 30 took approximately three minutes, but subsequent installations were completed in about one minute once familiar with the process. To uninstall the base, you lift the button labeled “Lift to Release” to extend the LATCH straps, and then press the red buttons on the LATCH hooks to disengage them.
The base of the KeyFit 30 has push-button LATCH hooks that connect to the car’s anchors.
Installing the KeyFit 30’s base with the seat belt is straightforward but requires more physical effort. First, you thread the seat belt through the designated openings in the base. Next, you push down on the base while pulling the seat belt tight. While maintaining pressure on the base, you route the shoulder belt through the lock-off mechanism located on the side of the base.
During our installation session with CPST Gina Duchossois, she recommended using significant pressure to tighten the belt effectively. In fact, she suggested I apply my body weight by climbing onto the KeyFit 30’s base to ensure a secure installation—I found that relying solely on arm strength wasn’t sufficient for achieving the desired tightness.
The bottom line: Installing the KeyFit 30’s base with LATCH is significantly easier. So if you have access to LATCH anchors in your vehicle, it’s the preferred method for securing this seat. However, if your vehicle predates 2003 (before the introduction of LATCH), or if you’re installing the infant seat in a position without LATCH, like the center of a bench seat or in a third row, and you’re concerned about the strength required for installation, you may want to explore other options that offer simpler seat-belt-and-base installations.
Our attempts to install the KeyFit 30 without its base were not particularly successful—but that problem is not unique to this seat. Like our top pick from Graco, this Chicco seat utilizes an American belt path, which routes the seat belt across the top front of the bucket, above the baby’s legs. Consequently, similar to the Graco seat, achieving a tight and secure installation without the base proved to be quite challenging.
When using the KeyFit 30 without its base, you slide the seat belt through tabs at the front of the seat (known as the American belt path). We were the least happy with this install method.
We found the KeyFit 30 to be user-friendly overall. The handle is easy to adjust between positions, though unlike the handle on our top pick, the Graco seat, it does not allow adjustments with one hand. The harness is straightforward to tighten and loosen, operated by a strap mechanism located at the foot of the seat bucket. Adjusting the height of the harness straps as your baby grows requires removing the belts from a plate on the back, pulling them through the holes in the seat, and threading them back through at the desired height. Unlike seats with a convenient no-rethread harness like the Graco seat and Chicco’s KeyFit 35, this process is more involved.
The KeyFit 30 stands out as one of the most user-friendly infant car seats for its effortless installation and removal from its base. To detach it, simply lift the orange handle located at the back of the seat. Like our top picks from Graco and Clek, this Chicco model allows you to accomplish this task single-handedly. Opening the chest clip on the harness is straightforward, with the word ‘PUSH’ engraved into the plastic, making it practically foolproof even for sleep-deprived parents.
An intuitive tightening system makes it a no-brainer to tighten the harness from the foot-end of the seat. You pull the strap to tighten the harness, and you press the orange button to release it.
In terms of aesthetics, the KeyFit 30 leans towards simplicity rather than standout style. It doesn’t boast the same visual appeal as the Graco or Clek seats. However, it’s also not unattractive. Available in a variety of muted color combinations, the seat cover is crafted from a smooth polyester material that’s easy to wipe clean. For deeper cleaning, you can remove the cover and machine-wash it on a gentle cycle, then air-dry it as needed. Unlike the Graco seat, removing the cover on this Chicco model requires disassembling the harness system, adding a bit more time to the process.
The KeyFit 30 features a decent sun canopy that, while smaller than those on our other recommendations, performs adequately. Similar to the Graco seat, you can detach it from the back of the seat and adjust it forward to provide shade and block sunlight from the front.
The KeyFit 30 is the most compact option among our recommended seats, measuring 16½ inches wide and 27½ inches front to back. Like our other top picks, it is well-suited for fitting three-across in a vehicle. Weighing 9½ pounds, it is the second-lightest infant seat among our selections, following the Clek Liing.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
Similar to our preferred Graco seat, installing the Chicco KeyFit 30 securely without its base can be challenging due to its American belt-path configuration. If your family prioritizes no-base installations, this might not be the ideal seat for you. Alternatively, our alternate recommendation, the Chicco KeyFit 35, offers a very similar experience with the advantage of a European belt path, allowing for more reliable no-base installations. Additionally, while installing the KeyFit 30 with its base using the seat belt (instead of the LATCH method) isn’t overly complicated, it does require some effort.
The KeyFit 30 features the lowest child height and weight limits among our recommendations, with limits that are 5 pounds and 2 inches less than those of the Graco SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX, Chicco KeyFit 35, and Clek Liing. While this is unlikely to be a concern for most, it’s worth noting, especially if you have a taller-than-average baby. According to car seat technicians we consulted, children typically reach the height limit of an infant seat before reaching the weight limit. Many parents choose to transition to a convertible car seat earlier than reaching these limits simply because it becomes less comfortable or convenient to carry a larger baby in an infant seat.
While not a flaw per se, it’s worth noting that the KeyFit 30 is somewhat basic in its features. It does not include some extras that could be considered nice-to-have but not essential, such as a no-rethread harness or additional safety features like an anti-rebound base or a load leg. While these features can add convenience or extra safety, they are not necessary for a high-quality infant car seat.
This seat is compatible with strollers from many brands.
Another factor to consider: If you’re planning on having more children and intend to reuse your infant seat, keep in mind that the KeyFit 30 has a lifespan of six years before it expires. This is shorter compared to our top pick from Graco, which lasts seven years, or our premium pick from Clek, which lasts nine years.
Also great: Chicco KeyFit 35
Chicco KeyFit 35Like our runner-up pick, with a few notable upgrades
This seat is equally easy to install and use compared to the KeyFit 30, and it offers several enhancements. These include an anti-rebound base and a European belt path, making it easier to install without the base when traveling.
In several aspects, the Chicco KeyFit 35 surpasses its counterpart, the Chicco KeyFit 30, which is our runner-up choice for infant car seats. Like the KeyFit 30, the KeyFit 35 excels in ease of installation and usability. However, the KeyFit 35 includes additional safety features such as an anti-rebound base, a European belt path (particularly beneficial for families using the seat frequently without the base), and a convenient no-rethread harness. It weighs half a pound more than the KeyFit 30 and comes at a slightly higher price point.
Installing the KeyFit 35 with its base closely mirrors the process for the KeyFit 30. Similar to the KeyFit 30, installation using the LATCH system is straightforward, while using the vehicle seat belt requires a bit more effort. The KeyFit 35 features a distinct base design compared to the KeyFit 30, akin to our top-pick Graco seat, incorporating an anti-rebound base for enhanced safety, although this does not affect the installation procedure. Additionally, the recline-angle adjuster is conveniently located at the top of the base, unlike the KeyFit 30’s side positioning, making it easier to adjust. The base’s curved, elongated metal front sits flush against the vehicle seatback, designed to minimize secondary (or rebound) movement in the event of a collision.
The Chicco KeyFit 35 comes with an anti-rebound base, which sits flush against the vehicle seat to help reduce the rebound motion of the infant seat in the event of a crash.
Another notable feature of the KeyFit 35 is its European belt path, akin to our premium pick, the Clek Liing. This belt path is particularly useful when installing the seat without its base, relying solely on the vehicle seat belt—commonly used for taxi rides or travel scenarios where carrying the base isn’t practical. Unlike most infant car seats in the US that utilize an American belt path, which secures the seat belt over the top of the seat alone, we’ve found in our tests that achieving a secure installation with an American belt path can be challenging.
An overhead view of the European belt path demonstrates where the vehicle’s lap belt threads through the seat.
In contrast, a European belt path guides the lap belt over the top of the seat and the shoulder belt around the back of the seat, significantly minimizing the seat’s potential for movement and shifting. While installing an infant seat without a base using a European belt path may not be as secure and stable as with a base, the difference between a seat installed with an American versus European belt path is substantial. If you frequently travel without the base, the type of belt path your infant seat features should be a crucial consideration. The KeyFit 35 offers this valuable European belt path feature at a significantly lower cost compared to our premium choice, the Clek Liing.
Many of the KeyFit 35’s fundamental features remain consistent with those of the KeyFit 30, including the carrying handle. However, a notable enhancement is the KeyFit 35’s no-rethread harness: as your baby grows, you no longer need to detach the harness straps from the splitter plate, manually thread them through the seat’s back holes, and reattach them. Instead, you simply adjust the harness up or down to the desired position (the headrest adjusts automatically), and you’re done. While rethreading harness straps isn’t overly burdensome, this thoughtful design feature saves time and effort, a detail we particularly value on our top-choice Graco seat as well.
While the KeyFit 35 and KeyFit 30 share similar aesthetics, the KeyFit 35 exudes a noticeably sleeker and more upscale appearance. It features its own selection of fabric options distinct from the KeyFit 30. Available choices include various shades of black, navy, and gray, along with the Chicco KeyFit 35 ClearTex option, which maintains the same seat features but uses fabric without added chemicals and has received Greenguard Gold Certification for lower chemical emissions. Spot-cleaning the KeyFit 35 is straightforward, and the cover can also be removed for machine-washing and line-drying.
The sun canopy on the KeyFit 35 extends slightly farther than that of the KeyFit 30, though it’s not as expansive as the canopy on our premium pick, the Clek Liing. For those seeking a larger sunshade, the KeyFit 35 Zip ClearTex model offers a canopy that can be fully unzipped to provide complete shade for the seat, at an additional cost of about $30. The KeyFit 35 Zip ClearTex also features a quick-remove seat pad, allowing you to easily detach the top part of the seat cover for washing. While these extras are a nice upgrade for those willing to spend more, we believe most users would find the standard KeyFit 35 model perfectly adequate.
Similar to the KeyFit 30, the KeyFit 35 measures 16½ inches wide, making it suitable for fitting into a three-across car seat configuration. It is slightly longer than the KeyFit 30 at 28 inches and weighs half a pound more at 10 pounds (still half a pound lighter than our top-pick Graco seat).
The KeyFit 35 features a slightly higher maximum passenger height and weight limit compared to the KeyFit 30. Both seats have a minimum weight limit of 4 pounds, accommodating some preemies. While the KeyFit 30 supports up to 30 pounds and 30 inches, the KeyFit 35 extends this to 35 pounds and 32 inches. While this may offer a few extra months of use before transitioning to a convertible seat, we believe the portability advantage of an infant seat diminishes around this size. Nonetheless, the higher limits can extend the KeyFit 35’s usability.
Like the KeyFit 30, the KeyFit 35 includes a newborn insert (removed at 11 pounds) and a headrest cushion usable beyond the newborn stage. Both models expire after six years and come with a one-year warranty. Notably, specific NHTSA crash-testing data for the KeyFit 35 is not available.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
Many of the shortcomings we identified in the KeyFit 30, such as its American belt path and basic features, are addressed in the KeyFit 35, which also boasts a slightly more stylish appearance. Weighing 10 pounds, it is half a pound heavier than the KeyFit 30 but still lighter than our top pick from Graco, which weighs 10½ pounds. While the KeyFit 35 comes at a higher cost than the KeyFit 30, we believe the added benefits—including an anti-rebound base and a European belt path—justify the price increase.
Additionally, for those considering reuse, note that like the KeyFit 30, the KeyFit 35 has a lifespan of six years before expiration, which is shorter than our top pick from Graco (seven years) or our upgrade pick from Clek (nine years).
Upgrade pick: Clek Liing
Clek Liing
An infant seat in a class of its own
This model is exceptionally easy to install and is designed to minimize user error with extensive color-coding. Additionally, it features a large sun canopy and includes the added safety benefit of a load leg.
Clek, a Canadian car seat manufacturer renowned for its robust convertible car seats often likened to tanks, introduced its inaugural infant car seat, the Clek Liing, in 2019, which might still be unfamiliar to some. However, in our recent testing, we were genuinely impressed—almost to the point of gushing—by the Liing’s exceptional functionality, engineering, safety features, and overall design.
The instruction manual for the Clek Liing is detailed yet approachable; don’t be intimidated by its thoroughness. Installing the Liing with its base is remarkably straightforward. One Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) noted that it’s so simple that her 5-year-old could manage it with adult supervision—and we have no reason to doubt that. Like our other recommended seats, the Liing features additional guides and instructions printed directly on the seat itself. These on-seat instructions are among the most comprehensive we’ve encountered, reiterating crucial information from the manual where it matters most on the seat.
During my initial attempt, installing the seat took a couple of minutes, and subsequently, about a minute. To begin installation, extend the load leg from the seat’s base. This load leg, a key safety feature of the Liing, is a telescoping metal rod that provides additional support between the seat base and the vehicle floor. In the event of a crash, the load leg absorbs initial impact and restricts seat rotation or rebound. While the base can be installed without the load leg, Clek’s crash tests with the Liing demonstrated up to a 40% reduction in potential injuries when the load leg was utilized.
The combination of the rigid LATCH connection and the load leg makes it feel as if the Liing’s base is built into your car.
To secure the Clek Liing’s base using the LATCH system, extend the metal arms integrated into the base and insert them directly into your vehicle’s LATCH anchors. As the connection is made, the indicator window next to the connectors shifts from red to green. This type of LATCH system is referred to as rigid LATCH, and it’s our preferred type due to its ability to facilitate the safest and most secure installation. Releasing the base with rigid LATCH is straightforward: simply press down and slide back the red LATCH release buttons located near the LATCH anchors.
The final step in installation is adjusting the base to one of seven recline positions. A liquid-filled bubble level indicator assists in selecting the appropriate recline setting based on the baby’s weight. Once the base of the Liing is installed with rigid LATCH and the load leg, it remains securely in place without any movement—it feels seamlessly integrated into the vehicle.
The Liing has a rigid LATCH system. You line up the connectors with your car’s LATCH anchors and push until they click into place and the indicator turns green.
To install the Clek Liing base using the seat-belt method, start by opening the belt tensioner using the lever located on the base. Thread the seat belt through the bright blue plastic threader on the top edge of the base, pull it tight, and then close the belt tensioner. While our tests found this installation method to be very secure, it didn’t quite match the rock-solid feel of the LATCH method.
Whether using the LATCH system or the seat-belt method, color-change indicators provide clear feedback when components are properly locked. A red indicator signifies not locked, while green indicates a secure lock. At the base of the load leg, another color-change indicator turns green once the leg is lowered using the “Pull” tab.
When ready to attach the seat bucket to the base, yet another color indicator on the side of the bucket confirms proper insertion. It displays red if not securely attached and turns green when the seat is properly locked in place. With its extensive color-coding—more than any other seat we’ve tested—the Liing makes it nearly impossible to inadvertently misinstall any component.
The Liing’s base features several indicators that transition from red to green upon proper installation, located on the LATCH connectors and the load leg. Additionally, it includes a bubble level indicator to assist in adjusting the base’s angle according to your infant’s weight.
Similar to our selections from Graco and Chicco, the Clek Liing seat allows for one-handed removal from its base, although the release lever is situated on the base itself, not on the bucket seat. Adjusting the handle requires both hands (unlike our Graco pick), yet it moves smoothly and is comfortable to grasp. As your baby grows, adjusting the harness straps follows the traditional method of removing and rethreading them. (A no-rethread harness, as found in the Graco seat and the Chicco KeyFit 35, offers quicker and easier adjustments.)
The Clek Liing is narrow and compact, measuring 16.9 inches wide and 27.7 inches deep—just slightly larger than the Chicco KeyFit 30 and KeyFit 35, which are the smallest among our selections. Like our other picks, the Liing is well-suited for fitting three across. Without the base, the bucket carrier weighs 9 pounds, over a pound lighter than our top-pick seat from Graco. While we didn’t find significant weight differences noticeable among our four picks, the extra pound may become more noticeable as your baby grows and carrying becomes more challenging.
Despite its compact dimensions, the Liing accommodates infants up to 35 pounds or 32 inches in height, and it supports babies as small as 4 pounds, making it suitable for some preemies. Included with the Liing is removable support padding designed for infants weighing less than 11 pounds. Clek refers to this padding as “two-stage,” comprising a headrest and a support cushion. The headrest can be used until the baby outgrows the seat, while the bottom support cushion remains suitable until their shoulders reach the top harness slot.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
When you’re investing this much in a seat, it’s natural to scrutinize and identify areas for potential improvement. Take, for instance, the Liing’s harness system, which requires manual adjustments as your child grows. While this task isn’t overly complicated, the absence of a no-rethread harness helps keep the seat lightweight—though, having experienced the convenience of such a feature on top models like Graco’s leading pick and the Chicco KeyFit 35, its omission becomes noticeable.
Moreover, there are other considerations to address head-on: Even among premium choices, the Liing’s price tag is notably steep. It commands roughly double the cost of comparable alternatives, making it one of the most expensive infant seats on the market. We recognize the financial strain this may impose, especially since infant seats typically serve a short-term purpose. This disparity prompted extensive internal discussions as we revised our recommendations, mindful of endorsing a product that’s financially out of reach for many families, despite its safety benefits.
Regrettably, due to safety concerns associated with used car seats, unlike bikes or strollers, we can’t recommend seeking a secondhand option unless its history and condition are unequivocally trustworthy.
Ultimately, while the Liing’s price may exclude it from consideration for some, we chose not to discount its merits solely on cost. Our guide strives to offer a spectrum of excellent choices, catering to diverse budgets, ensuring confidence in every recommendation we make.
Chicco KeyFit 30A totally solid, tried-and-true infant car seat
The Chicco KeyFit 30 is simple to install and use, and it lives up to its excellent reputation.
The Chicco KeyFit 30 infant car seat stands out as one of the simplest to use and install, particularly when employing the LATCH method. Introduced in 2006, the core design of this seat has seen minimal changes since its debut. As a result, it has garnered strong recommendations among caregivers, who often pass it along to others based on their positive experiences.
The KeyFit 30 comes equipped with clear instructions in a comprehensive booklet, supplemented by additional instructions and illustrations conveniently printed on the seat itself. A small drawer integrated into the seat provides a handy storage spot for keeping the manual accessible between uses. In our testing, this seat proved to be exceptionally easy to install using the base and LATCH method. The inclusion of liquid-filled bubble level indicators on both sides of the base ensures a straightforward and intuitive method for achieving the correct seat angle. While there isn’t a specific ease-of-use rating for the KeyFit 30, the NHTSA awarded the Chicco KeyFit 30 Magic—a predecessor with the same base configuration—four out of five stars for ease of use.
The KeyFit 30’s base has a bubble level indicator on both sides to help you identify the correct angle.
Securing the base of the KeyFit 30 using LATCH is straightforward: you engage the push-button LATCH hooks into the car’s anchors. To tighten, you pull up on a single strap located at the center of the base, marked with “Pull Strap Storage.” In our testing, achieving a snug fit with this Chicco seat required moderate effort; it was slightly more demanding than our top-pick Graco seat or our upgrade pick from Clek. This is because with the KeyFit 30, you need to press down on the base while pulling up on the LATCH pull strap, whereas the Graco seat relies on the lock-off arm and the Clek seat requires a simple push-in action.
During our tests, the initial installation of the KeyFit 30 took approximately three minutes, but subsequent installations were completed in about one minute once familiar with the process. To uninstall the base, you lift the button labeled “Lift to Release” to extend the LATCH straps, and then press the red buttons on the LATCH hooks to disengage them.
The base of the KeyFit 30 has push-button LATCH hooks that connect to the car’s anchors.
Installing the KeyFit 30’s base with the seat belt is straightforward but requires more physical effort. First, you thread the seat belt through the designated openings in the base. Next, you push down on the base while pulling the seat belt tight. While maintaining pressure on the base, you route the shoulder belt through the lock-off mechanism located on the side of the base.
During our installation session with CPST Gina Duchossois, she recommended using significant pressure to tighten the belt effectively. In fact, she suggested I apply my body weight by climbing onto the KeyFit 30’s base to ensure a secure installation—I found that relying solely on arm strength wasn’t sufficient for achieving the desired tightness.
The bottom line: Installing the KeyFit 30’s base with LATCH is significantly easier. So if you have access to LATCH anchors in your vehicle, it’s the preferred method for securing this seat. However, if your vehicle predates 2003 (before the introduction of LATCH), or if you’re installing the infant seat in a position without LATCH, like the center of a bench seat or in a third row, and you’re concerned about the strength required for installation, you may want to explore other options that offer simpler seat-belt-and-base installations.
Our attempts to install the KeyFit 30 without its base were not particularly successful—but that problem is not unique to this seat. Like our top pick from Graco, this Chicco seat utilizes an American belt path, which routes the seat belt across the top front of the bucket, above the baby’s legs. Consequently, similar to the Graco seat, achieving a tight and secure installation without the base proved to be quite challenging.
When using the KeyFit 30 without its base, you slide the seat belt through tabs at the front of the seat (known as the American belt path). We were the least happy with this install method.
We found the KeyFit 30 to be user-friendly overall. The handle is easy to adjust between positions, though unlike the handle on our top pick, the Graco seat, it does not allow adjustments with one hand. The harness is straightforward to tighten and loosen, operated by a strap mechanism located at the foot of the seat bucket. Adjusting the height of the harness straps as your baby grows requires removing the belts from a plate on the back, pulling them through the holes in the seat, and threading them back through at the desired height. Unlike seats with a convenient no-rethread harness like the Graco seat and Chicco’s KeyFit 35, this process is more involved.
The KeyFit 30 stands out as one of the most user-friendly infant car seats for its effortless installation and removal from its base. To detach it, simply lift the orange handle located at the back of the seat. Like our top picks from Graco and Clek, this Chicco model allows you to accomplish this task single-handedly. Opening the chest clip on the harness is straightforward, with the word ‘PUSH’ engraved into the plastic, making it practically foolproof even for sleep-deprived parents.
An intuitive tightening system makes it a no-brainer to tighten the harness from the foot-end of the seat. You pull the strap to tighten the harness, and you press the orange button to release it.
In terms of aesthetics, the KeyFit 30 leans towards simplicity rather than standout style. It doesn’t boast the same visual appeal as the Graco or Clek seats. However, it’s also not unattractive. Available in a variety of muted color combinations, the seat cover is crafted from a smooth polyester material that’s easy to wipe clean. For deeper cleaning, you can remove the cover and machine-wash it on a gentle cycle, then air-dry it as needed. Unlike the Graco seat, removing the cover on this Chicco model requires disassembling the harness system, adding a bit more time to the process.
The KeyFit 30 features a decent sun canopy that, while smaller than those on our other recommendations, performs adequately. Similar to the Graco seat, you can detach it from the back of the seat and adjust it forward to provide shade and block sunlight from the front.
The KeyFit 30 is the most compact option among our recommended seats, measuring 16½ inches wide and 27½ inches front to back. Like our other top picks, it is well-suited for fitting three-across in a vehicle. Weighing 9½ pounds, it is the second-lightest infant seat among our selections, following the Clek Liing.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
Similar to our preferred Graco seat, installing the Chicco KeyFit 30 securely without its base can be challenging due to its American belt-path configuration. If your family prioritizes no-base installations, this might not be the ideal seat for you. Alternatively, our alternate recommendation, the Chicco KeyFit 35, offers a very similar experience with the advantage of a European belt path, allowing for more reliable no-base installations. Additionally, while installing the KeyFit 30 with its base using the seat belt (instead of the LATCH method) isn’t overly complicated, it does require some effort.
The KeyFit 30 features the lowest child height and weight limits among our recommendations, with limits that are 5 pounds and 2 inches less than those of the Graco SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX, Chicco KeyFit 35, and Clek Liing. While this is unlikely to be a concern for most, it’s worth noting, especially if you have a taller-than-average baby. According to car seat technicians we consulted, children typically reach the height limit of an infant seat before reaching the weight limit. Many parents choose to transition to a convertible car seat earlier than reaching these limits simply because it becomes less comfortable or convenient to carry a larger baby in an infant seat.
While not a flaw per se, it’s worth noting that the KeyFit 30 is somewhat basic in its features. It does not include some extras that could be considered nice-to-have but not essential, such as a no-rethread harness or additional safety features like an anti-rebound base or a load leg. While these features can add convenience or extra safety, they are not necessary for a high-quality infant car seat.
This seat is compatible with strollers from many brands.
Another factor to consider: If you’re planning on having more children and intend to reuse your infant seat, keep in mind that the KeyFit 30 has a lifespan of six years before it expires. This is shorter compared to our top pick from Graco, which lasts seven years, or our premium pick from Clek, which lasts nine years.
Also great: Chicco KeyFit 35
Chicco KeyFit 35Like our runner-up pick, with a few notable upgrades
This seat is equally easy to install and use compared to the KeyFit 30, and it offers several enhancements. These include an anti-rebound base and a European belt path, making it easier to install without the base when traveling.
In several aspects, the Chicco KeyFit 35 surpasses its counterpart, the Chicco KeyFit 30, which is our runner-up choice for infant car seats. Like the KeyFit 30, the KeyFit 35 excels in ease of installation and usability. However, the KeyFit 35 includes additional safety features such as an anti-rebound base, a European belt path (particularly beneficial for families using the seat frequently without the base), and a convenient no-rethread harness. It weighs half a pound more than the KeyFit 30 and comes at a slightly higher price point.
Installing the KeyFit 35 with its base closely mirrors the process for the KeyFit 30. Similar to the KeyFit 30, installation using the LATCH system is straightforward, while using the vehicle seat belt requires a bit more effort. The KeyFit 35 features a distinct base design compared to the KeyFit 30, akin to our top-pick Graco seat, incorporating an anti-rebound base for enhanced safety, although this does not affect the installation procedure. Additionally, the recline-angle adjuster is conveniently located at the top of the base, unlike the KeyFit 30’s side positioning, making it easier to adjust. The base’s curved, elongated metal front sits flush against the vehicle seatback, designed to minimize secondary (or rebound) movement in the event of a collision.
The Chicco KeyFit 35 comes with an anti-rebound base, which sits flush against the vehicle seat to help reduce the rebound motion of the infant seat in the event of a crash.
Another notable feature of the KeyFit 35 is its European belt path, akin to our premium pick, the Clek Liing. This belt path is particularly useful when installing the seat without its base, relying solely on the vehicle seat belt—commonly used for taxi rides or travel scenarios where carrying the base isn’t practical. Unlike most infant car seats in the US that utilize an American belt path, which secures the seat belt over the top of the seat alone, we’ve found in our tests that achieving a secure installation with an American belt path can be challenging.
An overhead view of the European belt path demonstrates where the vehicle’s lap belt threads through the seat.
In contrast, a European belt path guides the lap belt over the top of the seat and the shoulder belt around the back of the seat, significantly minimizing the seat’s potential for movement and shifting. While installing an infant seat without a base using a European belt path may not be as secure and stable as with a base, the difference between a seat installed with an American versus European belt path is substantial. If you frequently travel without the base, the type of belt path your infant seat features should be a crucial consideration. The KeyFit 35 offers this valuable European belt path feature at a significantly lower cost compared to our premium choice, the Clek Liing.
Many of the KeyFit 35’s fundamental features remain consistent with those of the KeyFit 30, including the carrying handle. However, a notable enhancement is the KeyFit 35’s no-rethread harness: as your baby grows, you no longer need to detach the harness straps from the splitter plate, manually thread them through the seat’s back holes, and reattach them. Instead, you simply adjust the harness up or down to the desired position (the headrest adjusts automatically), and you’re done. While rethreading harness straps isn’t overly burdensome, this thoughtful design feature saves time and effort, a detail we particularly value on our top-choice Graco seat as well.
While the KeyFit 35 and KeyFit 30 share similar aesthetics, the KeyFit 35 exudes a noticeably sleeker and more upscale appearance. It features its own selection of fabric options distinct from the KeyFit 30. Available choices include various shades of black, navy, and gray, along with the Chicco KeyFit 35 ClearTex option, which maintains the same seat features but uses fabric without added chemicals and has received Greenguard Gold Certification for lower chemical emissions. Spot-cleaning the KeyFit 35 is straightforward, and the cover can also be removed for machine-washing and line-drying.
The sun canopy on the KeyFit 35 extends slightly farther than that of the KeyFit 30, though it’s not as expansive as the canopy on our premium pick, the Clek Liing. For those seeking a larger sunshade, the KeyFit 35 Zip ClearTex model offers a canopy that can be fully unzipped to provide complete shade for the seat, at an additional cost of about $30. The KeyFit 35 Zip ClearTex also features a quick-remove seat pad, allowing you to easily detach the top part of the seat cover for washing. While these extras are a nice upgrade for those willing to spend more, we believe most users would find the standard KeyFit 35 model perfectly adequate.
Similar to the KeyFit 30, the KeyFit 35 measures 16½ inches wide, making it suitable for fitting into a three-across car seat configuration. It is slightly longer than the KeyFit 30 at 28 inches and weighs half a pound more at 10 pounds (still half a pound lighter than our top-pick Graco seat).
The KeyFit 35 features a slightly higher maximum passenger height and weight limit compared to the KeyFit 30. Both seats have a minimum weight limit of 4 pounds, accommodating some preemies. While the KeyFit 30 supports up to 30 pounds and 30 inches, the KeyFit 35 extends this to 35 pounds and 32 inches. While this may offer a few extra months of use before transitioning to a convertible seat, we believe the portability advantage of an infant seat diminishes around this size. Nonetheless, the higher limits can extend the KeyFit 35’s usability.
Like the KeyFit 30, the KeyFit 35 includes a newborn insert (removed at 11 pounds) and a headrest cushion usable beyond the newborn stage. Both models expire after six years and come with a one-year warranty. Notably, specific NHTSA crash-testing data for the KeyFit 35 is not available.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
Many of the shortcomings we identified in the KeyFit 30, such as its American belt path and basic features, are addressed in the KeyFit 35, which also boasts a slightly more stylish appearance. Weighing 10 pounds, it is half a pound heavier than the KeyFit 30 but still lighter than our top pick from Graco, which weighs 10½ pounds. While the KeyFit 35 comes at a higher cost than the KeyFit 30, we believe the added benefits—including an anti-rebound base and a European belt path—justify the price increase.
Additionally, for those considering reuse, note that like the KeyFit 30, the KeyFit 35 has a lifespan of six years before expiration, which is shorter than our top pick from Graco (seven years) or our upgrade pick from Clek (nine years).
Upgrade pick: Clek Liing
Clek Liing
An infant seat in a class of its own
This model is exceptionally easy to install and is designed to minimize user error with extensive color-coding. Additionally, it features a large sun canopy and includes the added safety benefit of a load leg.
Clek, a Canadian car seat manufacturer renowned for its robust convertible car seats often likened to tanks, introduced its inaugural infant car seat, the Clek Liing, in 2019, which might still be unfamiliar to some. However, in our recent testing, we were genuinely impressed—almost to the point of gushing—by the Liing’s exceptional functionality, engineering, safety features, and overall design.
The instruction manual for the Clek Liing is detailed yet approachable; don’t be intimidated by its thoroughness. Installing the Liing with its base is remarkably straightforward. One Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) noted that it’s so simple that her 5-year-old could manage it with adult supervision—and we have no reason to doubt that. Like our other recommended seats, the Liing features additional guides and instructions printed directly on the seat itself. These on-seat instructions are among the most comprehensive we’ve encountered, reiterating crucial information from the manual where it matters most on the seat.
During my initial attempt, installing the seat took a couple of minutes, and subsequently, about a minute. To begin installation, extend the load leg from the seat’s base. This load leg, a key safety feature of the Liing, is a telescoping metal rod that provides additional support between the seat base and the vehicle floor. In the event of a crash, the load leg absorbs initial impact and restricts seat rotation or rebound. While the base can be installed without the load leg, Clek’s crash tests with the Liing demonstrated up to a 40% reduction in potential injuries when the load leg was utilized.
The combination of the rigid LATCH connection and the load leg makes it feel as if the Liing’s base is built into your car.
To secure the Clek Liing’s base using the LATCH system, extend the metal arms integrated into the base and insert them directly into your vehicle’s LATCH anchors. As the connection is made, the indicator window next to the connectors shifts from red to green. This type of LATCH system is referred to as rigid LATCH, and it’s our preferred type due to its ability to facilitate the safest and most secure installation. Releasing the base with rigid LATCH is straightforward: simply press down and slide back the red LATCH release buttons located near the LATCH anchors.
The final step in installation is adjusting the base to one of seven recline positions. A liquid-filled bubble level indicator assists in selecting the appropriate recline setting based on the baby’s weight. Once the base of the Liing is installed with rigid LATCH and the load leg, it remains securely in place without any movement—it feels seamlessly integrated into the vehicle.
The Liing has a rigid LATCH system. You line up the connectors with your car’s LATCH anchors and push until they click into place and the indicator turns green.
To install the Clek Liing base using the seat-belt method, start by opening the belt tensioner using the lever located on the base. Thread the seat belt through the bright blue plastic threader on the top edge of the base, pull it tight, and then close the belt tensioner. While our tests found this installation method to be very secure, it didn’t quite match the rock-solid feel of the LATCH method.
Whether using the LATCH system or the seat-belt method, color-change indicators provide clear feedback when components are properly locked. A red indicator signifies not locked, while green indicates a secure lock. At the base of the load leg, another color-change indicator turns green once the leg is lowered using the “Pull” tab.
When ready to attach the seat bucket to the base, yet another color indicator on the side of the bucket confirms proper insertion. It displays red if not securely attached and turns green when the seat is properly locked in place. With its extensive color-coding—more than any other seat we’ve tested—the Liing makes it nearly impossible to inadvertently misinstall any component.
The Liing’s base features several indicators that transition from red to green upon proper installation, located on the LATCH connectors and the load leg. Additionally, it includes a bubble level indicator to assist in adjusting the base’s angle according to your infant’s weight.
Similar to our selections from Graco and Chicco, the Clek Liing seat allows for one-handed removal from its base, although the release lever is situated on the base itself, not on the bucket seat. Adjusting the handle requires both hands (unlike our Graco pick), yet it moves smoothly and is comfortable to grasp. As your baby grows, adjusting the harness straps follows the traditional method of removing and rethreading them. (A no-rethread harness, as found in the Graco seat and the Chicco KeyFit 35, offers quicker and easier adjustments.)
The Clek Liing is narrow and compact, measuring 16.9 inches wide and 27.7 inches deep—just slightly larger than the Chicco KeyFit 30 and KeyFit 35, which are the smallest among our selections. Like our other picks, the Liing is well-suited for fitting three across. Without the base, the bucket carrier weighs 9 pounds, over a pound lighter than our top-pick seat from Graco. While we didn’t find significant weight differences noticeable among our four picks, the extra pound may become more noticeable as your baby grows and carrying becomes more challenging.
Despite its compact dimensions, the Liing accommodates infants up to 35 pounds or 32 inches in height, and it supports babies as small as 4 pounds, making it suitable for some preemies. Included with the Liing is removable support padding designed for infants weighing less than 11 pounds. Clek refers to this padding as “two-stage,” comprising a headrest and a support cushion. The headrest can be used until the baby outgrows the seat, while the bottom support cushion remains suitable until their shoulders reach the top harness slot.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
When you’re investing this much in a seat, it’s natural to scrutinize and identify areas for potential improvement. Take, for instance, the Liing’s harness system, which requires manual adjustments as your child grows. While this task isn’t overly complicated, the absence of a no-rethread harness helps keep the seat lightweight—though, having experienced the convenience of such a feature on top models like Graco’s leading pick and the Chicco KeyFit 35, its omission becomes noticeable.
Moreover, there are other considerations to address head-on: Even among premium choices, the Liing’s price tag is notably steep. It commands roughly double the cost of comparable alternatives, making it one of the most expensive infant seats on the market. We recognize the financial strain this may impose, especially since infant seats typically serve a short-term purpose. This disparity prompted extensive internal discussions as we revised our recommendations, mindful of endorsing a product that’s financially out of reach for many families, despite its safety benefits.
Regrettably, due to safety concerns associated with used car seats, unlike bikes or strollers, we can’t recommend seeking a secondhand option unless its history and condition are unequivocally trustworthy.
Ultimately, while the Liing’s price may exclude it from consideration for some, we chose not to discount its merits solely on cost. Our guide strives to offer a spectrum of excellent choices, catering to diverse budgets, ensuring confidence in every recommendation we make.
Graco SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLXThe best infant car seat
The SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX is simpler to install, adjust, and operate compared to seats that are much more expensive. Additionally, it includes an extra safety feature: an anti-rebound base.
The Graco SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX offers exceptional value for its price. We would happily consider paying more for this infant car seat, but we’re pleased that it’s affordably priced. This seat stands out for its ease of installation, portability, and appealing design. It includes thoughtful extras that enhance usability and boasts generous height and weight limits. Additionally, the SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX features an anti-rebound base, adding an extra layer of safety, though not strictly necessary. Despite its comprehensive features, it remains competitively priced compared to many other infant seats, including those we considered for our recommendations.
Installing the base of the SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX is straightforward and intuitive, thanks to integrated guides and instructions within the base. One notable feature is a liquid-filled bubble level indicator, similar to a carpenter’s level, which helps you adjust the base’s foot correctly once it’s on your car seat. To adjust, simply squeeze the lever located at the front of the seat, allowing you to shift the base into one of its five recline positions. This adjustment ensures the seat is positioned correctly according to the angle of your vehicle’s seat and your child’s age.
Here we’ve installed the base of the SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX using the push-button LATCH connectors that hook into the car’s built-in anchors.
Next, you secure the base by attaching the included straps via LATCH to the vehicle’s anchors and closing the lock-off, which ratchets down the strap to eliminate any slack. Alternatively, if you choose to use your car’s seat belt instead of the LATCH system, you thread the seat belt through the designated belt path, buckle it, and then close the lock-off to secure it in place. To uninstall the base, simply lift the lock-off and either press the red buttons on the LATCH clips to release them or unbuckle the seat belt.
Graco asserts that it’s feasible to complete the base installation, using either LATCH or the seat belt, in under a minute. In our testing, this claim was quite accurate; during my initial attempt, the process took approximately two minutes. With a bit of practice, however, I was able to streamline the installation to within a minute. The manual provides detailed and clear instructions, and the markers and guides on the seat itself proved to be immensely helpful in the process.
Once the base is installed and the bucket seat is clicked into place, the setup feels reassuringly secure. Whether you opt for LATCH or the seat belt installation method for an infant seat, the objective remains consistent: when you grasp the seat or the base near the attachment point and gently tug back and forth, the seat should move less than an inch in any direction.
The secure fit of the SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX is enhanced by the anti-rebound bar located at the base, which firmly presses against the vehicle’s seat back. This feature serves as an additional safety measure, mitigating the secondary motion typically caused by a front-impact collision. In the event of a crash, a car seat may move forward and then rebound, potentially causing the baby to impact the vehicle seat back. The anti-rebound bar helps minimize this rebound effect. It’s noteworthy that such a feature is uncommon on a seat priced around $200, regardless of its perceived importance.
The anti-rebound base, an added safety feature on the SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX, is a metal bar that sits flush against the back of the vehicle’s seat; it limits the amount the infant seat can move in a crash.
We encountered challenges when attempting to install this seat without the base, using only the bucket portion and the car’s seat belt. Similar to our runner-up pick, the Chicco KeyFit 30, the SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX utilizes an American belt-path configuration. This setup requires the seat belt to be threaded through guides located at the top front of the bucket, above the baby’s legs. Unfortunately, this configuration makes achieving a completely secure installation difficult. It’s cumbersome to press down on the seat with one hand while simultaneously removing slack from the belt with the other, and the belt tends to slide through the guides if there’s any slack. As a result, the seat can feel somewhat loose and prone to movement.
In contrast, infant seats that utilize a European belt path—such as our upgrade pick, the Clek Liing, and our also-great pick, the Chicco KeyFit 35—direct the shoulder belt around the back of the seat and the lap belt across the top, resulting in a tighter and more secure fit for the infant seat. To improve the SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX’s stability in this type of installation, CPST Gina Duchossois suggests placing a rolled-up towel or a shortened pool noodle in the gap between the infant seat and the vehicle seat to achieve a snugger fit.
Here we’ve installed the SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX without the base, using only the vehicle’s seat belt.
Once you’ve installed the SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX, it’s designed for easy usability. While many infant car seats typically require both hands to adjust the handle position, the SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX features a conveniently placed button at the top of the handle. With a simple press of this button, you can adjust the handle using just one hand. Releasing the bucket from the base is also effortless with a one-handed maneuver—simply lift up on a handle located at the back of the seat.
Securing and releasing the chest clip on the harness of the SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX is straightforward and doesn’t require much hand strength. One standout feature is its no-rethread harness, which is rare among infant seats we’ve tested. Adjusting the harness as your baby grows and needs different headrest and strap heights is simple—just press the Adjust button on the headrest and pull up to move the straps to the desired position.
The SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX is visually appealing and available in several attractive color combinations. Its polyester fabric cover has a slightly coarse texture, akin to a wet suit. Cleaning is convenient—you can spot-clean it or remove it entirely and machine-wash it on a gentle cycle, followed by air-drying. A notable feature is Graco’s “rapid remove” seat pad, which allows you to remove the cover for washing without the need to disassemble or unthread the harness. The section of the cover most prone to being soiled, such as during diaper blowouts, can be unsnapped and washed separately, making it easy to clean and reattach without removing the entire cover.
The SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX features a notably thicker headrest compared to many other models we’ve reviewed. Its sun canopy offers decent coverage and can be detached at the back, allowing your baby to remain shaded from the front if needed. According to Graco, the canopy is designed for quiet adjustments to avoid disturbing a sleeping baby. During our testing, we moved the canopy without noticing any significant noise, although we didn’t have a sleeping infant to test it with at the time. Historically, we haven’t found canopies to be loud enough to disrupt naps, but quieter adjustments are always appreciated in theory.
Measuring 29 inches long from front to back, the SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX is the longest among the seats we recommend, albeit by just about an inch, ensuring it fits well even in compact cars. It spans approximately 17½ inches wide, making it the widest of our recommended seats, though by a little over half an inch. Depending on the vehicle type and other car seats in use, it may be feasible to fit three car seats across in a row. Without the base, this seat weighs around 10½ pounds—making it the heaviest among our picks and about a pound and a half heavier than our lightest model, the Clek Liing, which is our upgrade pick. While we didn’t find the extra weight particularly noticeable, starting with a lighter seat like the Clek Liing can be advantageous as babies grow heavier over time.
The SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX is designed to cater to babies as small as 4 pounds, making it a viable option for some premature infants. It includes a newborn insert, already installed, which provides additional support to ensure a secure harness fit for babies up to 12 pounds. The seat’s maximum size limit is 35 pounds or 32 inches in length, which is at the upper end of the infant seat range. Typically, caregivers may find the seat no longer practical for carrying before their baby outgrows it.
Since the SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX is relatively new in Graco’s lineup, crash-testing data from NHTSA is not yet available. However, it has received a top rating of five stars in NHTSA’s ease-of-use evaluation. The seat is certified for use up to seven years before it expires and is backed by a limited one-year warranty covering manufacturing defects (excluding misuse or damage from normal wear and tear).
Flaws but not dealbreakers
Our primary concern with the Graco SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX is the challenge of achieving a tight and secure installation without using the base. This difficulty is not exclusive to this seat; we faced a similar issue with our runner-up pick, the Chicco KeyFit 30, which also utilizes the American belt-path configuration.
If your primary use of the SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX involves using its base, this issue may not be significant. However, families who frequently depend on taxis or travel often without the base may find a seat with a European belt path more advantageous. Seats like our upgrade pick, the Clek Liing, or our also-great pick, the Chicco KeyFit 35, offer a tighter installation without the base, which can be more convenient in such scenarios.
Additionally, the SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX offers compatibility with fewer strollers from various brands compared to our other picks, including models from the popular Uppababy line. If your plan involves using an Uppababy stroller with your infant seat, you may find our runner-up pick (Chicco KeyFit 30), upgrade pick (Clek Liing), or also-great pick (Chicco KeyFit 35) more suitable, as they are all compatible with Uppababy strollers.
Runner-up: Chicco KeyFit 30
Chicco KeyFit 30A totally solid, tried-and-true infant car seat
The Chicco KeyFit 30 is simple to install and use, and it lives up to its excellent reputation.
The Chicco KeyFit 30 infant car seat stands out as one of the simplest to use and install, particularly when employing the LATCH method. Introduced in 2006, the core design of this seat has seen minimal changes since its debut. As a result, it has garnered strong recommendations among caregivers, who often pass it along to others based on their positive experiences.
The KeyFit 30 comes equipped with clear instructions in a comprehensive booklet, supplemented by additional instructions and illustrations conveniently printed on the seat itself. A small drawer integrated into the seat provides a handy storage spot for keeping the manual accessible between uses. In our testing, this seat proved to be exceptionally easy to install using the base and LATCH method. The inclusion of liquid-filled bubble level indicators on both sides of the base ensures a straightforward and intuitive method for achieving the correct seat angle. While there isn’t a specific ease-of-use rating for the KeyFit 30, the NHTSA awarded the Chicco KeyFit 30 Magic—a predecessor with the same base configuration—four out of five stars for ease of use.
The KeyFit 30’s base has a bubble level indicator on both sides to help you identify the correct angle.
Securing the base of the KeyFit 30 using LATCH is straightforward: you engage the push-button LATCH hooks into the car’s anchors. To tighten, you pull up on a single strap located at the center of the base, marked with “Pull Strap Storage.” In our testing, achieving a snug fit with this Chicco seat required moderate effort; it was slightly more demanding than our top-pick Graco seat or our upgrade pick from Clek. This is because with the KeyFit 30, you need to press down on the base while pulling up on the LATCH pull strap, whereas the Graco seat relies on the lock-off arm and the Clek seat requires a simple push-in action.
During our tests, the initial installation of the KeyFit 30 took approximately three minutes, but subsequent installations were completed in about one minute once familiar with the process. To uninstall the base, you lift the button labeled “Lift to Release” to extend the LATCH straps, and then press the red buttons on the LATCH hooks to disengage them.
The base of the KeyFit 30 has push-button LATCH hooks that connect to the car’s anchors.
Installing the KeyFit 30’s base with the seat belt is straightforward but requires more physical effort. First, you thread the seat belt through the designated openings in the base. Next, you push down on the base while pulling the seat belt tight. While maintaining pressure on the base, you route the shoulder belt through the lock-off mechanism located on the side of the base.
During our installation session with CPST Gina Duchossois, she recommended using significant pressure to tighten the belt effectively. In fact, she suggested I apply my body weight by climbing onto the KeyFit 30’s base to ensure a secure installation—I found that relying solely on arm strength wasn’t sufficient for achieving the desired tightness.
The bottom line: Installing the KeyFit 30’s base with LATCH is significantly easier. So if you have access to LATCH anchors in your vehicle, it’s the preferred method for securing this seat. However, if your vehicle predates 2003 (before the introduction of LATCH), or if you’re installing the infant seat in a position without LATCH, like the center of a bench seat or in a third row, and you’re concerned about the strength required for installation, you may want to explore other options that offer simpler seat-belt-and-base installations.
Our attempts to install the KeyFit 30 without its base were not particularly successful—but that problem is not unique to this seat. Like our top pick from Graco, this Chicco seat utilizes an American belt path, which routes the seat belt across the top front of the bucket, above the baby’s legs. Consequently, similar to the Graco seat, achieving a tight and secure installation without the base proved to be quite challenging.
When using the KeyFit 30 without its base, you slide the seat belt through tabs at the front of the seat (known as the American belt path). We were the least happy with this install method.
We found the KeyFit 30 to be user-friendly overall. The handle is easy to adjust between positions, though unlike the handle on our top pick, the Graco seat, it does not allow adjustments with one hand. The harness is straightforward to tighten and loosen, operated by a strap mechanism located at the foot of the seat bucket. Adjusting the height of the harness straps as your baby grows requires removing the belts from a plate on the back, pulling them through the holes in the seat, and threading them back through at the desired height. Unlike seats with a convenient no-rethread harness like the Graco seat and Chicco’s KeyFit 35, this process is more involved.
The KeyFit 30 stands out as one of the most user-friendly infant car seats for its effortless installation and removal from its base. To detach it, simply lift the orange handle located at the back of the seat. Like our top picks from Graco and Clek, this Chicco model allows you to accomplish this task single-handedly. Opening the chest clip on the harness is straightforward, with the word ‘PUSH’ engraved into the plastic, making it practically foolproof even for sleep-deprived parents.
An intuitive tightening system makes it a no-brainer to tighten the harness from the foot-end of the seat. You pull the strap to tighten the harness, and you press the orange button to release it.
In terms of aesthetics, the KeyFit 30 leans towards simplicity rather than standout style. It doesn’t boast the same visual appeal as the Graco or Clek seats. However, it’s also not unattractive. Available in a variety of muted color combinations, the seat cover is crafted from a smooth polyester material that’s easy to wipe clean. For deeper cleaning, you can remove the cover and machine-wash it on a gentle cycle, then air-dry it as needed. Unlike the Graco seat, removing the cover on this Chicco model requires disassembling the harness system, adding a bit more time to the process.
The KeyFit 30 features a decent sun canopy that, while smaller than those on our other recommendations, performs adequately. Similar to the Graco seat, you can detach it from the back of the seat and adjust it forward to provide shade and block sunlight from the front.
The KeyFit 30 is the most compact option among our recommended seats, measuring 16½ inches wide and 27½ inches front to back. Like our other top picks, it is well-suited for fitting three-across in a vehicle. Weighing 9½ pounds, it is the second-lightest infant seat among our selections, following the Clek Liing.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
Similar to our preferred Graco seat, installing the Chicco KeyFit 30 securely without its base can be challenging due to its American belt-path configuration. If your family prioritizes no-base installations, this might not be the ideal seat for you. Alternatively, our alternate recommendation, the Chicco KeyFit 35, offers a very similar experience with the advantage of a European belt path, allowing for more reliable no-base installations. Additionally, while installing the KeyFit 30 with its base using the seat belt (instead of the LATCH method) isn’t overly complicated, it does require some effort.
The KeyFit 30 features the lowest child height and weight limits among our recommendations, with limits that are 5 pounds and 2 inches less than those of the Graco SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX, Chicco KeyFit 35, and Clek Liing. While this is unlikely to be a concern for most, it’s worth noting, especially if you have a taller-than-average baby. According to car seat technicians we consulted, children typically reach the height limit of an infant seat before reaching the weight limit. Many parents choose to transition to a convertible car seat earlier than reaching these limits simply because it becomes less comfortable or convenient to carry a larger baby in an infant seat.
While not a flaw per se, it’s worth noting that the KeyFit 30 is somewhat basic in its features. It does not include some extras that could be considered nice-to-have but not essential, such as a no-rethread harness or additional safety features like an anti-rebound base or a load leg. While these features can add convenience or extra safety, they are not necessary for a high-quality infant car seat.
This seat is compatible with strollers from many brands.
Another factor to consider: If you’re planning on having more children and intend to reuse your infant seat, keep in mind that the KeyFit 30 has a lifespan of six years before it expires. This is shorter compared to our top pick from Graco, which lasts seven years, or our premium pick from Clek, which lasts nine years.
Also great: Chicco KeyFit 35
Chicco KeyFit 35Like our runner-up pick, with a few notable upgrades
This seat is equally easy to install and use compared to the KeyFit 30, and it offers several enhancements. These include an anti-rebound base and a European belt path, making it easier to install without the base when traveling.
In several aspects, the Chicco KeyFit 35 surpasses its counterpart, the Chicco KeyFit 30, which is our runner-up choice for infant car seats. Like the KeyFit 30, the KeyFit 35 excels in ease of installation and usability. However, the KeyFit 35 includes additional safety features such as an anti-rebound base, a European belt path (particularly beneficial for families using the seat frequently without the base), and a convenient no-rethread harness. It weighs half a pound more than the KeyFit 30 and comes at a slightly higher price point.
Installing the KeyFit 35 with its base closely mirrors the process for the KeyFit 30. Similar to the KeyFit 30, installation using the LATCH system is straightforward, while using the vehicle seat belt requires a bit more effort. The KeyFit 35 features a distinct base design compared to the KeyFit 30, akin to our top-pick Graco seat, incorporating an anti-rebound base for enhanced safety, although this does not affect the installation procedure. Additionally, the recline-angle adjuster is conveniently located at the top of the base, unlike the KeyFit 30’s side positioning, making it easier to adjust. The base’s curved, elongated metal front sits flush against the vehicle seatback, designed to minimize secondary (or rebound) movement in the event of a collision.
The Chicco KeyFit 35 comes with an anti-rebound base, which sits flush against the vehicle seat to help reduce the rebound motion of the infant seat in the event of a crash.
Another notable feature of the KeyFit 35 is its European belt path, akin to our premium pick, the Clek Liing. This belt path is particularly useful when installing the seat without its base, relying solely on the vehicle seat belt—commonly used for taxi rides or travel scenarios where carrying the base isn’t practical. Unlike most infant car seats in the US that utilize an American belt path, which secures the seat belt over the top of the seat alone, we’ve found in our tests that achieving a secure installation with an American belt path can be challenging.
An overhead view of the European belt path demonstrates where the vehicle’s lap belt threads through the seat.
In contrast, a European belt path guides the lap belt over the top of the seat and the shoulder belt around the back of the seat, significantly minimizing the seat’s potential for movement and shifting. While installing an infant seat without a base using a European belt path may not be as secure and stable as with a base, the difference between a seat installed with an American versus European belt path is substantial. If you frequently travel without the base, the type of belt path your infant seat features should be a crucial consideration. The KeyFit 35 offers this valuable European belt path feature at a significantly lower cost compared to our premium choice, the Clek Liing.
Many of the KeyFit 35’s fundamental features remain consistent with those of the KeyFit 30, including the carrying handle. However, a notable enhancement is the KeyFit 35’s no-rethread harness: as your baby grows, you no longer need to detach the harness straps from the splitter plate, manually thread them through the seat’s back holes, and reattach them. Instead, you simply adjust the harness up or down to the desired position (the headrest adjusts automatically), and you’re done. While rethreading harness straps isn’t overly burdensome, this thoughtful design feature saves time and effort, a detail we particularly value on our top-choice Graco seat as well.
While the KeyFit 35 and KeyFit 30 share similar aesthetics, the KeyFit 35 exudes a noticeably sleeker and more upscale appearance. It features its own selection of fabric options distinct from the KeyFit 30. Available choices include various shades of black, navy, and gray, along with the Chicco KeyFit 35 ClearTex option, which maintains the same seat features but uses fabric without added chemicals and has received Greenguard Gold Certification for lower chemical emissions. Spot-cleaning the KeyFit 35 is straightforward, and the cover can also be removed for machine-washing and line-drying.
The sun canopy on the KeyFit 35 extends slightly farther than that of the KeyFit 30, though it’s not as expansive as the canopy on our premium pick, the Clek Liing. For those seeking a larger sunshade, the KeyFit 35 Zip ClearTex model offers a canopy that can be fully unzipped to provide complete shade for the seat, at an additional cost of about $30. The KeyFit 35 Zip ClearTex also features a quick-remove seat pad, allowing you to easily detach the top part of the seat cover for washing. While these extras are a nice upgrade for those willing to spend more, we believe most users would find the standard KeyFit 35 model perfectly adequate.
Similar to the KeyFit 30, the KeyFit 35 measures 16½ inches wide, making it suitable for fitting into a three-across car seat configuration. It is slightly longer than the KeyFit 30 at 28 inches and weighs half a pound more at 10 pounds (still half a pound lighter than our top-pick Graco seat).
The KeyFit 35 features a slightly higher maximum passenger height and weight limit compared to the KeyFit 30. Both seats have a minimum weight limit of 4 pounds, accommodating some preemies. While the KeyFit 30 supports up to 30 pounds and 30 inches, the KeyFit 35 extends this to 35 pounds and 32 inches. While this may offer a few extra months of use before transitioning to a convertible seat, we believe the portability advantage of an infant seat diminishes around this size. Nonetheless, the higher limits can extend the KeyFit 35’s usability.
Like the KeyFit 30, the KeyFit 35 includes a newborn insert (removed at 11 pounds) and a headrest cushion usable beyond the newborn stage. Both models expire after six years and come with a one-year warranty. Notably, specific NHTSA crash-testing data for the KeyFit 35 is not available.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
Many of the shortcomings we identified in the KeyFit 30, such as its American belt path and basic features, are addressed in the KeyFit 35, which also boasts a slightly more stylish appearance. Weighing 10 pounds, it is half a pound heavier than the KeyFit 30 but still lighter than our top pick from Graco, which weighs 10½ pounds. While the KeyFit 35 comes at a higher cost than the KeyFit 30, we believe the added benefits—including an anti-rebound base and a European belt path—justify the price increase.
Additionally, for those considering reuse, note that like the KeyFit 30, the KeyFit 35 has a lifespan of six years before expiration, which is shorter than our top pick from Graco (seven years) or our upgrade pick from Clek (nine years).
Upgrade pick: Clek Liing
Clek Liing
An infant seat in a class of its own
This model is exceptionally easy to install and is designed to minimize user error with extensive color-coding. Additionally, it features a large sun canopy and includes the added safety benefit of a load leg.
Clek, a Canadian car seat manufacturer renowned for its robust convertible car seats often likened to tanks, introduced its inaugural infant car seat, the Clek Liing, in 2019, which might still be unfamiliar to some. However, in our recent testing, we were genuinely impressed—almost to the point of gushing—by the Liing’s exceptional functionality, engineering, safety features, and overall design.
The instruction manual for the Clek Liing is detailed yet approachable; don’t be intimidated by its thoroughness. Installing the Liing with its base is remarkably straightforward. One Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) noted that it’s so simple that her 5-year-old could manage it with adult supervision—and we have no reason to doubt that. Like our other recommended seats, the Liing features additional guides and instructions printed directly on the seat itself. These on-seat instructions are among the most comprehensive we’ve encountered, reiterating crucial information from the manual where it matters most on the seat.
During my initial attempt, installing the seat took a couple of minutes, and subsequently, about a minute. To begin installation, extend the load leg from the seat’s base. This load leg, a key safety feature of the Liing, is a telescoping metal rod that provides additional support between the seat base and the vehicle floor. In the event of a crash, the load leg absorbs initial impact and restricts seat rotation or rebound. While the base can be installed without the load leg, Clek’s crash tests with the Liing demonstrated up to a 40% reduction in potential injuries when the load leg was utilized.
The combination of the rigid LATCH connection and the load leg makes it feel as if the Liing’s base is built into your car.
To secure the Clek Liing’s base using the LATCH system, extend the metal arms integrated into the base and insert them directly into your vehicle’s LATCH anchors. As the connection is made, the indicator window next to the connectors shifts from red to green. This type of LATCH system is referred to as rigid LATCH, and it’s our preferred type due to its ability to facilitate the safest and most secure installation. Releasing the base with rigid LATCH is straightforward: simply press down and slide back the red LATCH release buttons located near the LATCH anchors.
The final step in installation is adjusting the base to one of seven recline positions. A liquid-filled bubble level indicator assists in selecting the appropriate recline setting based on the baby’s weight. Once the base of the Liing is installed with rigid LATCH and the load leg, it remains securely in place without any movement—it feels seamlessly integrated into the vehicle.
The Liing has a rigid LATCH system. You line up the connectors with your car’s LATCH anchors and push until they click into place and the indicator turns green.
To install the Clek Liing base using the seat-belt method, start by opening the belt tensioner using the lever located on the base. Thread the seat belt through the bright blue plastic threader on the top edge of the base, pull it tight, and then close the belt tensioner. While our tests found this installation method to be very secure, it didn’t quite match the rock-solid feel of the LATCH method.
Whether using the LATCH system or the seat-belt method, color-change indicators provide clear feedback when components are properly locked. A red indicator signifies not locked, while green indicates a secure lock. At the base of the load leg, another color-change indicator turns green once the leg is lowered using the “Pull” tab.
When ready to attach the seat bucket to the base, yet another color indicator on the side of the bucket confirms proper insertion. It displays red if not securely attached and turns green when the seat is properly locked in place. With its extensive color-coding—more than any other seat we’ve tested—the Liing makes it nearly impossible to inadvertently misinstall any component.
The Liing’s base features several indicators that transition from red to green upon proper installation, located on the LATCH connectors and the load leg. Additionally, it includes a bubble level indicator to assist in adjusting the base’s angle according to your infant’s weight.
Similar to our selections from Graco and Chicco, the Clek Liing seat allows for one-handed removal from its base, although the release lever is situated on the base itself, not on the bucket seat. Adjusting the handle requires both hands (unlike our Graco pick), yet it moves smoothly and is comfortable to grasp. As your baby grows, adjusting the harness straps follows the traditional method of removing and rethreading them. (A no-rethread harness, as found in the Graco seat and the Chicco KeyFit 35, offers quicker and easier adjustments.)
The Clek Liing is narrow and compact, measuring 16.9 inches wide and 27.7 inches deep—just slightly larger than the Chicco KeyFit 30 and KeyFit 35, which are the smallest among our selections. Like our other picks, the Liing is well-suited for fitting three across. Without the base, the bucket carrier weighs 9 pounds, over a pound lighter than our top-pick seat from Graco. While we didn’t find significant weight differences noticeable among our four picks, the extra pound may become more noticeable as your baby grows and carrying becomes more challenging.
Despite its compact dimensions, the Liing accommodates infants up to 35 pounds or 32 inches in height, and it supports babies as small as 4 pounds, making it suitable for some preemies. Included with the Liing is removable support padding designed for infants weighing less than 11 pounds. Clek refers to this padding as “two-stage,” comprising a headrest and a support cushion. The headrest can be used until the baby outgrows the seat, while the bottom support cushion remains suitable until their shoulders reach the top harness slot.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
When you’re investing this much in a seat, it’s natural to scrutinize and identify areas for potential improvement. Take, for instance, the Liing’s harness system, which requires manual adjustments as your child grows. While this task isn’t overly complicated, the absence of a no-rethread harness helps keep the seat lightweight—though, having experienced the convenience of such a feature on top models like Graco’s leading pick and the Chicco KeyFit 35, its omission becomes noticeable.
Moreover, there are other considerations to address head-on: Even among premium choices, the Liing’s price tag is notably steep. It commands roughly double the cost of comparable alternatives, making it one of the most expensive infant seats on the market. We recognize the financial strain this may impose, especially since infant seats typically serve a short-term purpose. This disparity prompted extensive internal discussions as we revised our recommendations, mindful of endorsing a product that’s financially out of reach for many families, despite its safety benefits.
Regrettably, due to safety concerns associated with used car seats, unlike bikes or strollers, we can’t recommend seeking a secondhand option unless its history and condition are unequivocally trustworthy.
Ultimately, while the Liing’s price may exclude it from consideration for some, we chose not to discount its merits solely on cost. Our guide strives to offer a spectrum of excellent choices, catering to diverse budgets, ensuring confidence in every recommendation we make.
Graco SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLXThe best infant car seat
The SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX is simpler to install, adjust, and operate compared to seats that are much more expensive. Additionally, it includes an extra safety feature: an anti-rebound base.
The Graco SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX offers exceptional value for its price. We would happily consider paying more for this infant car seat, but we’re pleased that it’s affordably priced. This seat stands out for its ease of installation, portability, and appealing design. It includes thoughtful extras that enhance usability and boasts generous height and weight limits. Additionally, the SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX features an anti-rebound base, adding an extra layer of safety, though not strictly necessary. Despite its comprehensive features, it remains competitively priced compared to many other infant seats, including those we considered for our recommendations.
Installing the base of the SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX is straightforward and intuitive, thanks to integrated guides and instructions within the base. One notable feature is a liquid-filled bubble level indicator, similar to a carpenter’s level, which helps you adjust the base’s foot correctly once it’s on your car seat. To adjust, simply squeeze the lever located at the front of the seat, allowing you to shift the base into one of its five recline positions. This adjustment ensures the seat is positioned correctly according to the angle of your vehicle’s seat and your child’s age.
Here we’ve installed the base of the SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX using the push-button LATCH connectors that hook into the car’s built-in anchors.
Next, you secure the base by attaching the included straps via LATCH to the vehicle’s anchors and closing the lock-off, which ratchets down the strap to eliminate any slack. Alternatively, if you choose to use your car’s seat belt instead of the LATCH system, you thread the seat belt through the designated belt path, buckle it, and then close the lock-off to secure it in place. To uninstall the base, simply lift the lock-off and either press the red buttons on the LATCH clips to release them or unbuckle the seat belt.
Graco asserts that it’s feasible to complete the base installation, using either LATCH or the seat belt, in under a minute. In our testing, this claim was quite accurate; during my initial attempt, the process took approximately two minutes. With a bit of practice, however, I was able to streamline the installation to within a minute. The manual provides detailed and clear instructions, and the markers and guides on the seat itself proved to be immensely helpful in the process.
Once the base is installed and the bucket seat is clicked into place, the setup feels reassuringly secure. Whether you opt for LATCH or the seat belt installation method for an infant seat, the objective remains consistent: when you grasp the seat or the base near the attachment point and gently tug back and forth, the seat should move less than an inch in any direction.
The secure fit of the SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX is enhanced by the anti-rebound bar located at the base, which firmly presses against the vehicle’s seat back. This feature serves as an additional safety measure, mitigating the secondary motion typically caused by a front-impact collision. In the event of a crash, a car seat may move forward and then rebound, potentially causing the baby to impact the vehicle seat back. The anti-rebound bar helps minimize this rebound effect. It’s noteworthy that such a feature is uncommon on a seat priced around $200, regardless of its perceived importance.
The anti-rebound base, an added safety feature on the SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX, is a metal bar that sits flush against the back of the vehicle’s seat; it limits the amount the infant seat can move in a crash.
We encountered challenges when attempting to install this seat without the base, using only the bucket portion and the car’s seat belt. Similar to our runner-up pick, the Chicco KeyFit 30, the SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX utilizes an American belt-path configuration. This setup requires the seat belt to be threaded through guides located at the top front of the bucket, above the baby’s legs. Unfortunately, this configuration makes achieving a completely secure installation difficult. It’s cumbersome to press down on the seat with one hand while simultaneously removing slack from the belt with the other, and the belt tends to slide through the guides if there’s any slack. As a result, the seat can feel somewhat loose and prone to movement.
In contrast, infant seats that utilize a European belt path—such as our upgrade pick, the Clek Liing, and our also-great pick, the Chicco KeyFit 35—direct the shoulder belt around the back of the seat and the lap belt across the top, resulting in a tighter and more secure fit for the infant seat. To improve the SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX’s stability in this type of installation, CPST Gina Duchossois suggests placing a rolled-up towel or a shortened pool noodle in the gap between the infant seat and the vehicle seat to achieve a snugger fit.
Here we’ve installed the SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX without the base, using only the vehicle’s seat belt.
Once you’ve installed the SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX, it’s designed for easy usability. While many infant car seats typically require both hands to adjust the handle position, the SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX features a conveniently placed button at the top of the handle. With a simple press of this button, you can adjust the handle using just one hand. Releasing the bucket from the base is also effortless with a one-handed maneuver—simply lift up on a handle located at the back of the seat.
Securing and releasing the chest clip on the harness of the SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX is straightforward and doesn’t require much hand strength. One standout feature is its no-rethread harness, which is rare among infant seats we’ve tested. Adjusting the harness as your baby grows and needs different headrest and strap heights is simple—just press the Adjust button on the headrest and pull up to move the straps to the desired position.
The SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX is visually appealing and available in several attractive color combinations. Its polyester fabric cover has a slightly coarse texture, akin to a wet suit. Cleaning is convenient—you can spot-clean it or remove it entirely and machine-wash it on a gentle cycle, followed by air-drying. A notable feature is Graco’s “rapid remove” seat pad, which allows you to remove the cover for washing without the need to disassemble or unthread the harness. The section of the cover most prone to being soiled, such as during diaper blowouts, can be unsnapped and washed separately, making it easy to clean and reattach without removing the entire cover.
The SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX features a notably thicker headrest compared to many other models we’ve reviewed. Its sun canopy offers decent coverage and can be detached at the back, allowing your baby to remain shaded from the front if needed. According to Graco, the canopy is designed for quiet adjustments to avoid disturbing a sleeping baby. During our testing, we moved the canopy without noticing any significant noise, although we didn’t have a sleeping infant to test it with at the time. Historically, we haven’t found canopies to be loud enough to disrupt naps, but quieter adjustments are always appreciated in theory.
Measuring 29 inches long from front to back, the SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX is the longest among the seats we recommend, albeit by just about an inch, ensuring it fits well even in compact cars. It spans approximately 17½ inches wide, making it the widest of our recommended seats, though by a little over half an inch. Depending on the vehicle type and other car seats in use, it may be feasible to fit three car seats across in a row. Without the base, this seat weighs around 10½ pounds—making it the heaviest among our picks and about a pound and a half heavier than our lightest model, the Clek Liing, which is our upgrade pick. While we didn’t find the extra weight particularly noticeable, starting with a lighter seat like the Clek Liing can be advantageous as babies grow heavier over time.
The SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX is designed to cater to babies as small as 4 pounds, making it a viable option for some premature infants. It includes a newborn insert, already installed, which provides additional support to ensure a secure harness fit for babies up to 12 pounds. The seat’s maximum size limit is 35 pounds or 32 inches in length, which is at the upper end of the infant seat range. Typically, caregivers may find the seat no longer practical for carrying before their baby outgrows it.
Since the SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX is relatively new in Graco’s lineup, crash-testing data from NHTSA is not yet available. However, it has received a top rating of five stars in NHTSA’s ease-of-use evaluation. The seat is certified for use up to seven years before it expires and is backed by a limited one-year warranty covering manufacturing defects (excluding misuse or damage from normal wear and tear).
Flaws but not dealbreakers
Our primary concern with the Graco SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX is the challenge of achieving a tight and secure installation without using the base. This difficulty is not exclusive to this seat; we faced a similar issue with our runner-up pick, the Chicco KeyFit 30, which also utilizes the American belt-path configuration.
If your primary use of the SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX involves using its base, this issue may not be significant. However, families who frequently depend on taxis or travel often without the base may find a seat with a European belt path more advantageous. Seats like our upgrade pick, the Clek Liing, or our also-great pick, the Chicco KeyFit 35, offer a tighter installation without the base, which can be more convenient in such scenarios.
Additionally, the SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX offers compatibility with fewer strollers from various brands compared to our other picks, including models from the popular Uppababy line. If your plan involves using an Uppababy stroller with your infant seat, you may find our runner-up pick (Chicco KeyFit 30), upgrade pick (Clek Liing), or also-great pick (Chicco KeyFit 35) more suitable, as they are all compatible with Uppababy strollers.
Runner-up: Chicco KeyFit 30
Chicco KeyFit 30A totally solid, tried-and-true infant car seat
The Chicco KeyFit 30 is simple to install and use, and it lives up to its excellent reputation.
The Chicco KeyFit 30 infant car seat stands out as one of the simplest to use and install, particularly when employing the LATCH method. Introduced in 2006, the core design of this seat has seen minimal changes since its debut. As a result, it has garnered strong recommendations among caregivers, who often pass it along to others based on their positive experiences.
The KeyFit 30 comes equipped with clear instructions in a comprehensive booklet, supplemented by additional instructions and illustrations conveniently printed on the seat itself. A small drawer integrated into the seat provides a handy storage spot for keeping the manual accessible between uses. In our testing, this seat proved to be exceptionally easy to install using the base and LATCH method. The inclusion of liquid-filled bubble level indicators on both sides of the base ensures a straightforward and intuitive method for achieving the correct seat angle. While there isn’t a specific ease-of-use rating for the KeyFit 30, the NHTSA awarded the Chicco KeyFit 30 Magic—a predecessor with the same base configuration—four out of five stars for ease of use.
The KeyFit 30’s base has a bubble level indicator on both sides to help you identify the correct angle.
Securing the base of the KeyFit 30 using LATCH is straightforward: you engage the push-button LATCH hooks into the car’s anchors. To tighten, you pull up on a single strap located at the center of the base, marked with “Pull Strap Storage.” In our testing, achieving a snug fit with this Chicco seat required moderate effort; it was slightly more demanding than our top-pick Graco seat or our upgrade pick from Clek. This is because with the KeyFit 30, you need to press down on the base while pulling up on the LATCH pull strap, whereas the Graco seat relies on the lock-off arm and the Clek seat requires a simple push-in action.
During our tests, the initial installation of the KeyFit 30 took approximately three minutes, but subsequent installations were completed in about one minute once familiar with the process. To uninstall the base, you lift the button labeled “Lift to Release” to extend the LATCH straps, and then press the red buttons on the LATCH hooks to disengage them.
The base of the KeyFit 30 has push-button LATCH hooks that connect to the car’s anchors.
Installing the KeyFit 30’s base with the seat belt is straightforward but requires more physical effort. First, you thread the seat belt through the designated openings in the base. Next, you push down on the base while pulling the seat belt tight. While maintaining pressure on the base, you route the shoulder belt through the lock-off mechanism located on the side of the base.
During our installation session with CPST Gina Duchossois, she recommended using significant pressure to tighten the belt effectively. In fact, she suggested I apply my body weight by climbing onto the KeyFit 30’s base to ensure a secure installation—I found that relying solely on arm strength wasn’t sufficient for achieving the desired tightness.
The bottom line: Installing the KeyFit 30’s base with LATCH is significantly easier. So if you have access to LATCH anchors in your vehicle, it’s the preferred method for securing this seat. However, if your vehicle predates 2003 (before the introduction of LATCH), or if you’re installing the infant seat in a position without LATCH, like the center of a bench seat or in a third row, and you’re concerned about the strength required for installation, you may want to explore other options that offer simpler seat-belt-and-base installations.
Our attempts to install the KeyFit 30 without its base were not particularly successful—but that problem is not unique to this seat. Like our top pick from Graco, this Chicco seat utilizes an American belt path, which routes the seat belt across the top front of the bucket, above the baby’s legs. Consequently, similar to the Graco seat, achieving a tight and secure installation without the base proved to be quite challenging.
When using the KeyFit 30 without its base, you slide the seat belt through tabs at the front of the seat (known as the American belt path). We were the least happy with this install method.
We found the KeyFit 30 to be user-friendly overall. The handle is easy to adjust between positions, though unlike the handle on our top pick, the Graco seat, it does not allow adjustments with one hand. The harness is straightforward to tighten and loosen, operated by a strap mechanism located at the foot of the seat bucket. Adjusting the height of the harness straps as your baby grows requires removing the belts from a plate on the back, pulling them through the holes in the seat, and threading them back through at the desired height. Unlike seats with a convenient no-rethread harness like the Graco seat and Chicco’s KeyFit 35, this process is more involved.
The KeyFit 30 stands out as one of the most user-friendly infant car seats for its effortless installation and removal from its base. To detach it, simply lift the orange handle located at the back of the seat. Like our top picks from Graco and Clek, this Chicco model allows you to accomplish this task single-handedly. Opening the chest clip on the harness is straightforward, with the word ‘PUSH’ engraved into the plastic, making it practically foolproof even for sleep-deprived parents.
An intuitive tightening system makes it a no-brainer to tighten the harness from the foot-end of the seat. You pull the strap to tighten the harness, and you press the orange button to release it.
In terms of aesthetics, the KeyFit 30 leans towards simplicity rather than standout style. It doesn’t boast the same visual appeal as the Graco or Clek seats. However, it’s also not unattractive. Available in a variety of muted color combinations, the seat cover is crafted from a smooth polyester material that’s easy to wipe clean. For deeper cleaning, you can remove the cover and machine-wash it on a gentle cycle, then air-dry it as needed. Unlike the Graco seat, removing the cover on this Chicco model requires disassembling the harness system, adding a bit more time to the process.
The KeyFit 30 features a decent sun canopy that, while smaller than those on our other recommendations, performs adequately. Similar to the Graco seat, you can detach it from the back of the seat and adjust it forward to provide shade and block sunlight from the front.
The KeyFit 30 is the most compact option among our recommended seats, measuring 16½ inches wide and 27½ inches front to back. Like our other top picks, it is well-suited for fitting three-across in a vehicle. Weighing 9½ pounds, it is the second-lightest infant seat among our selections, following the Clek Liing.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
Similar to our preferred Graco seat, installing the Chicco KeyFit 30 securely without its base can be challenging due to its American belt-path configuration. If your family prioritizes no-base installations, this might not be the ideal seat for you. Alternatively, our alternate recommendation, the Chicco KeyFit 35, offers a very similar experience with the advantage of a European belt path, allowing for more reliable no-base installations. Additionally, while installing the KeyFit 30 with its base using the seat belt (instead of the LATCH method) isn’t overly complicated, it does require some effort.
The KeyFit 30 features the lowest child height and weight limits among our recommendations, with limits that are 5 pounds and 2 inches less than those of the Graco SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX, Chicco KeyFit 35, and Clek Liing. While this is unlikely to be a concern for most, it’s worth noting, especially if you have a taller-than-average baby. According to car seat technicians we consulted, children typically reach the height limit of an infant seat before reaching the weight limit. Many parents choose to transition to a convertible car seat earlier than reaching these limits simply because it becomes less comfortable or convenient to carry a larger baby in an infant seat.
While not a flaw per se, it’s worth noting that the KeyFit 30 is somewhat basic in its features. It does not include some extras that could be considered nice-to-have but not essential, such as a no-rethread harness or additional safety features like an anti-rebound base or a load leg. While these features can add convenience or extra safety, they are not necessary for a high-quality infant car seat.
This seat is compatible with strollers from many brands.
Another factor to consider: If you’re planning on having more children and intend to reuse your infant seat, keep in mind that the KeyFit 30 has a lifespan of six years before it expires. This is shorter compared to our top pick from Graco, which lasts seven years, or our premium pick from Clek, which lasts nine years.
Also great: Chicco KeyFit 35
Chicco KeyFit 35Like our runner-up pick, with a few notable upgrades
This seat is equally easy to install and use compared to the KeyFit 30, and it offers several enhancements. These include an anti-rebound base and a European belt path, making it easier to install without the base when traveling.
In several aspects, the Chicco KeyFit 35 surpasses its counterpart, the Chicco KeyFit 30, which is our runner-up choice for infant car seats. Like the KeyFit 30, the KeyFit 35 excels in ease of installation and usability. However, the KeyFit 35 includes additional safety features such as an anti-rebound base, a European belt path (particularly beneficial for families using the seat frequently without the base), and a convenient no-rethread harness. It weighs half a pound more than the KeyFit 30 and comes at a slightly higher price point.
Installing the KeyFit 35 with its base closely mirrors the process for the KeyFit 30. Similar to the KeyFit 30, installation using the LATCH system is straightforward, while using the vehicle seat belt requires a bit more effort. The KeyFit 35 features a distinct base design compared to the KeyFit 30, akin to our top-pick Graco seat, incorporating an anti-rebound base for enhanced safety, although this does not affect the installation procedure. Additionally, the recline-angle adjuster is conveniently located at the top of the base, unlike the KeyFit 30’s side positioning, making it easier to adjust. The base’s curved, elongated metal front sits flush against the vehicle seatback, designed to minimize secondary (or rebound) movement in the event of a collision.
The Chicco KeyFit 35 comes with an anti-rebound base, which sits flush against the vehicle seat to help reduce the rebound motion of the infant seat in the event of a crash.
Another notable feature of the KeyFit 35 is its European belt path, akin to our premium pick, the Clek Liing. This belt path is particularly useful when installing the seat without its base, relying solely on the vehicle seat belt—commonly used for taxi rides or travel scenarios where carrying the base isn’t practical. Unlike most infant car seats in the US that utilize an American belt path, which secures the seat belt over the top of the seat alone, we’ve found in our tests that achieving a secure installation with an American belt path can be challenging.
An overhead view of the European belt path demonstrates where the vehicle’s lap belt threads through the seat.
In contrast, a European belt path guides the lap belt over the top of the seat and the shoulder belt around the back of the seat, significantly minimizing the seat’s potential for movement and shifting. While installing an infant seat without a base using a European belt path may not be as secure and stable as with a base, the difference between a seat installed with an American versus European belt path is substantial. If you frequently travel without the base, the type of belt path your infant seat features should be a crucial consideration. The KeyFit 35 offers this valuable European belt path feature at a significantly lower cost compared to our premium choice, the Clek Liing.
Many of the KeyFit 35’s fundamental features remain consistent with those of the KeyFit 30, including the carrying handle. However, a notable enhancement is the KeyFit 35’s no-rethread harness: as your baby grows, you no longer need to detach the harness straps from the splitter plate, manually thread them through the seat’s back holes, and reattach them. Instead, you simply adjust the harness up or down to the desired position (the headrest adjusts automatically), and you’re done. While rethreading harness straps isn’t overly burdensome, this thoughtful design feature saves time and effort, a detail we particularly value on our top-choice Graco seat as well.
While the KeyFit 35 and KeyFit 30 share similar aesthetics, the KeyFit 35 exudes a noticeably sleeker and more upscale appearance. It features its own selection of fabric options distinct from the KeyFit 30. Available choices include various shades of black, navy, and gray, along with the Chicco KeyFit 35 ClearTex option, which maintains the same seat features but uses fabric without added chemicals and has received Greenguard Gold Certification for lower chemical emissions. Spot-cleaning the KeyFit 35 is straightforward, and the cover can also be removed for machine-washing and line-drying.
The sun canopy on the KeyFit 35 extends slightly farther than that of the KeyFit 30, though it’s not as expansive as the canopy on our premium pick, the Clek Liing. For those seeking a larger sunshade, the KeyFit 35 Zip ClearTex model offers a canopy that can be fully unzipped to provide complete shade for the seat, at an additional cost of about $30. The KeyFit 35 Zip ClearTex also features a quick-remove seat pad, allowing you to easily detach the top part of the seat cover for washing. While these extras are a nice upgrade for those willing to spend more, we believe most users would find the standard KeyFit 35 model perfectly adequate.
Similar to the KeyFit 30, the KeyFit 35 measures 16½ inches wide, making it suitable for fitting into a three-across car seat configuration. It is slightly longer than the KeyFit 30 at 28 inches and weighs half a pound more at 10 pounds (still half a pound lighter than our top-pick Graco seat).
The KeyFit 35 features a slightly higher maximum passenger height and weight limit compared to the KeyFit 30. Both seats have a minimum weight limit of 4 pounds, accommodating some preemies. While the KeyFit 30 supports up to 30 pounds and 30 inches, the KeyFit 35 extends this to 35 pounds and 32 inches. While this may offer a few extra months of use before transitioning to a convertible seat, we believe the portability advantage of an infant seat diminishes around this size. Nonetheless, the higher limits can extend the KeyFit 35’s usability.
Like the KeyFit 30, the KeyFit 35 includes a newborn insert (removed at 11 pounds) and a headrest cushion usable beyond the newborn stage. Both models expire after six years and come with a one-year warranty. Notably, specific NHTSA crash-testing data for the KeyFit 35 is not available.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
Many of the shortcomings we identified in the KeyFit 30, such as its American belt path and basic features, are addressed in the KeyFit 35, which also boasts a slightly more stylish appearance. Weighing 10 pounds, it is half a pound heavier than the KeyFit 30 but still lighter than our top pick from Graco, which weighs 10½ pounds. While the KeyFit 35 comes at a higher cost than the KeyFit 30, we believe the added benefits—including an anti-rebound base and a European belt path—justify the price increase.
Additionally, for those considering reuse, note that like the KeyFit 30, the KeyFit 35 has a lifespan of six years before expiration, which is shorter than our top pick from Graco (seven years) or our upgrade pick from Clek (nine years).
Upgrade pick: Clek Liing
Clek Liing
An infant seat in a class of its own
This model is exceptionally easy to install and is designed to minimize user error with extensive color-coding. Additionally, it features a large sun canopy and includes the added safety benefit of a load leg.
Clek, a Canadian car seat manufacturer renowned for its robust convertible car seats often likened to tanks, introduced its inaugural infant car seat, the Clek Liing, in 2019, which might still be unfamiliar to some. However, in our recent testing, we were genuinely impressed—almost to the point of gushing—by the Liing’s exceptional functionality, engineering, safety features, and overall design.
The instruction manual for the Clek Liing is detailed yet approachable; don’t be intimidated by its thoroughness. Installing the Liing with its base is remarkably straightforward. One Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) noted that it’s so simple that her 5-year-old could manage it with adult supervision—and we have no reason to doubt that. Like our other recommended seats, the Liing features additional guides and instructions printed directly on the seat itself. These on-seat instructions are among the most comprehensive we’ve encountered, reiterating crucial information from the manual where it matters most on the seat.
During my initial attempt, installing the seat took a couple of minutes, and subsequently, about a minute. To begin installation, extend the load leg from the seat’s base. This load leg, a key safety feature of the Liing, is a telescoping metal rod that provides additional support between the seat base and the vehicle floor. In the event of a crash, the load leg absorbs initial impact and restricts seat rotation or rebound. While the base can be installed without the load leg, Clek’s crash tests with the Liing demonstrated up to a 40% reduction in potential injuries when the load leg was utilized.
The combination of the rigid LATCH connection and the load leg makes it feel as if the Liing’s base is built into your car.
To secure the Clek Liing’s base using the LATCH system, extend the metal arms integrated into the base and insert them directly into your vehicle’s LATCH anchors. As the connection is made, the indicator window next to the connectors shifts from red to green. This type of LATCH system is referred to as rigid LATCH, and it’s our preferred type due to its ability to facilitate the safest and most secure installation. Releasing the base with rigid LATCH is straightforward: simply press down and slide back the red LATCH release buttons located near the LATCH anchors.
The final step in installation is adjusting the base to one of seven recline positions. A liquid-filled bubble level indicator assists in selecting the appropriate recline setting based on the baby’s weight. Once the base of the Liing is installed with rigid LATCH and the load leg, it remains securely in place without any movement—it feels seamlessly integrated into the vehicle.
The Liing has a rigid LATCH system. You line up the connectors with your car’s LATCH anchors and push until they click into place and the indicator turns green.
To install the Clek Liing base using the seat-belt method, start by opening the belt tensioner using the lever located on the base. Thread the seat belt through the bright blue plastic threader on the top edge of the base, pull it tight, and then close the belt tensioner. While our tests found this installation method to be very secure, it didn’t quite match the rock-solid feel of the LATCH method.
Whether using the LATCH system or the seat-belt method, color-change indicators provide clear feedback when components are properly locked. A red indicator signifies not locked, while green indicates a secure lock. At the base of the load leg, another color-change indicator turns green once the leg is lowered using the “Pull” tab.
When ready to attach the seat bucket to the base, yet another color indicator on the side of the bucket confirms proper insertion. It displays red if not securely attached and turns green when the seat is properly locked in place. With its extensive color-coding—more than any other seat we’ve tested—the Liing makes it nearly impossible to inadvertently misinstall any component.
The Liing’s base features several indicators that transition from red to green upon proper installation, located on the LATCH connectors and the load leg. Additionally, it includes a bubble level indicator to assist in adjusting the base’s angle according to your infant’s weight.
Similar to our selections from Graco and Chicco, the Clek Liing seat allows for one-handed removal from its base, although the release lever is situated on the base itself, not on the bucket seat. Adjusting the handle requires both hands (unlike our Graco pick), yet it moves smoothly and is comfortable to grasp. As your baby grows, adjusting the harness straps follows the traditional method of removing and rethreading them. (A no-rethread harness, as found in the Graco seat and the Chicco KeyFit 35, offers quicker and easier adjustments.)
The Clek Liing is narrow and compact, measuring 16.9 inches wide and 27.7 inches deep—just slightly larger than the Chicco KeyFit 30 and KeyFit 35, which are the smallest among our selections. Like our other picks, the Liing is well-suited for fitting three across. Without the base, the bucket carrier weighs 9 pounds, over a pound lighter than our top-pick seat from Graco. While we didn’t find significant weight differences noticeable among our four picks, the extra pound may become more noticeable as your baby grows and carrying becomes more challenging.
Despite its compact dimensions, the Liing accommodates infants up to 35 pounds or 32 inches in height, and it supports babies as small as 4 pounds, making it suitable for some preemies. Included with the Liing is removable support padding designed for infants weighing less than 11 pounds. Clek refers to this padding as “two-stage,” comprising a headrest and a support cushion. The headrest can be used until the baby outgrows the seat, while the bottom support cushion remains suitable until their shoulders reach the top harness slot.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
When you’re investing this much in a seat, it’s natural to scrutinize and identify areas for potential improvement. Take, for instance, the Liing’s harness system, which requires manual adjustments as your child grows. While this task isn’t overly complicated, the absence of a no-rethread harness helps keep the seat lightweight—though, having experienced the convenience of such a feature on top models like Graco’s leading pick and the Chicco KeyFit 35, its omission becomes noticeable.
Moreover, there are other considerations to address head-on: Even among premium choices, the Liing’s price tag is notably steep. It commands roughly double the cost of comparable alternatives, making it one of the most expensive infant seats on the market. We recognize the financial strain this may impose, especially since infant seats typically serve a short-term purpose. This disparity prompted extensive internal discussions as we revised our recommendations, mindful of endorsing a product that’s financially out of reach for many families, despite its safety benefits.
Regrettably, due to safety concerns associated with used car seats, unlike bikes or strollers, we can’t recommend seeking a secondhand option unless its history and condition are unequivocally trustworthy.
Ultimately, while the Liing’s price may exclude it from consideration for some, we chose not to discount its merits solely on cost. Our guide strives to offer a spectrum of excellent choices, catering to diverse budgets, ensuring confidence in every recommendation we make.
Before you take that careful, nerve-wracking first drive home with your new baby, you need to be equipped with the right gear.
An infant car seat can be used from a child’s birth until they reach approximately 30 inches in height or weigh 30 pounds. The duration varies for each family, but typically, the seat will be needed until the child is between 9 months and 2 years old.
All infant car seats sold in the US must adhere to the same safety standards. However, with over 60 models available, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. Over the past six and a half years, we’ve consulted safety experts, examined reviews, spoken with other caregivers, and tested our top picks in real-world scenarios. We have identified four infant car seats that excel in providing a safe and comfortable experience for both you and your baby: our top pick is the Graco SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX, our runner-up is the Chicco KeyFit 30, the Chicco KeyFit 35 is our also-great option, and the Clek Liing is our upgrade choice.
Everything we recommend
If you’re new to infant car seats, here’s what you need to know: An infant car seat is a bucket-like carrier that secures your baby with a five-point harness and is designed to face the rear of the car. The carrier clicks in and out of a base that remains installed in the back seat. (The seats shown in the photograph above are clicked into their bases.) You can install the bases using either the vehicle’s seat belt or the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children) system, which attaches a pair of metal hooks built into the base to anchors in the car. You can also buy multiple bases for using the same carrier in different cars without reinstalling anything. Alternatively, you can install the seat without the base using just a seat belt, which is convenient for traveling or taking a taxi. Regardless of the infant seat you choose, we’ve included helpful tips on how to safely use and maintain it.
Graco SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX
The best infant car seat
The SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX is simpler to install, adjust, and operate compared to seats that are much more expensive. Additionally, it includes an extra safety feature: an anti-rebound base.
The Graco SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX offers an excellent combination of user-friendliness, quality, and value. It is one of the easiest infant car seats to install using the base, whether you use a seat belt or the LATCH method. This stylish seat includes features typically found in more expensive models, such as a removable seat pad for easy cleaning, harness straps that adjust without needing to be rethreaded, and a one-handed handle adjustment. Additionally, it has the safety feature of an anti-rebound base, a metal bar that helps limit the seat’s rotation after the initial impact of a crash. Weighing 10½ pounds, the SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX is the heaviest among our picks, but testers found it manageable to carry and easy to operate, clicking in and out of its base effortlessly. It accommodates babies up to 32 inches or 35 pounds, which is at the higher end of the range. The only significant drawback is the difficulty in achieving a snug fit when installing the seat without the base using just a seat belt, a common issue with seats that have an American belt-path configuration. However, most users prefer to use the base, so this may not be a major concern. If you frequently need to install the seat without the base, such as for taxi rides or travel, consider the Chicco KeyFit 35 or the Clek Liing, which perform better in baseless installs. Additionally, the SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX is not as compatible with as many stroller brands as our other picks.
Seat weight (without base): 10½ pounds
Baby height, weight limits: 32 inches, 35 pounds
Stroller compatibility: Without the need for an additional adapter, this seat is compatible with Graco strollers, the Baby Trend Snap-N-Go, and many Joovy strollers (PDF). With a separately sold adapter, it can also be used with strollers from other brands, including Baby Jogger, BOB, Mockingbird, and Thule.
Chicco KeyFit 30
A totally solid, tried-and-true infant car seat
The Chicco KeyFit 30 is simple to install and use, and it lives up to its excellent reputation.
The Chicco KeyFit 30 is a crowd-pleaser and a longtime favorite for a reason. It is easy and intuitive to install, especially when using the LATCH system. Installing the base with a seat belt is also straightforward, though it requires some force to secure it tightly (we had to sit on the base to apply enough pressure). Like our top-pick Graco seat, the KeyFit 30’s seat-belt-only, no-base installation is less than ideal and can be challenging to get snug. The KeyFit 30 is relatively lightweight—about a pound lighter than the SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX—making it comfortable to carry and easy to adjust. The bucket seat clicks smoothly in and out of the base. While it has a lower weight and height limit than our other picks, it should accommodate most babies for over a year, which is usually sufficient. The KeyFit 30 lacks some convenient features found in the Graco seat, such as a no-rethread harness, a removable seat pad for easy cleaning, and one-handed handle adjustment. Additionally, it does not have an added safety feature like the anti-rebound base on the SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX and the Chicco KeyFit 35 or the load leg on the Clek Liing. However, these are considered bonuses rather than essentials.
Seat weight (without base): 9½ pounds
Baby height, weight limits: 30 inches, 30 pounds
Stroller compatibility: Without needing an extra adapter, this seat is compatible with many Chicco strollers (though not all Chicco strollers accept infant car seats, and some may require an additional adapter), the Baby Trend Snap-N-Go, and many Joovy strollers. With a separately sold adapter, it can be used with strollers from several other brands, including Baby Jogger, BOB, Britax, Mockingbird, Thule, and Uppababy. However, it does not work with the Britax B-Lively.
Chicco KeyFit 35
Like our runner-up pick, with a few notable upgrades
This seat is equally easy to install and use compared to the KeyFit 30, and it offers several enhancements. These include an anti-rebound base and a European belt path, making it easier to install without the base when traveling.
The Chicco KeyFit 35 offers everything we appreciate about the Chicco KeyFit 30, our runner-up pick, such as its exceptional user-friendliness and straightforward installation process. On top of that, the KeyFit 35 introduces several attractive upgrades. It includes the added safety feature of an anti-rebound base, similar to our top pick, the Graco SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX. Additionally, like our upgrade pick, the Clek Liing, the KeyFit 35 features a European belt path—a feature uncommon in the US—which enhances security when installing the seat without the base, making it particularly beneficial for families who frequently travel or use taxis.
Furthermore, the KeyFit 35 boasts a convenient no-rethread harness, akin to the Graco seat, allowing for easy height adjustments without needing to disassemble and reassemble the harness. This seat accommodates children up to 32 inches and 35 pounds, compared to the KeyFit 30’s maximum of 30 inches and 30 pounds. This higher limit may be advantageous for families with larger infants or those who prefer to use an infant seat for an extended period before transitioning to a convertible seat.
However, it’s worth noting that the KeyFit 35 is slightly heavier than the KeyFit 30 by half a pound, and it typically carries a higher price tag than both the KeyFit 30 and the SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX. Nevertheless, given its combination of desirable features, the KeyFit 35 remains a solid value. (Note: The Chicco KeyFit 35 ClearTex is essentially the same seat available at a comparable price, featuring Chicco’s ClearTex fabric, which is free of added chemicals and has earned a Greenguard Gold Certification for lower chemical emissions.)
Seat weight (without base): 10 pounds
Baby height, weight limits: 32 inches, 35 pounds
Stroller compatibility: Without needing an additional adapter, this seat is compatible with numerous Chicco strollers (although not all Chicco strollers support infant seats, and some may require an additional adapter) and many Joovy strollers. With a separately sold adapter, it can also be used with strollers from various other brands, such as Baby Jogger, BOB, Mockingbird, Thule, and Uppababy.
Clek Liing
An infant seat in a class of its own
This model is exceptionally easy to install and is designed to minimize user error with extensive color-coding. Additionally, it features a large sun canopy and includes the added safety benefit of a load leg.
If it weren’t for the price of the Clek Liing, we would recommend it to everyone—it’s an incredibly well-designed and executed car seat. We haven’t encountered another infant seat that is as easy to install; its clever engineering makes installing it with the base (using either the LATCH system or seat-belt method) effortless. Clek has integrated color-coded indicators throughout the seat (green for secure, red for issues), eliminating any guesswork in proper usage. Unlike the Graco SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX and the Chicco KeyFit 30, the Clek Liing is also straightforward to install snugly without the base, thanks to its European belt-path configuration, which offers a more secure fit than the American configuration.
The Liing includes a load leg as an added safety feature—a metal support rod positioned between the car seat and the vehicle floor. In the event of an accident, the load leg absorbs initial impact and restricts seat movement. Weighing just 9 pounds, the Liing is the lightest among our selections to carry. It shares the same height and weight limits (32 inches and 35 pounds) as the SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX and the KeyFit 35, and it comes in a variety of stylish, high-quality fabric options.
However, unlike our top pick from Graco, the Clek Liing does not offer a no-rethread harness, a removable seat pad for easy cleaning, or one-handed handle adjustment—features that are notably absent given its higher price point. Nevertheless, the Liing boasts the largest sun canopy we’ve encountered, and it has the longest lifespan and best warranty among our picks.
Seat weight (without base): 9 pounds
Baby height, weight limits: 32 inches, 35 pounds
Stroller compatibility: Without needing an additional adapter, this seat is compatible with numerous Joovy strollers. With a separately sold adapter, it can also be used with a diverse array of strollers from other brands, including Baby Jogger, Babyzen, Bugaboo, Colugo, Thule, and Uppababy.
How we picked
There are over 60 infant car seat models available for purchase in the United States. To narrow down the options, we analyzed online customer reviews and examined coverage from various media outlets, such as BabyCenter, BabyGearLab, The Car Seat Lady, Fatherly, and Mommyhood101. We also interviewed nearly 20 experts in car seat safety, policy, and installation. Additionally, we considered the existing research data and safety ratings.
All manufacturers selling car seats in the US are required to subject their products to crash testing and meet the safety standards set by the NHTSA (PDF). To ensure compliance, the NHTSA performs “safety compliance testing” on multiple car seats each year, using prescribed crash-testing protocols to verify that the seats meet the standards. The results of these tests are compiled in a database by the NHTSA. We reviewed these results and incorporated them into our decision-making process whenever possible.
However, we were careful not to rely solely on crash-testing data. While some car seats may have higher crash-test scores than others, it is difficult—even for experts—to determine if those minor differences translate to significant variations in real-world performance. Because proper installation greatly influences a car seat’s effectiveness, we also considered NHTSA’s ease-of-use ratings, which rank seats on a scale from one to five stars. It’s important to note that these star ratings are based on several factors, including the evaluation of instructions, vehicle installation features, labels, and securing the child.
All four categories are relevant. However, the NHTSA might lower a seat’s rating, for instance, if the seat’s label lacks a complete illustration of a child using the restraint, which we believe is less crucial than whether an average person can install the seat’s base securely. Therefore, while the NHTSA ease-of-use ratings are useful, they don’t always align with our own field-testing experiences and insights.
We also considered that since the first edition of this guide in 2018, many more infant car seats have started offering additional safety features, such as load legs and anti-rebound bases. These features are intended to reduce the seat’s motion or absorb some of the impact during a crash, and we recognize their potential benefits. However, we had to carefully evaluate their overall significance, as these features can increase the cost of a seat and are still less crucial to a baby’s safety than proper installation.
Another challenge we encountered while finalizing our shortlist of infant car seats was navigating the often confusing differences among the models and model names, many of which sound like they were chosen for space missions. Many major car seat manufacturers sell multiple versions of similar infant car seats with slight variations in features that typically affect the name and price. For instance, a manufacturer might produce two seats that are nearly identical except for different infant height and weight limits. Or, a manufacturer might offer a “base model” of a seat along with different iterations, each with unique names and prices. These versions may include upgrades such as a handle that can be adjusted with one hand (versus the standard handle requiring two hands), more recline positions for the base, or a no-rethread harness (which allows you to adjust the strap height without rethreading the straps).
After extensive discussions with experts, we concluded that most optional upgrade features are generally not necessary (though they can be nice to have in some cases) and often do not justify the additional cost. When deciding which infant seat models to field-test—and whether to opt for any upgrades—we evaluated the features on a case-by-case basis to determine if they were worth the extra expense. We also considered availability: sometimes the model with a few upgrades was easier to find at national brick-and-mortar retail chains, while the base model was available only online. In such cases, we opted for the model with wider availability. However, this is not a perfect science, so we encourage car seat shoppers to use their own judgment to determine which seat model has the combination of features that best suits their needs.
Our 20 hours of background research led us to conclude that the ideal infant car seat should possess the following attributes:
Be simple to install: Since proper installation is so crucial to a car seat’s safety—and NHTSA data (PDF) shows that many car seats are installed incorrectly—we prioritize ease of installation. We seek seats that a careful adult following the instructions can install correctly within a few minutes, without expert help. (Caregivers who’ve had to install a car seat in a relative’s car or a rental vehicle know that an intuitive installation system is more valuable than a well-crafted set of instructions. However, excellent instructions are definitely a bonus.) We also prefer seats that can be installed in multiple ways, specifically using the base with LATCH (clipping the base to the car’s built-in anchors, without the lap belt), using the base with the car’s seat belt, or installing just the seat itself without the base. All these methods are considered equally safe, as long as the fit is secure. However, you should never use multiple install methods simultaneously unless instructed otherwise. Regardless of the installation method, the goal is the same: If you grab the seat or the base near the attachment point and pull back and forth, it should move less than an inch in any direction.
Be as safe as possible: Whenever possible, we take into account NHTSA crash-testing reports and ease-of-use data. While added safety features—such as a load leg or an anti-rebound base—are not essential, we view them as a bonus, especially if they are included on a standard seat model at no additional cost.
Be easy to carry: An infant car seat should be easy to carry. If it feels excessively heavy before you even place the baby inside, it fails one of its primary purposes. The seat’s handle should be easy to grip and adjust between positions.
Be user-friendly: Life with a newborn can be demanding, so an infant car seat should not add to the challenges. The harness straps should buckle and adjust effortlessly. The seat should click smoothly in and out of its base. It should also be compatible with a range of popular strollers, either directly or with the use of an adapter. The fabric cover should be easy to clean. Additionally, we value thoughtful features that save time or effort, even if they are not essential, such as a no-rethread harness or a well-designed LATCH system.
Have a reasonably high height and weight limit: We prioritize infant seats that can accommodate babies of average to above-average size for over a year or longer, ensuring your child doesn’t outgrow the seat before you’re ready to transition to a convertible seat.
Be accessible: We prioritize infant car seats that are easily accessible, preferably available in a range of colors or designs and stocked at various major retailers. While we assess models across a wide price spectrum—and designate the Clek Liing as our upgrade pick—we particularly value seats that offer exceptional value for money.
How we tested
For the initial round of testing in 2022, I conducted a series of at-home tests on the eight finalist infant car seats to simulate real-world usage. Each seat underwent a thorough review of its instructions and installation procedures. I practiced installing each seat in a 2016 Honda Odyssey minivan in three different configurations: using the base with LATCH, using the base with the vehicle seat belt, and installing the seat without the base using the seat belt only. I adjusted the harness straps, tested the functionality of the sun canopy and handle, clicked the seat in and out of its base multiple times, and carried the seat by the handle for approximately 25 feet (from the garage into the house).
Our pick: Graco SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX
Graco SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLXThe best infant car seat
The SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX is simpler to install, adjust, and operate compared to seats that are much more expensive. Additionally, it includes an extra safety feature: an anti-rebound base.
The Graco SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX offers exceptional value for its price. We would happily consider paying more for this infant car seat, but we’re pleased that it’s affordably priced. This seat stands out for its ease of installation, portability, and appealing design. It includes thoughtful extras that enhance usability and boasts generous height and weight limits. Additionally, the SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX features an anti-rebound base, adding an extra layer of safety, though not strictly necessary. Despite its comprehensive features, it remains competitively priced compared to many other infant seats, including those we considered for our recommendations.
Installing the base of the SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX is straightforward and intuitive, thanks to integrated guides and instructions within the base. One notable feature is a liquid-filled bubble level indicator, similar to a carpenter’s level, which helps you adjust the base’s foot correctly once it’s on your car seat. To adjust, simply squeeze the lever located at the front of the seat, allowing you to shift the base into one of its five recline positions. This adjustment ensures the seat is positioned correctly according to the angle of your vehicle’s seat and your child’s age.
Here we’ve installed the base of the SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX using the push-button LATCH connectors that hook into the car’s built-in anchors.
Next, you secure the base by attaching the included straps via LATCH to the vehicle’s anchors and closing the lock-off, which ratchets down the strap to eliminate any slack. Alternatively, if you choose to use your car’s seat belt instead of the LATCH system, you thread the seat belt through the designated belt path, buckle it, and then close the lock-off to secure it in place. To uninstall the base, simply lift the lock-off and either press the red buttons on the LATCH clips to release them or unbuckle the seat belt.
Graco asserts that it’s feasible to complete the base installation, using either LATCH or the seat belt, in under a minute. In our testing, this claim was quite accurate; during my initial attempt, the process took approximately two minutes. With a bit of practice, however, I was able to streamline the installation to within a minute. The manual provides detailed and clear instructions, and the markers and guides on the seat itself proved to be immensely helpful in the process.
Once the base is installed and the bucket seat is clicked into place, the setup feels reassuringly secure. Whether you opt for LATCH or the seat belt installation method for an infant seat, the objective remains consistent: when you grasp the seat or the base near the attachment point and gently tug back and forth, the seat should move less than an inch in any direction.
The secure fit of the SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX is enhanced by the anti-rebound bar located at the base, which firmly presses against the vehicle’s seat back. This feature serves as an additional safety measure, mitigating the secondary motion typically caused by a front-impact collision. In the event of a crash, a car seat may move forward and then rebound, potentially causing the baby to impact the vehicle seat back. The anti-rebound bar helps minimize this rebound effect. It’s noteworthy that such a feature is uncommon on a seat priced around $200, regardless of its perceived importance.
The anti-rebound base, an added safety feature on the SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX, is a metal bar that sits flush against the back of the vehicle’s seat; it limits the amount the infant seat can move in a crash.
We encountered challenges when attempting to install this seat without the base, using only the bucket portion and the car’s seat belt. Similar to our runner-up pick, the Chicco KeyFit 30, the SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX utilizes an American belt-path configuration. This setup requires the seat belt to be threaded through guides located at the top front of the bucket, above the baby’s legs. Unfortunately, this configuration makes achieving a completely secure installation difficult. It’s cumbersome to press down on the seat with one hand while simultaneously removing slack from the belt with the other, and the belt tends to slide through the guides if there’s any slack. As a result, the seat can feel somewhat loose and prone to movement.
In contrast, infant seats that utilize a European belt path—such as our upgrade pick, the Clek Liing, and our also-great pick, the Chicco KeyFit 35—direct the shoulder belt around the back of the seat and the lap belt across the top, resulting in a tighter and more secure fit for the infant seat. To improve the SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX’s stability in this type of installation, CPST Gina Duchossois suggests placing a rolled-up towel or a shortened pool noodle in the gap between the infant seat and the vehicle seat to achieve a snugger fit.
Here we’ve installed the SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX without the base, using only the vehicle’s seat belt.
Once you’ve installed the SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX, it’s designed for easy usability. While many infant car seats typically require both hands to adjust the handle position, the SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX features a conveniently placed button at the top of the handle. With a simple press of this button, you can adjust the handle using just one hand. Releasing the bucket from the base is also effortless with a one-handed maneuver—simply lift up on a handle located at the back of the seat.
Securing and releasing the chest clip on the harness of the SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX is straightforward and doesn’t require much hand strength. One standout feature is its no-rethread harness, which is rare among infant seats we’ve tested. Adjusting the harness as your baby grows and needs different headrest and strap heights is simple—just press the Adjust button on the headrest and pull up to move the straps to the desired position.
The SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX is visually appealing and available in several attractive color combinations. Its polyester fabric cover has a slightly coarse texture, akin to a wet suit. Cleaning is convenient—you can spot-clean it or remove it entirely and machine-wash it on a gentle cycle, followed by air-drying. A notable feature is Graco’s “rapid remove” seat pad, which allows you to remove the cover for washing without the need to disassemble or unthread the harness. The section of the cover most prone to being soiled, such as during diaper blowouts, can be unsnapped and washed separately, making it easy to clean and reattach without removing the entire cover.
The SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX features a notably thicker headrest compared to many other models we’ve reviewed. Its sun canopy offers decent coverage and can be detached at the back, allowing your baby to remain shaded from the front if needed. According to Graco, the canopy is designed for quiet adjustments to avoid disturbing a sleeping baby. During our testing, we moved the canopy without noticing any significant noise, although we didn’t have a sleeping infant to test it with at the time. Historically, we haven’t found canopies to be loud enough to disrupt naps, but quieter adjustments are always appreciated in theory.
Measuring 29 inches long from front to back, the SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX is the longest among the seats we recommend, albeit by just about an inch, ensuring it fits well even in compact cars. It spans approximately 17½ inches wide, making it the widest of our recommended seats, though by a little over half an inch. Depending on the vehicle type and other car seats in use, it may be feasible to fit three car seats across in a row. Without the base, this seat weighs around 10½ pounds—making it the heaviest among our picks and about a pound and a half heavier than our lightest model, the Clek Liing, which is our upgrade pick. While we didn’t find the extra weight particularly noticeable, starting with a lighter seat like the Clek Liing can be advantageous as babies grow heavier over time.
The SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX is designed to cater to babies as small as 4 pounds, making it a viable option for some premature infants. It includes a newborn insert, already installed, which provides additional support to ensure a secure harness fit for babies up to 12 pounds. The seat’s maximum size limit is 35 pounds or 32 inches in length, which is at the upper end of the infant seat range. Typically, caregivers may find the seat no longer practical for carrying before their baby outgrows it.
Since the SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX is relatively new in Graco’s lineup, crash-testing data from NHTSA is not yet available. However, it has received a top rating of five stars in NHTSA’s ease-of-use evaluation. The seat is certified for use up to seven years before it expires and is backed by a limited one-year warranty covering manufacturing defects (excluding misuse or damage from normal wear and tear).
Flaws but not dealbreakers
Our primary concern with the Graco SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX is the challenge of achieving a tight and secure installation without using the base. This difficulty is not exclusive to this seat; we faced a similar issue with our runner-up pick, the Chicco KeyFit 30, which also utilizes the American belt-path configuration.
If your primary use of the SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX involves using its base, this issue may not be significant. However, families who frequently depend on taxis or travel often without the base may find a seat with a European belt path more advantageous. Seats like our upgrade pick, the Clek Liing, or our also-great pick, the Chicco KeyFit 35, offer a tighter installation without the base, which can be more convenient in such scenarios.
Additionally, the SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX offers compatibility with fewer strollers from various brands compared to our other picks, including models from the popular Uppababy line. If your plan involves using an Uppababy stroller with your infant seat, you may find our runner-up pick (Chicco KeyFit 30), upgrade pick (Clek Liing), or also-great pick (Chicco KeyFit 35) more suitable, as they are all compatible with Uppababy strollers.
Runner-up: Chicco KeyFit 30
Chicco KeyFit 30A totally solid, tried-and-true infant car seat
The Chicco KeyFit 30 is simple to install and use, and it lives up to its excellent reputation.
The Chicco KeyFit 30 infant car seat stands out as one of the simplest to use and install, particularly when employing the LATCH method. Introduced in 2006, the core design of this seat has seen minimal changes since its debut. As a result, it has garnered strong recommendations among caregivers, who often pass it along to others based on their positive experiences.
The KeyFit 30 comes equipped with clear instructions in a comprehensive booklet, supplemented by additional instructions and illustrations conveniently printed on the seat itself. A small drawer integrated into the seat provides a handy storage spot for keeping the manual accessible between uses. In our testing, this seat proved to be exceptionally easy to install using the base and LATCH method. The inclusion of liquid-filled bubble level indicators on both sides of the base ensures a straightforward and intuitive method for achieving the correct seat angle. While there isn’t a specific ease-of-use rating for the KeyFit 30, the NHTSA awarded the Chicco KeyFit 30 Magic—a predecessor with the same base configuration—four out of five stars for ease of use.
The KeyFit 30’s base has a bubble level indicator on both sides to help you identify the correct angle.
Securing the base of the KeyFit 30 using LATCH is straightforward: you engage the push-button LATCH hooks into the car’s anchors. To tighten, you pull up on a single strap located at the center of the base, marked with “Pull Strap Storage.” In our testing, achieving a snug fit with this Chicco seat required moderate effort; it was slightly more demanding than our top-pick Graco seat or our upgrade pick from Clek. This is because with the KeyFit 30, you need to press down on the base while pulling up on the LATCH pull strap, whereas the Graco seat relies on the lock-off arm and the Clek seat requires a simple push-in action.
During our tests, the initial installation of the KeyFit 30 took approximately three minutes, but subsequent installations were completed in about one minute once familiar with the process. To uninstall the base, you lift the button labeled “Lift to Release” to extend the LATCH straps, and then press the red buttons on the LATCH hooks to disengage them.
The base of the KeyFit 30 has push-button LATCH hooks that connect to the car’s anchors.
Installing the KeyFit 30’s base with the seat belt is straightforward but requires more physical effort. First, you thread the seat belt through the designated openings in the base. Next, you push down on the base while pulling the seat belt tight. While maintaining pressure on the base, you route the shoulder belt through the lock-off mechanism located on the side of the base.
During our installation session with CPST Gina Duchossois, she recommended using significant pressure to tighten the belt effectively. In fact, she suggested I apply my body weight by climbing onto the KeyFit 30’s base to ensure a secure installation—I found that relying solely on arm strength wasn’t sufficient for achieving the desired tightness.
The bottom line: Installing the KeyFit 30’s base with LATCH is significantly easier. So if you have access to LATCH anchors in your vehicle, it’s the preferred method for securing this seat. However, if your vehicle predates 2003 (before the introduction of LATCH), or if you’re installing the infant seat in a position without LATCH, like the center of a bench seat or in a third row, and you’re concerned about the strength required for installation, you may want to explore other options that offer simpler seat-belt-and-base installations.
Our attempts to install the KeyFit 30 without its base were not particularly successful—but that problem is not unique to this seat. Like our top pick from Graco, this Chicco seat utilizes an American belt path, which routes the seat belt across the top front of the bucket, above the baby’s legs. Consequently, similar to the Graco seat, achieving a tight and secure installation without the base proved to be quite challenging.
When using the KeyFit 30 without its base, you slide the seat belt through tabs at the front of the seat (known as the American belt path). We were the least happy with this install method.
We found the KeyFit 30 to be user-friendly overall. The handle is easy to adjust between positions, though unlike the handle on our top pick, the Graco seat, it does not allow adjustments with one hand. The harness is straightforward to tighten and loosen, operated by a strap mechanism located at the foot of the seat bucket. Adjusting the height of the harness straps as your baby grows requires removing the belts from a plate on the back, pulling them through the holes in the seat, and threading them back through at the desired height. Unlike seats with a convenient no-rethread harness like the Graco seat and Chicco’s KeyFit 35, this process is more involved.
The KeyFit 30 stands out as one of the most user-friendly infant car seats for its effortless installation and removal from its base. To detach it, simply lift the orange handle located at the back of the seat. Like our top picks from Graco and Clek, this Chicco model allows you to accomplish this task single-handedly. Opening the chest clip on the harness is straightforward, with the word ‘PUSH’ engraved into the plastic, making it practically foolproof even for sleep-deprived parents.
An intuitive tightening system makes it a no-brainer to tighten the harness from the foot-end of the seat. You pull the strap to tighten the harness, and you press the orange button to release it.
In terms of aesthetics, the KeyFit 30 leans towards simplicity rather than standout style. It doesn’t boast the same visual appeal as the Graco or Clek seats. However, it’s also not unattractive. Available in a variety of muted color combinations, the seat cover is crafted from a smooth polyester material that’s easy to wipe clean. For deeper cleaning, you can remove the cover and machine-wash it on a gentle cycle, then air-dry it as needed. Unlike the Graco seat, removing the cover on this Chicco model requires disassembling the harness system, adding a bit more time to the process.
The KeyFit 30 features a decent sun canopy that, while smaller than those on our other recommendations, performs adequately. Similar to the Graco seat, you can detach it from the back of the seat and adjust it forward to provide shade and block sunlight from the front.
The KeyFit 30 is the most compact option among our recommended seats, measuring 16½ inches wide and 27½ inches front to back. Like our other top picks, it is well-suited for fitting three-across in a vehicle. Weighing 9½ pounds, it is the second-lightest infant seat among our selections, following the Clek Liing.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
Similar to our preferred Graco seat, installing the Chicco KeyFit 30 securely without its base can be challenging due to its American belt-path configuration. If your family prioritizes no-base installations, this might not be the ideal seat for you. Alternatively, our alternate recommendation, the Chicco KeyFit 35, offers a very similar experience with the advantage of a European belt path, allowing for more reliable no-base installations. Additionally, while installing the KeyFit 30 with its base using the seat belt (instead of the LATCH method) isn’t overly complicated, it does require some effort.
The KeyFit 30 features the lowest child height and weight limits among our recommendations, with limits that are 5 pounds and 2 inches less than those of the Graco SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX, Chicco KeyFit 35, and Clek Liing. While this is unlikely to be a concern for most, it’s worth noting, especially if you have a taller-than-average baby. According to car seat technicians we consulted, children typically reach the height limit of an infant seat before reaching the weight limit. Many parents choose to transition to a convertible car seat earlier than reaching these limits simply because it becomes less comfortable or convenient to carry a larger baby in an infant seat.
While not a flaw per se, it’s worth noting that the KeyFit 30 is somewhat basic in its features. It does not include some extras that could be considered nice-to-have but not essential, such as a no-rethread harness or additional safety features like an anti-rebound base or a load leg. While these features can add convenience or extra safety, they are not necessary for a high-quality infant car seat.
This seat is compatible with strollers from many brands.
Another factor to consider: If you’re planning on having more children and intend to reuse your infant seat, keep in mind that the KeyFit 30 has a lifespan of six years before it expires. This is shorter compared to our top pick from Graco, which lasts seven years, or our premium pick from Clek, which lasts nine years.
Also great: Chicco KeyFit 35
Chicco KeyFit 35Like our runner-up pick, with a few notable upgrades
This seat is equally easy to install and use compared to the KeyFit 30, and it offers several enhancements. These include an anti-rebound base and a European belt path, making it easier to install without the base when traveling.
In several aspects, the Chicco KeyFit 35 surpasses its counterpart, the Chicco KeyFit 30, which is our runner-up choice for infant car seats. Like the KeyFit 30, the KeyFit 35 excels in ease of installation and usability. However, the KeyFit 35 includes additional safety features such as an anti-rebound base, a European belt path (particularly beneficial for families using the seat frequently without the base), and a convenient no-rethread harness. It weighs half a pound more than the KeyFit 30 and comes at a slightly higher price point.
Installing the KeyFit 35 with its base closely mirrors the process for the KeyFit 30. Similar to the KeyFit 30, installation using the LATCH system is straightforward, while using the vehicle seat belt requires a bit more effort. The KeyFit 35 features a distinct base design compared to the KeyFit 30, akin to our top-pick Graco seat, incorporating an anti-rebound base for enhanced safety, although this does not affect the installation procedure. Additionally, the recline-angle adjuster is conveniently located at the top of the base, unlike the KeyFit 30’s side positioning, making it easier to adjust. The base’s curved, elongated metal front sits flush against the vehicle seatback, designed to minimize secondary (or rebound) movement in the event of a collision.
The Chicco KeyFit 35 comes with an anti-rebound base, which sits flush against the vehicle seat to help reduce the rebound motion of the infant seat in the event of a crash.
Another notable feature of the KeyFit 35 is its European belt path, akin to our premium pick, the Clek Liing. This belt path is particularly useful when installing the seat without its base, relying solely on the vehicle seat belt—commonly used for taxi rides or travel scenarios where carrying the base isn’t practical. Unlike most infant car seats in the US that utilize an American belt path, which secures the seat belt over the top of the seat alone, we’ve found in our tests that achieving a secure installation with an American belt path can be challenging.
An overhead view of the European belt path demonstrates where the vehicle’s lap belt threads through the seat.
In contrast, a European belt path guides the lap belt over the top of the seat and the shoulder belt around the back of the seat, significantly minimizing the seat’s potential for movement and shifting. While installing an infant seat without a base using a European belt path may not be as secure and stable as with a base, the difference between a seat installed with an American versus European belt path is substantial. If you frequently travel without the base, the type of belt path your infant seat features should be a crucial consideration. The KeyFit 35 offers this valuable European belt path feature at a significantly lower cost compared to our premium choice, the Clek Liing.
Many of the KeyFit 35’s fundamental features remain consistent with those of the KeyFit 30, including the carrying handle. However, a notable enhancement is the KeyFit 35’s no-rethread harness: as your baby grows, you no longer need to detach the harness straps from the splitter plate, manually thread them through the seat’s back holes, and reattach them. Instead, you simply adjust the harness up or down to the desired position (the headrest adjusts automatically), and you’re done. While rethreading harness straps isn’t overly burdensome, this thoughtful design feature saves time and effort, a detail we particularly value on our top-choice Graco seat as well.
While the KeyFit 35 and KeyFit 30 share similar aesthetics, the KeyFit 35 exudes a noticeably sleeker and more upscale appearance. It features its own selection of fabric options distinct from the KeyFit 30. Available choices include various shades of black, navy, and gray, along with the Chicco KeyFit 35 ClearTex option, which maintains the same seat features but uses fabric without added chemicals and has received Greenguard Gold Certification for lower chemical emissions. Spot-cleaning the KeyFit 35 is straightforward, and the cover can also be removed for machine-washing and line-drying.
The sun canopy on the KeyFit 35 extends slightly farther than that of the KeyFit 30, though it’s not as expansive as the canopy on our premium pick, the Clek Liing. For those seeking a larger sunshade, the KeyFit 35 Zip ClearTex model offers a canopy that can be fully unzipped to provide complete shade for the seat, at an additional cost of about $30. The KeyFit 35 Zip ClearTex also features a quick-remove seat pad, allowing you to easily detach the top part of the seat cover for washing. While these extras are a nice upgrade for those willing to spend more, we believe most users would find the standard KeyFit 35 model perfectly adequate.
Similar to the KeyFit 30, the KeyFit 35 measures 16½ inches wide, making it suitable for fitting into a three-across car seat configuration. It is slightly longer than the KeyFit 30 at 28 inches and weighs half a pound more at 10 pounds (still half a pound lighter than our top-pick Graco seat).
The KeyFit 35 features a slightly higher maximum passenger height and weight limit compared to the KeyFit 30. Both seats have a minimum weight limit of 4 pounds, accommodating some preemies. While the KeyFit 30 supports up to 30 pounds and 30 inches, the KeyFit 35 extends this to 35 pounds and 32 inches. While this may offer a few extra months of use before transitioning to a convertible seat, we believe the portability advantage of an infant seat diminishes around this size. Nonetheless, the higher limits can extend the KeyFit 35’s usability.
Like the KeyFit 30, the KeyFit 35 includes a newborn insert (removed at 11 pounds) and a headrest cushion usable beyond the newborn stage. Both models expire after six years and come with a one-year warranty. Notably, specific NHTSA crash-testing data for the KeyFit 35 is not available.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
Many of the shortcomings we identified in the KeyFit 30, such as its American belt path and basic features, are addressed in the KeyFit 35, which also boasts a slightly more stylish appearance. Weighing 10 pounds, it is half a pound heavier than the KeyFit 30 but still lighter than our top pick from Graco, which weighs 10½ pounds. While the KeyFit 35 comes at a higher cost than the KeyFit 30, we believe the added benefits—including an anti-rebound base and a European belt path—justify the price increase.
Additionally, for those considering reuse, note that like the KeyFit 30, the KeyFit 35 has a lifespan of six years before expiration, which is shorter than our top pick from Graco (seven years) or our upgrade pick from Clek (nine years).
Upgrade pick: Clek Liing
Clek Liing
An infant seat in a class of its own
This model is exceptionally easy to install and is designed to minimize user error with extensive color-coding. Additionally, it features a large sun canopy and includes the added safety benefit of a load leg.
Clek, a Canadian car seat manufacturer renowned for its robust convertible car seats often likened to tanks, introduced its inaugural infant car seat, the Clek Liing, in 2019, which might still be unfamiliar to some. However, in our recent testing, we were genuinely impressed—almost to the point of gushing—by the Liing’s exceptional functionality, engineering, safety features, and overall design.
The instruction manual for the Clek Liing is detailed yet approachable; don’t be intimidated by its thoroughness. Installing the Liing with its base is remarkably straightforward. One Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) noted that it’s so simple that her 5-year-old could manage it with adult supervision—and we have no reason to doubt that. Like our other recommended seats, the Liing features additional guides and instructions printed directly on the seat itself. These on-seat instructions are among the most comprehensive we’ve encountered, reiterating crucial information from the manual where it matters most on the seat.
During my initial attempt, installing the seat took a couple of minutes, and subsequently, about a minute. To begin installation, extend the load leg from the seat’s base. This load leg, a key safety feature of the Liing, is a telescoping metal rod that provides additional support between the seat base and the vehicle floor. In the event of a crash, the load leg absorbs initial impact and restricts seat rotation or rebound. While the base can be installed without the load leg, Clek’s crash tests with the Liing demonstrated up to a 40% reduction in potential injuries when the load leg was utilized.
The combination of the rigid LATCH connection and the load leg makes it feel as if the Liing’s base is built into your car.
To secure the Clek Liing’s base using the LATCH system, extend the metal arms integrated into the base and insert them directly into your vehicle’s LATCH anchors. As the connection is made, the indicator window next to the connectors shifts from red to green. This type of LATCH system is referred to as rigid LATCH, and it’s our preferred type due to its ability to facilitate the safest and most secure installation. Releasing the base with rigid LATCH is straightforward: simply press down and slide back the red LATCH release buttons located near the LATCH anchors.
The final step in installation is adjusting the base to one of seven recline positions. A liquid-filled bubble level indicator assists in selecting the appropriate recline setting based on the baby’s weight. Once the base of the Liing is installed with rigid LATCH and the load leg, it remains securely in place without any movement—it feels seamlessly integrated into the vehicle.
The Liing has a rigid LATCH system. You line up the connectors with your car’s LATCH anchors and push until they click into place and the indicator turns green.
To install the Clek Liing base using the seat-belt method, start by opening the belt tensioner using the lever located on the base. Thread the seat belt through the bright blue plastic threader on the top edge of the base, pull it tight, and then close the belt tensioner. While our tests found this installation method to be very secure, it didn’t quite match the rock-solid feel of the LATCH method.
Whether using the LATCH system or the seat-belt method, color-change indicators provide clear feedback when components are properly locked. A red indicator signifies not locked, while green indicates a secure lock. At the base of the load leg, another color-change indicator turns green once the leg is lowered using the “Pull” tab.
When ready to attach the seat bucket to the base, yet another color indicator on the side of the bucket confirms proper insertion. It displays red if not securely attached and turns green when the seat is properly locked in place. With its extensive color-coding—more than any other seat we’ve tested—the Liing makes it nearly impossible to inadvertently misinstall any component.
The Liing’s base features several indicators that transition from red to green upon proper installation, located on the LATCH connectors and the load leg. Additionally, it includes a bubble level indicator to assist in adjusting the base’s angle according to your infant’s weight.
Similar to our selections from Graco and Chicco, the Clek Liing seat allows for one-handed removal from its base, although the release lever is situated on the base itself, not on the bucket seat. Adjusting the handle requires both hands (unlike our Graco pick), yet it moves smoothly and is comfortable to grasp. As your baby grows, adjusting the harness straps follows the traditional method of removing and rethreading them. (A no-rethread harness, as found in the Graco seat and the Chicco KeyFit 35, offers quicker and easier adjustments.)
The Clek Liing is narrow and compact, measuring 16.9 inches wide and 27.7 inches deep—just slightly larger than the Chicco KeyFit 30 and KeyFit 35, which are the smallest among our selections. Like our other picks, the Liing is well-suited for fitting three across. Without the base, the bucket carrier weighs 9 pounds, over a pound lighter than our top-pick seat from Graco. While we didn’t find significant weight differences noticeable among our four picks, the extra pound may become more noticeable as your baby grows and carrying becomes more challenging.
Despite its compact dimensions, the Liing accommodates infants up to 35 pounds or 32 inches in height, and it supports babies as small as 4 pounds, making it suitable for some preemies. Included with the Liing is removable support padding designed for infants weighing less than 11 pounds. Clek refers to this padding as “two-stage,” comprising a headrest and a support cushion. The headrest can be used until the baby outgrows the seat, while the bottom support cushion remains suitable until their shoulders reach the top harness slot.
Flaws but not dealbreakers
When you’re investing this much in a seat, it’s natural to scrutinize and identify areas for potential improvement. Take, for instance, the Liing’s harness system, which requires manual adjustments as your child grows. While this task isn’t overly complicated, the absence of a no-rethread harness helps keep the seat lightweight—though, having experienced the convenience of such a feature on top models like Graco’s leading pick and the Chicco KeyFit 35, its omission becomes noticeable.
Moreover, there are other considerations to address head-on: Even among premium choices, the Liing’s price tag is notably steep. It commands roughly double the cost of comparable alternatives, making it one of the most expensive infant seats on the market. We recognize the financial strain this may impose, especially since infant seats typically serve a short-term purpose. This disparity prompted extensive internal discussions as we revised our recommendations, mindful of endorsing a product that’s financially out of reach for many families, despite its safety benefits.
Regrettably, due to safety concerns associated with used car seats, unlike bikes or strollers, we can’t recommend seeking a secondhand option unless its history and condition are unequivocally trustworthy.
Ultimately, while the Liing’s price may exclude it from consideration for some, we chose not to discount its merits solely on cost. Our guide strives to offer a spectrum of excellent choices, catering to diverse budgets, ensuring confidence in every recommendation we make.
