The Best Lightweight Infant Car Seats? (The Ultimate Guide 2022)

The Safety Restraint Coalition is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more.

Selecting the best infant car seat is a tiresome task for every parent - I'm telling you from my experience. There are just so many elements and factors to consider!

But, if your search focuses on the best lightweight infant car seats, don't bother about it since I have prepared absolutely the best options that you can find on the market currently!

I'm fortunate to have found these car seats and worked well with all of them during my CPTS classes and practice. They are, of course, lightweight, convenient for regular bases, and travel.

Want to know more? Stay with me, and learn as much as you can - I promise I won't let you down!

Our Favorite Lightweight Infant Car Seats - Overview

$$Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 LX ~ 9.75 pounds - One of the best infant car seats on the market, it's easy to install and includes a total shade canopy that protects your little one from dangerous UV rays. Suitable for: from 4-35 pounds.

$Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX ~ 11.49 pounds - This seat is comfortable to carry and easy to install in most vehicles, includes an adjustable harness with 4 points that grow with your child. Could use more padding. Suitable for: from 4-35 pounds.

$$ — Chicco KeyFit 30 Zip Air ~ 17.25 pounds - The most lightweight car seat by Chicco features the best safety system, and an excellent 3D breathable mesh cover. Could use more support for the neck. Suitable for: from 4-30 pounds.

$ — Baby Trend Ez Flex-Loc 30 ~ 15.75 pounds - Has a 4-position adjustable base so you can always get a proper fit, is easy to install, and has an EPS foam that keeps your kiddo protected. Suitable for: from 4-30 pounds.

$ — Disney Baby Minnie Mouse Light' n Comfy ~ 14 pounds - One of the best-looking infant car seats on the market for girls. It comes with a car seat base and meets all safety regulations while implementing side impact protection. However, it does feel a bit flimsy and could use more padding. Suitable for: 4-22 pounds.

$$$ — Maxi-Cosi Mico Xp Max ~ 22 pounds - Sleek design that offers one of the best safety systems. Includes a comfortable and plush padding and a removable seat pad that you can wash in the machine, and the dry off. The price is steep. Suitable for: 4-30 pounds.

$ — Safety 1st onBoard 35 LT Comfort Cool ~ 14 pounds - One of the best comfortable materials that are soft and gentle to the baby's skin. Even though it has adjustable straps, some parents found them too short. Suitable for: from 4-35 pounds.

$$ — Evenflo LiteMax DLX ~ 11 pounds - The most durable car seat with excellent protection and built quality. Features no-rethread harness and a load leg for maximum safety. Slight canopy design flaws. Suitable for: from 4-35 pounds.

$ — Cosco Light N Comfy DX ~ 10 pounds - FAA approved and slim, so it fits airplane aisle and does not take up too much space, suitable for smaller babies as it includes infant pillow support. Feels a bit flimsy. Suitable for: from 4-22 pounds.

$ — Century Carry On 35 Lightweight ~ 7 pounds - The lightest in the category, easy to install, and compatible with all of the Century strollers so you can create a travel system. Challenging to clean. Suitable for: from 4-35 pounds.

$$ — Evenflo LiteMax 35 ~ 16 pounds - Meets all safety regulations and standards while including a stay-in-car seat base for maximum convenience and user-friendly experience! However, the seat is a bit narrow. Suitable for: from 4-35 pounds.

Best Lightweight Infant Car Seats Money Can Buy: My Top 11 Picks

Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 LX Infant Car Seat - The Most Convenient Seat

Have you ever thought about the most lightweight infant car seat for your baby? If you haven't, I'm going to show you!

Graco SnugRide rear-facing lightweight car seat has various benefits; the one-hand adjustability being of them!

Namely, as you can moderate and use the infant car seat with one hand, the other one is free, so it's convenient for carrying and use.

Since the lightweight infant car seat has the adjustable silent shade canopy, no matter whether the weather is adverse or right, you can protect your little one from sun, rain, wind, all other conditions. Awesome, right?

Another big plus this lightweight rear-facing car seat contains the LATCH seat belt system and the LATCH connectors.

The LATCH system works perfectly and installs correctly with the car seat belt; therefore, your baby will have more stability and protection during the ride.

The most substantial advantage Graco SnugRide lightweight rear-facing car seat has is a 5-point harness system and the 4-point adjustable base!

As your baby will have the maximum protection, the base will help you find the perfect body posture for your little one! Thus, the baby will have the ultimate comfort as well!

As the seat passed the FMVSS and tests, the additionally engineered and crash tests contribute to your toddlers' safety.

And the installation process is quick since the level indicator on the car seat shows you how to set it up properly.

Pros
  • Easy to install and use
  • Comfortable
  • Excellent support
Cons
  • /

Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX Infant Car Seat - For Anxious Parents

Want to learn more about the next infant car seat? Read below.

This Graco SnugRide lightweight rear-facing car seat has so many advantages, and the first one is compatibility.

Thanks to its lightweight design, the infant car seat is comfortable to carry from the motor vehicle car seat to the stroller. Thus, it's appropriate for all kinds of rides, and even if you're going on a trip.

The dimensions are convenient for a baby from 4 to 35 pounds of the maximum weight limit and 32 inches of maximum height.

Since the rear-facing lightweight infant car seat contains the 4-position adjustable base, it follows the children's weight and height, growth and development, and provides enough space for your little one as they grow.

Concerning safety and protection, let me tell you that the Graco lightweight infant car seat contains the protect-plus engineered material, which is the best protection in frontal, side, rollover, or rear car crashes. Therefore, your baby will remain untouchable, no matter what happens!

The level indicator makes it easier for you to follow and read about the seat installation process since you can do it in minutes if you look at the procedure.

And the 5-point harness system makes sure your baby has the ultimate stability, so it's impossible for your little one to drop or slip away from the car seat. An impressive seat!

Pros
  • Comfortable
  • Excellent support
  • Affordable
  • Quick installation
Cons
  • Questionable seat padding

Chicco KeyFit 30 Zip Air Infant Car Seat - Best For Ventilation

If you're searching for the #1 lightweight infant car seat in the USA, you can stop now! You've found it!

The Chicco KeyFit 30 rear-facing lightweight car seat has the most straightforward installation possible due to the LATCH system and connectors, RideRight bubble levels, and ReclineSure leveling foot.

Thus, you can place and install the rear-facing lightweight car seat in seconds, without any issues.

The dimensions are excellent for a baby between 4 pounds and 30 pounds of the maximum weight limit for the best ride experience. Try, and see if I'm wrong, but I'm not.

Your sleeping baby will have the sweetest dreams thanks to the breathable 3D air-mesh, which provides free airflow and air circulation through the channels.

Thus, the material's cooling effect increases, and the ventilation works 100%, guaranteeing the most comfortable and sweat-free ride.

Speaking of material, I have to say that the content is a machine-washable one and contains quick zippers for straightforward removing and cleaning.

You will save up both your energy and time, but the KeyFit 30 infant car seat will normally be ready for the next use.

For shorter or longer travel plans, the KeyFit 30 car seat comes with the Chicco strollers and other travel system parts and uses. Therefore, the seat is an excellent travel buddy!

What else can I tell you? Try it!

Pros
  • Easy to use
  • Easy to install
  • Comfortable
  • Easy to clean
  • Excellent security features
  • Affordable
Cons
  • Neck support flaws

Baby Trend Ez Flex-Loc 30 Infant Car Seat - The Most Comfortable Seat

And now, let's review my best infant car seat! Shall we start?

The most imperative benefit is the 5-point harness system. Your baby will have the ultimate protection and stability, and you won't have to worry about what might go wrong - nothing will happen!

If you want to find the right angle for a better installation, you can do so thanks to the 4-position height-adjustable base. Thus, you can find the best infant car seat position and place it for a pressure-free ride and an extra comfortable atmosphere.

Next, let's talk about the proportions. They are excellent and match the baby from 4 to 30 pounds of maximum weight.

For more convenient use, the lightest car seat has to offer one-hand motion and release. Your other hand will be free for added comfort and carrying.

Thus, the smooth carrying handle won't scratch your arms, and you can freely take the seat wherever you go.

When talking about the protection, you don't have to worry since the infant car seat follows the safety standards and contains the EPS energy-absorbing foam, along with the soft head support and the side impact protection.

Hence, the baby will remain untouchable even in the case of a car collision.

So, check on Amazon right away whether the best infant car seat is still available, and if you find the answer flattering, don't waste your time anymore!

Pros
  • Excellent support
  • Easy installation
  • Excellent safety features
  • Comfortable
Cons
  • /

Disney Baby Minnie Mouse Light' n Comfy - Best Looking Infant Car Seat

Can't you just imagine your baby girl lounging away in this Disney Baby Minnie Mouse infant car seat? This is the most endearing design so far!

It's lightweight, has built-in side impact protection, and it's pink! What's not to love?!

The maximum weight capacity in this infant car seat ranges from 4-22 pounds. It is generously padded and snug; it's suitable for tiny passengers from day one!

What I like the most about this infant car seat because it's not only here to serve looks. This is a safe infant car seat that meets and exceeds all Federal Safety standards, so you can be sure knowing that the seat is safe as much as it's good-looking.

In addition, this car seat will help you stand out from the crowd! If you are tired of seeing plain old gray and black color patterns almost all car seats offer, you will be impressed with the Disney one!

Its fashion-forward design will have moms come up to you and ask you where you got it! It's great that it already comes with a car seat base, so you will only have to latch the car seat onto it, and voila!

However, I wish there was more padding in the car seat, but considering it retails for less than $100, I did not expect any miracles.

Pros
  • Affordable
  • Exceeds safety regulations
  • 5-point harness
  • Comfortable
  • Fashionable design
Cons
  • Could use more padding

aaa

The Maxi-Cosi Mico Xp Max may be a lightweight infant car seat, but it's not cheap!

If you have a bigger budget, I propose you give this car seat a try! It's packed with features and safety components that will make every ride more enjoyable.

This model is suitable for infants who weigh between 4-30 pounds and are at least 32 inches tall. If you asked me what the one thing worth splurging on with Maxi Cosi was, I would pick the fabric.

Maxi Cosi infant car seats include the PureCosi fabrics that are undoubtedly one of the most comfortable on the market. Of course, I need my baby to be safe, but I also want him to be comfortable!

The fabric is made out of wool that is free from fire retardants. To make things even better, the seat pad that is included is suitable for the washing machine and the dryer!

The car seat also features infant cushion support that keeps even the tiniest passengers snug and comfy in their new seats.

It's great that you get a car seat base for this kind of price that makes the installation much more manageable. The Maxi-Lock base includes a secure locking mechanism and an anti-rotation stability leg.

Pros
  • Includes side impact protection
  • Stability leg that prevents rotation
  • Comfortable padding
  • Removable seat pad that is machine and dryer friendly
  • Available in several color options
Cons
  • Pricy
  • Difficult to adjust the straps

Safety 1st onBoard 35 LT Comfort Cool Infant Car Seat - The Highest Quality Material

When speaking about the Safety 1st lightweight infant car seat, it's imperative to know that the proportions fit babies from 4 pounds to 35 of maximum weight.

However, the weight and size may vary; namely, not all kiddos can sit comfortably in this lightweight car seat, and you can check the listed full value and height recommendation.

But the advantage is cooling technology and material!

As your baby can find, the content is comfortable, cozy, dry, and cold. Therefore, your little one won't feel any pressure and will ride pleasantly without sweat or heat.

If you're concerned about the protection part, don't be since the infant car seat contains the best side impact protection with the energy-absorbing content and deep sides.

Thus, even if a car accident occurs, the infant car seat will sustain the force of a collision and will keep your baby safe.

To continue with, maximum safety is possible, thanks to the next-generation engineering materials. The same content makes the infant car seat a lightweight one. Hence, it's an ideal option for a journey.

If you want to make your kiddo more comfortable, you can adjust the harness to four different positions for extended use. And when you want to clean it, you wash the machine's seat pad and dry it safely.

The infant insert is also imperative, and you can add or remove the extra support for your growing little ones.

Pros
  • Quick setup
  • Affordable
  • Durable
  • Excellent security features
Cons
  • Tight straps

Evenflo LiteMax DLX Infant Car Seat - The Most Durable Seat

Step-by-step, I've come to the penultimate infant car seat, and let me show you why I love it so much!

This is an impressive infant car seat for your growing baby since it has an adjustable headrest that provides more space for and follows your kiddo's weight and height.

You can connect this to another big plus, and that's the harness system. The straps won't re-thread, and you don't have to remove them for more space.

Moreover, the sashes slide effortlessly, and your growing baby will have the space they need.

When purchasing the infant car seat for an extended period, you definitely should not skip this one since the minimum and maximum weight stretch from 4 to 35 lbs.

Therefore the car seat accommodates your baby longer. It's convenient for kids up to 24 months old.

Being a lightweight infant car seat; it allows you to carry it everywhere and install it quickly in your motor vehicle's back seat. You can quickly move it from one car to another due to pendulum level indicators that show you whether you did it correctly.

Because the infant car seat contains the safe-zone load leg, you can read the indicators to stabilize and reduce the crash forces up to 50%. Fantastic!

The installation is secure because the sure-safe installation system works two times better than the standard LATCH system! Simply amazing!

Pros
  • Excellent support
  • Easy to use and install
  • Comfortable
  • Great safety features
Cons
  • Possible canopy problems

Cosco Light N Comfy DX Infant Car Seat - Best for Smaller Babies

If you are a traveling fanatic like me, you will need an FAA-approved infant car seat!

There is no reason you shouldn't take your little tot to all your adventures, not that you can easily get an affordable car seat you can use only for traveling.

The Cosco Light n Comfy DX car seat is just what you need if you want a car seat you can occasionally use as a backup or a travel alternative.

I'm not saying you cannot use it for every ride, but it would be better if you invested in something more rigid than this one.

The infant car seat is supportive for babies between 4-22 pounds, and it has a snug fit for smaller ones. It even has four adjustable harness points.

With them, you can easily adjust the fit as your kiddo grows. Of course, you won't be able to use it for very long due to the limited maximum weight capacity, but it's still good to know the car seat grows with your infant.

The car seat is easy to install with almost all vehicles as it includes the LATCH system and LATCH storage, so those straps are always out of the way!

Cosco car seat offers all-around safety with side impact protection that features shock-absorbing foam.

Pros
  • FAA approved
  • Comfortable padding
  • Includes an infant insert for smaller babies
  • Latch equipped with latch storage
  • Side impact protection
  • Shock-absorbing foam
Cons
  • A bit flimsy

Century Carry On 35 Lightweight Infant Car Seat - The Lightest Infant Car Seat

I thought there was not a single car seat that weighed less than 10 pounds. Boy, was I wrong!

The Century Carry On 35 infant car seat is a unique model that weighs only 7 lbs! How great is that?

It beats the competition to the ground when it comes to the weight but let's see how it tests out in other categories.

Now, if the car seat's weight impressed you, wait till you hear about the weight limit! This car seat supports babies between 4-35 pounds!

As most of its competitors offer a 22-30 lbs maximum weight limit, the Century car seat is a breath of fresh air!

Furthermore, the car seat is compatible with all Century strollers, so you can easily create your very own travel system! Just connect it to the stroller, and you can have an unbeatable duo for everyday walks!

A great thing about this car seat is that it offers side impact protection whose safety has been crash tested with or without the car seat base.

However, a few parents have been complaining about the cleaning part. The infant pad is removable but does not clean up as quickly as many expected.

Lastly, the infant car seat is available in three color designs, so you can easily pick out the one you like the most.

Pros
  • Easily installed
  • Compatible with Century strollers
  • Lightest in the category
  • Side impact protection
Cons
  • The chest buckle feels a bit cheap
  • Tricky to clean

Evenflo LiteMax 35 Infant Car Seat - Best for Ergonomic Design of the Handle

And last but not least, my final infant car seat will undoubtedly take your breath away! Wait for it!

Since it's so convenient and versatile, this beautiful rear-facing lightweight car seat fits the babies between 4 and 35 lbs. of the recommended maximum weight.

But, the car seat includes the stay-in-car base for minimizing parents' efforts and more convenient uses.

As it meets the federal safety standards and procedures, the Evenflo infant car seat exceeds all the Evenflo tests for side-impact and rollover tests standards and regulations. You see, the car seat guarantees the best safety and protection!

The installation is straightforward thanks to the two-step vehicle seat belt locking clips, offering the four different reclining positions for gaining a more comfortable ride. 

Further, the pendulum level indicator shows you that when you have installed the car seat correctly. And the belt lock-off system suggests that the base stays stable in its place.

For the cleaning part, you can wash the removable car seat pad into the washing machine.

When your baby stirs, you can add more comfort by adding or removing the body and head pillows. Or, when the weather conditions are unsuitable, you can use the coverage canopy to protect your baby from all harmful weather elements.

But, you need to know that the child's head must be at least one inch below the top of the infant car seat.

Pros
  • Quick setup
  • Comfortable
  • Excellent support
Cons
  • Narrow for bigger babies
  • Canopy issues

What Should You Consider for When Purchasing the Best Lightweight Infant Car Seats? - Buyer's Guide

Some claim that there's no such thing as "the best infant car seat," but I disagree since it's subjective, and you'll find the best seat for your family.

So, what should you know about the best infant car seat - the lightweight one?

- It must fit your baby correctly

- It must match with your motor vehicle

- You can use it correctly all the time

1. Fit

The first point is that the seats must accommodate your newborn baby, and if you have a newborn infant, all infant car seats will fit.

However, the situation changes when they grow, and you have to choose those car seats from 4 to 35 lbs. of weight for children up to two-years-old.

Not all of them might be lightweight, but they are excellent for infants/toddlers.

2. Match

best lightest infant car seat

The second point refers to the fact that not all infant car seats fit your car seats.

Some brands, such as Evenflo, provide the space between the car seats and infant car seats, but not all others.

You can avoid this when you install the infant car seats in the middle of the back seats but be careful with the LATCH system as it won't allow it.

However, almost all infant car seats have the built lock-offs; thus, you can correctly install them even with the LATCH attachments.

Thus, both you and your little ones will ride comfortably, with enough space in the motor vehicle.

3. Correctly

The final point refers to the common knowledge that you must know how to install your new lightweight infant car seats correctly and get them ready for your little ones.

The best place to do so is the car seat's manual. But many manuals contain additional critical information that you may or may not follow and get confused.

In that case, you must contact the safety technician or instructor to help you in this process; otherwise, your little ones cannot use the car seats.

How Important is Infant Car Seats Weight? Extra Information

top lightweight infant car seat

There are different criteria to consider when selecting the best infant car seats.

As you need to check the safety, security, stability, protection, and other factors, you mustn't forget the seat weight.

You might not consider it essential, but I do, and let's see why. Although it can be a deceptive factor, I consider it critical for various reasons:

- It's ideal if the infant car seats weigh around 10 pounds, and when you place infants into them, they add some pounds more; it's not a big deal.

However, I have reviewed various car seats, and they vary in weight so that you can get them according to your needs.

But when you put a growing child into a bulky car seat, you cannot carry them properly.

That's why it's better to use strollers. Weight is a vital factor if you don't have a stroller and have to do all the jobs manually.

- If you plan to start a journey by plane, you need to consider the weight of the infant car seats as well because the FAA approved car seats weigh around 15 pounds.

There are some exceptions, but why would you complicate your situation? It's easier if you check the weight and get your best options.

Not all seats can pass the airports, and that's why you need to consider their lightweight if you don't want to move around in problems.

- If you get incredibly lightweight car seats (5 pounds, for instance), you have to check whether they go with or without the base.

If they go without the base, you will have to take the additional weight of the base, the extra pounds of your little ones, and complicate the situation again.

Thus, it's more comfortable to choose the more massive car seats with the base than the lighter car seats without one.

FAQs

What is the lightest infant car seat on the market?

The lightest infant car seat currently on the market is Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 LX Infant Car Seat.

As it weighs only 9.75 lbs. and contains the base, it is the most convenient car seat for everyday use and the shorter/longer travels.

What is the lightest toddler car seat?

As I have told you, the weight depends on whether the car seats go with or without the base. In this case, it's the Evenflo LiteMax 35 Infant Car Seat!

With the base, it weighs 16.00 lbs. but it weighs around 8 lbs. without the base. Thus, it's perfect for your one-year-old toddler.

What is the lightest car seat stroller combo?

One of the lightest, if not the most lightweight, on the market is the BRITAX B-Lively Travel System with B-Safe 35 Infant Car Seat.

You'll see that the car seat stroller combo makes a perfect lightweight travel system suitable for multiple travel types. In addition, the car seat stroller combo weighs only 30 pounds.

Given that multiple car seats weigh up to 30 and even more pounds, this is one of the best lightweight car seat stroller combos on the market.

You will get both a stroller and the infant car seat for those 30 pounds. So, you will combine well.

What is the average weight of an infant car seat?

The average weight of an infant car seat with a carrier is usually between ten and twenty pounds, depending on the model and wholesome composition.

The seats also include a car seat base, weighing a few pounds.

As you can see on our list, the lightest model is the Century Carry On 35 Lightweight Infant Car Seat, weighing only 7 pounds, but you can also find different models up to 20 pounds.

The average weight of the convertible car seat is between fifteen and thirty pounds, while booster car seats usually weigh between eleven and twenty-five pounds.

Again, all weight and design depend on the construction and base materials and design.

What is the weight limit for an infant car seat?

best ratings infant car seat

Generally, infant car seats will allow for the maximum weight limit of 35 pounds.

Most of them are designed for babies between 4-35 pounds, while some even have a lower weight limit of 22 pounds.

Never go over the limit and follow the weight requirements for an infant car seat. Not only are you risking the comfort of the baby but the safety if these limits are not followed.

What is the lightest Chicco infant car seat?

The Chicco KeyFit 30 Zip Air Infant Car Seat is the lightest Chicco infant car seat.

It weighs around 17 pounds, which is not considered lightweight for some, but this is the best Chicco has to offer, considering the built quality.

Chicco KeyFit 30 or KeyFit 35 is easy to carry from car to car and great for traveling as it is FAA-approved and lightweight for air travel!

Should I buy a separate infant car seat for travel?

If you have the means to do so and you're not on a tight budget, experts suggest you keep your kids in separate infant car seats for travel.

The main benefits are that the seats create ideal travel systems and fit most vehicles and strollers. But, above all, they offer maximum safety standards for your little ones.

If you cannot afford that, you can choose the best convertible car seats, but you cannot make travel systems with them.

Using seats with extended rear-facing positions for your babies would be best. Also, they are bulkier than infant seats, so read the manuals to find the proper vehicle fit.

But, they are good as well.

How much do Graco infant car seats weigh?

Well, they have multiple car seats, so they offer different weight measurements.

For instance, the SnugRide SnugLock 35 weighs only 7.2 pounds, but it weighs 11.49 pounds with the base.

The Extend2Fit convertible car seat, for instance, weighs 10 pounds. And the Graco transitions 3-in-1 booster car weighs around 12.5 pounds.

But these are only some of the most prominent models. You find different other units with numerous weight points. And you can find them on Amazon or our Graco articles.

How do you travel by infant car seat?

For starters, you need to make sure the infant car seat of your choice is FAA approved. Then, you should book an airplane seat for the car seat.

Also, you should check with the crew if you need to install the car seat in the window seat or the middle seat.

It's best to pick an infant car seat that is lightweight, so you won't have to deal with the hassle of taking along a bulky seat while traveling.

Conclusion

Finally, we're here; therefore, let's sum up and see what we have learned today!

As you could see, it's vital to pay attention to the weight of the car seats, along with the other factors.

As the car seats are more robust, it will be hard for you to carry them around with the kids. So, it's imperative to get lightweight car seats for more convenient use.

Speaking of convenience, one of the best lightweight infant car seats is Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 LX Infant Car Seat!

I love it because the seat offers the best protection and stability, along with the most painless installation and carrying convenience.

Moreover, more than 1000 happy customers said "YES" to this best infant car seat!

GRACO SnugRide 35 Lite LX Infant Car Seat (LX/TrueShield, Ion)*
  • Adjust handle with one hand, leaving other hand free
  • Silent Shade canopy easily and quietly adjusts without disturbing baby
  • InRight LATCH system for a one second LATCH attachment.Do not use bleach
  • 4 position adjustable base lets you customize fit to your vehicle; Engineered and crash tested to meet or exceed US standard FMVSS 213
  • Easy to read level indicator helps eliminate installation guesswork
Avatar of Kathy Warner

Kathy Warner

Kathy is a busy mother of two and a CPS technician for more than eight years. Her mission is to awaken parents to the importance of child passenger safety and show them the right practice. You can read more about her here

Leave a Comment