Best Infant Car Seats in 2026: Britax, UPPAbaby, Nuna & Maxi-Cosi

Choosing the best infant car seat is one of the most important decisions for new parents. Safety, ease of installation, comfort, and compatibility with your stroller all play a role. In this guide, we compare five of the best infant car seats in 2026, helping you find the right option for your family and vehicle.

Britax Willow S Infant Car Seat

Best Overall Infant Car Seat for Safety and Adjustability

The Britax Willow S is designed for parents who want maximum safety and a customizable fit from day one.

Key Features

• ClickTight® installation for a secure, confident install

• RightSize™ system adjusts at hips, shoulders, and crotch

• ReboundReduce™ stability bar and SafeCell™ crash protection

• Washer- and dryer-safe SafeWash® fabrics

Pros

• Excellent safety engineering

• Highly adjustable for newborns and growing babies

• Easy installation reduces misuse

Cons

• Slightly heavier than lightweight travel-focused seats

UPPAbaby Mesa V3 Infant Car Seat

Best Infant Car Seat for Easy Installation and Long-Term Use

The UPPAbaby Mesa V3 is ideal for parents who want visual confirmation that their car seat is installed correctly.

Key Features

• SmartSecure® system with red-to-green indicators

• No-rethread harness with 25 headrest positions

• Anti-rebound handle and side impact protection

• Direct attachment to UPPAbaby strollers

Pros

• One of the easiest infant car seats to install

• Higher weight limit up to 35 lbs

• Lifetime warranty

Cons

• Premium price point

• Heavier than some competitors

Nuna PIPA Infant Car Seat

Best Lightweight Infant Car Seat for Travel and City Living

The Nuna PIPA is a favorite for parents who prioritize lightweight design and portability.

Key Features

• Ultra-lightweight carrier

• Dream Drape™ for full sun protection

• True lock base installation

• FAA approved and baseless installation option

Pros

• Extremely easy to carry

• Great for taxis, flights, and urban use

• Sleek, modern design

Cons

• Fewer fit adjustment points compared to Britax

Britax Willow SC Infant Car Seat

Best Compact Infant Car Seat for Smaller Vehicles

The Britax Willow SC offers trusted Britax safety in a lighter, more compact design.

Key Features

• ClickTight® installation system

• RightSize™ adjustable fit

• SpaceSaver™ slim profile

• Machine washable fabrics

Pros

• Easier to carry than the Willow S

• Fits well in smaller backseats

• Strong safety at a lower cost

Cons

• Fewer advanced safety features than Willow S

Maxi-Cosi Mico Luxe+ Infant Car Seat

Best Eco-Friendly Infant Car Seat

The Maxi-Cosi Mico Luxe+ is perfect for parents looking for comfort, airflow, and sustainable materials.

Key Features

• EcoCare fabrics made from recycled materials

• Load leg base for improved crash stability

• ClimaFlow™ ventilation shell

• Easy baseless installation for taxi use

Pros

• Excellent temperature regulation

• Eco-conscious design

• Lightweight and easy to carry

Cons

• Lower max weight than 35 lb infant seats

• Best used within Maxi-Cosi travel systems