Here are my recommendations for best infant car seats for travel, particularly for air travel. These car seats are listed in order of maximum child height, from shortest to tallest. All seats featured here can travel without their bases (consult manual for instructions) and are FAA-certified for use in aircraft.
See also: Convertible Car Seats Safety Boosters Car Seat Alternatives Car Seat Travel Accessories See All Great Products & Gear
Graco SnugRide Click Connect 30 LX with EPS
Why Shelly recommends it:
Lightweight, cushy (LX model), and compact–and possibly your best bet infant car seat for air travel. While other infant carrier car seats may offer more bells and whistles, truth is many of them only apply to the car seat base. For most travelers, that becomes irrelevant the moment they leave their base behind and set out for the airport.
And while an increasing number of infant car seats go beyond the 30″ height limit and 30 lbs. weight limit (including the Click Connect 35), many won’t fit well in smaller compact rental and ultra-fuel efficient cars, and certainly not in coach airplane seats–which may just make them the opposite of the best infant car seats for travel.
The Graco SnugRide Click Connect 30 can be used with or without its base; though when you need it, that base adjusts to 4 different recline positions (always consult the car seat manual for instructions) and is FAA-approved for air travel. It measures 27″ x 17.5″ x 14″ when attached to the base. For children 4 to 30 lbs. or 30″ tall. Seat by itself weighs 7.5 lbs, with base weighs 13.6 lbs. total. Find it online at: Amazon.com
Chicco KeyFit 30 Infant Car Seat
Why Shelly recommends it:
It’s lightweight and built for travel with children up to 30 lbs. or 30″ in height. While lugging a car seat that is 9 lbs. plus a possible 30 lbs. of child ion a daily basis s not especially desirable or comfortable for most parents, the ability to travel longer with the ease of an infant-style car seat could make it worth it for you.
Extra comforts include the infant insert and extendable sun visor, as shown. The KeyFit travels without its base, if desired, and fits easily into airplane seats at only 17″W. It installs with either LATCH or seatbelts, and where LATCH is available, the KeyFit’s unique one-pull adjusting system can save you time during installation.
The KeyFit car seat is also compatible with the Chicco Cortina and C1 strollers. Measures 24″D x 17″W x 22″H without base, weighs 9 lbs. without base. Find it online at: Amazon.com Baby Earth
Safety 1st Onboard 35 Air Infant Car Seat
Why Shelly recommends it:
The car seat itself weighs in at 9 lbs. and can be used with or without the base for children up to 32″ in height or 35 lbs. in weight. “Air Protect” cushioning provides extra side impact protection around the head, but without adding weight to the seat.
A longer leg rest also makes it a more comfortable rear-fit for the taller passenger. FAA-approved for air travel. 28″D x 17.5″W x 24.5″H. Weighs 9 lbs. without base, 15 lbs. with base. Find it online at: Amazon.com BabyEarth
Britax B-Safe 35 Infant Car Seat
Why Shelly recommends it:
Safety & ease. The B-Safe 35 offers a protective steel frame and side-impact protection as well as an impact-absorbing base. The Britax B-Safe also features premium LATCH attachments with push-button release, and belt lock-offs for secure installation with safety belts, earning it a 5-star Ease of Use rating from NHTSA.
The B-Safe features four harness heights and two buckle positions. FAA-approved for air travel. The B-Safe is also the integrated Click & Go adapter to work with all Britax B series strollers.
The B-Safe car seat is for infants 4 lbs. to 35 lbs. or 32″ tall. The car seat with base is 26.5″ D x 17.8″ W x 25″ H. Base weight is 9 lbs. and car seat alone weighs 10 lbs. Find it online at: Amazon.com Baby Earth
Combi Shuttle Infant Car Seat with Anti-Rebound Bar
Why Shelly recommends it:
The anti-rebound bar is built into the seat itself, which means the safety feature travels with you even when the base stays home–something no other brand of infant carrier offers at this time. EPS foam lines the headrest for additional protection, no-rethread height adjustable harness. Also appreciated: Height-adjustable base with level indicator, EZ one-hand harness adjust, and premium push-button LATCH connectors.
The Combi Shuttle offers use up to 35 lbs. or 33″ in height. While it may offer more months of service than the SnugRide or B-Safe, it may have more trouble fitting with a full 45-degree recline in smaller vehicles (including compact rental cars).
The Shuttle is FAA-certified for use in aircraft. Measures 25″H x 15″ W x 27″D with the base and weighs 9.3 lbs. (without base). The Shuttle can be used for children from 5 lbs to 35 lbs., or up to 33″ tall. Find it online at: Amazon.com
You might also like:
Best Car Seat Carriers, Travel Bags & Strollers
Car Seat Alternatives for travel
Review of CARES: The Flight Safety Harness for Children 1 year+
Best Convertible Car Seats for Travel
Need to know: Flying Southwest Airlines with a Baby or Toddler
Car Seat Travel Accessories
Five tips for installing car seats on airplanes
Need to know: Flying Alaska Airlines with a Baby or Toddler
Flying with Car Seats: 7 Easy ways to get your car seat through the airport
Need to know: Flying American Airlines with a Baby or Toddler
More Car Seat Travel Advice and Road Trip Tips
How to Plan Your Best Vacation with Baby
Need family vacation inspiration?
Check out the Family Vacation Guides at our sister site, FamilyTravel411.com, where you’ll find ideas and advice for travel with kids to destinations around the globe!