Find Out Which Is The Best Lightweight Car Seat
The little girl was in the back when the mother stopped at the red light… Then and the explosion happened at 50 mph…
There’s only one thing to do in an accident.
I hope that you have done everything to provide the best protection possible. The sad truth is that accidents are on the rise. If you want proof, check your insurance premium.
Finding the right lightweight car seat is no easy task.
Look:
This journey to find the right seat takes anywhere from weeks to a month. This is why I’ve created the best lightweight car seat article to help you. By reading this, you will manage to cut through the clutter and find the right one for you.
Stick with me for a bit, and you will find out which car seat was tested in a real crash. Not only that, but I will share with you how did it perform.
No matter why you’re looking for a lightweight car seat, I have you covered. I’ve broken up this article into multiple sections. On top, you will find the very best of them all. After that, I will share with you which is the best infant, toddler, convertible, and harness booster lightweight car seat.
Maybe you’re looking for a second car seat that can be easily swapped between cars. Maybe you want something for the babysitter or the grandparents. No matter why there’s something for you over here.
If you are looking for the best car seats for grandparents I wrote a post about that too.
Let’s get this best article started.
#1 WayB Pico – Best Lightweight Car Seat
Weighs: 8 pounds
The WayB Pico won the Best Lightweight Car Seat award. It’s the lightest one that you will ever find. Not only that, but it’s also the perfect travel companion.
This has happened to us countless times that people stopped us at the airport and started asking about the car seat. They couldn’t resist the temptation, so they have weighed it themselves.
This is the coolest car seat that I’ve ever seen. Actually, it resembles a high-tech office seat. You’re probably wondering if this is made for cars? Yes, it has passed all the safety checks and tests.
You see WAYB uses a high-quality aluminum frame, which is typically reserved for the air industry. Not only that, but the fabric is also a mesh that is perfect for the hot season. Your child’s skin breathes and doesn’t get sweaty.
They indeed cater to older kids. The minimum weight requirement is 22 pounds, and the upper one is 50 pounds.
This is its only drawback that you get only a limited amount of mileage. Other than that, if your family travels a lot or uses rentals, this is a comfy and safe seat. Not to mention a money saver.
For all these reasons, we won the award. Plus, it’s a good conversation starter.
Pros:
It gives a luxury feeling because there’s no plastic or foam
If you use ride-sharing or taxis, this is a lifesaver
It’s light and has high safety ratings
Cons:
You need a budget for this car seat
It’s for mostly bigger kids
#2 Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 Infant Car Seat – Best Lightweight Infant Car Seat
Weighs: 7.5 pounds
It happened during their morning routine. They were off to daycare on a Monday morning. The little boy was sitting in the back while the parents were going through the morning mayhem traffic.
When they were crossing an intersection, things changed for the worse. Another car just T-boned their car. They have lost control. The doors bent while the windows exploded into deadly shards. The airbags did their thing and protected the parents from harm.
The worst wasn’t even over yet. There was so much energy that the parent’s car flipped and ended up in the ditch while rolling over a few times. It was an ugly accident. The first reaction of the parents was to check on their son. He was fine; he wasn’t hurt. Naturally, he was scared, but he was fine and unhurt.
The Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 Infant Car Seat won the Best Lightweight Infant Car Seat award.
We live hectic lives, so having a baby just adds to the to-do list. This is where lightweight carriers come into play. There’s one thing for certain about babies that they need a lot of sleep. So while they are sleeping, you can get some chores done.
The Snugride Infant Car Seat is compatible with Graco Strollers. So you click it out from the car and add it to the stroller, and you can do the shopping while your little one snoozes.
There are lighter and heavier carriers, and you’re a baby’s weight is a factor as well. The Snugride won for another reason. It has the perfect canopy. Finally, an infant carrier that covers the baby and it’s protected during sleep.
The Graco Snugride Infant Car Seat is lightweight, and you can easily move it out in and out of the car if you’re on the go. This is why it won the award.
Pros:
If you value safety and comfort, this is the car seat for you
It’s easy to use even grandparent hands can adjust it
It’s compatible with Graco strollers no converters are needed
Cons:
It will give you a decent workout if you have a heavy baby
Few people reported that the chair wiggled
Runner Up: Clek Liing Infant Car Seat
Weighs: 9 pounds
Clek Liing Infant Car Seat came a close second. It’s a bit heavier weighing in 9 pounds. Of course, this is without the base. There’s no reason to carry the base with you.
Related: Are Car Seat Bases Universal?
It’s the most secure infant car seat, which I’ve seen. It comes with a load leg that absorbs 40% of impact energy. Thus protecting your little one from harm.
Clek is known for a few more things. They make luxury car seats and infant carriers. Also, they were the first to introduce chemical-free covers. They use merino wool, so you’re little one is safe from harsh chemicals. This is good news for parents who have babies with sensitive skin.
The Liing Infant Car Seat has everything you will ever need for an infant. The safety rating is to notch. It is also compatible with strollers. Now, if you have a stroller from a different brand, then you might need an adapter. Other than that, by matching it with a stroller, you will have a fully functional travel system.
It’s easy to carry, and the canopy provides good protection from the elements.
Clek Liing Infant Car Seat lost because it’s slightly heavier, and it’s a bit pricier. Now, if you have a child with a sensitive screen, the choice is a no brainer.
Pros:
It’s one of the safest infant carriers you can buy
The fabric is chemical-free so ideal for sensitive skin babies
The load leg is a lifesaver it reduces the rebound energy by 40%
Cons:
It’s the most expensive infant carrier that you can buy
The infant cushion has rubber safety labels that get hot and sticky
#3 Graco SlimFit Convertible Car Seat- Best Lightweight Toddler Car Seat
Weighs: 16.69 pounds
The Graco SlimFit Convertible Car Seat won the Best Lightweight Toddler Car Seat award. It offers a lot more besides being lightweight.
As the kids grow, the seats grow as well, and they get heavier. Depending on the safety features, they can become cumbersome. For example, there are car seats that have a full steel core, while others use steel reinforcements. That’s the compromise you have to make.
With the SlimFit Convertible Car Seat, you’re not just getting a light car seat, but you’re getting a space saver as well. According to the company, you will save 10% on space if you go with them. Plus, you will be able to do 3 across with this car seat.
If it’s light, it doesn’t mean that it lacks protection. Since it’s a Graco seat, it comes with ProtectPlus. This safety tech offer protection against the front, rear, side-impact, and rollovers as well. As you know, rollover crashes are the deadliest.
Since the SlimFit Convertible Car Seat is light, you can easily transfer it from one car to the other. The install is quite easy to do. All you need is a bit of practice, and then it will be a few second jobs.
The Graco SlimFit Convertible Car Seat has earned its spot.
Pros:
It’s a perfect car seat who wants three across
It has everything you need: safety, comfort, and sturdiness
Easy to use no manual threading of straps everything is automatic
Cons:
You will need to force of Hulk to strap it down right
Not much tilting options if you want to mount it in rear-facing mode
Runner Up: Safety 1st Guide 65 Convertible Car Seat
Weighs: 15 pounds
This is the lightest convertible car seat I could find. The reason why it didn’t win was that it’s cheap and basic. I mean, you can’t go lower than this.
Now don’t get me wrong it’s an OK car seat for a toddler if you don’t have high expectations. It’s a bit above the bucket seat.
This car seat is ideal for parents with small cars. Plus, if you want a cheap and light travel car seat, you have found the perfect one. Since it’s so cheap, you won’t mind if it gets banged around. When it comes to protection, it meets every governmental standard. It has side impact protection, which was surprising.
If you want to do extended rear-facing, it is possible until 40 pounds. Since it’s meant for toddlers, you can use it in forward facing mode until 65 pounds.
To tell you the truth, the pictures on the website don’t do justice for the Safety 1st. In real life, it looks a lot better. Now the install isn’t that easy. Here’s a hot tip you should remember put your little one in first and adjust the straps. Only after that, start the installation process.
It’s not a bad car seat. If you can look past the cheapness, then it will serve you well. The Safety 1st Guide 65 Convertible Car Seat almost make de it but it was a bit short.
Pros:
One of the smallest car seats that can take 65 pounds
It has a small profile, so 3 across is doable
Excellent for travel it fits on an airplane seat
Cons:
It’s a headache to install
There’s one bet and difficult to adjust.
#4 Graco Milestone Convertible Car Seat – Best Lightweight Convertible Car Seat
Weighs: 19.8 pounds
This incident happened with some friends of ours. They were driving on a country road. Their son was asleep in the back. All of a sudden, a huge deer was blocking the road.
The father had no choice. He couldn’t avoid it because there wasn’t enough distance. So he hit it head-on.
The SUV’s engine took the most of the beating. The airbags deployed and protected the passengers. The instant deceleration was a shocker. Not to mention the windshield cracked.
The SUV goes totaled, but luckily nobody got hurt. The little boy was scared, but that’s it.
The Graco Milestone convertible car seat won the Best Lightweight Convertible Car Seat award.
As kids get older, cars start to get heavier. Even though the weight is getting close to 20 pounds, it’s one of the best car seats you can get. The main reason the Milestone Convertible Car Seat won because they listen to the customers. It seems that this was designed by a mom because they have paid attention to the smallest details.
If you’re a fan of extended rear-facing, then you have to know that the upper limit is at 40 pounds. In this car seat, your kiddo will be sitting high up, so they will be able to see outside.
The Milestone Convertible Car Seat deserves the award because it’s safe and light. You will be able to swap it between cars.
Pros:
Easy to get baby in and out and it’s easy to move between cars
Great dark colors so dirt isn’t visible
It’s so safe it has probably designed by a mom
Cons:
There’s no good harness holder you will waste time strapping in
If you have large hands, it will be difficult to loosen the straps
See more: The best car seat for 3 year old list
Runner Up: Evenflo SureRide DLX Convertible Car Seat
Weighs: 9.8 pounds
This is the cheapest and lightest car seat that I have found. It has such a low weight that it beats a few infant carriers at their own game.
This car seat is super light. This means that it will be so easy to swap between cars. It’s an ideal car seat for babysitters and grandparents. If you are planning a long trip, then it can be a great travel companion. It’s FAA approved, and since it’s not that heavy, it’s easy to carry it through the airport.
Besides flying, it’s excellent for rentals. At least you don’t have to pay extra for the typically uncomfortable car seats that they are providing.
Other than that, it has everything any other car seat has. It has passed all the government standards, and it provides three levels of impact protection.
It caters to infants and kids up to 65 pounds. The Evenflo SureRide DLX Convertible Car Seat can be mounted in rear and forward facing mode. There are no missing parts. The cover can be easily removed and washed with the washing machine.
The main reason this Convertible Car Seat lost was that I couldn’t wrap my head around how cheap it is.
Pros:
You get a lot of features for this small price
It has a narrow profile, and you can take it on the plane with you
It’s a perfect car seat for being a backup
Cons:
Many parents said that it isn’t padded enough
There’s no adjustable recline option
#5 Graco Tranzitions 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat – Best Lightweight Harness Booster Car Seat
Weighs: 14.97 pounds
This incident happened with a friend of mine. She was driving home late at night while her daughter was quietly sitting in the back.
They just stopped at the red light when the unthinkable happened.
A drunk driver ram into the car traveling at 50 mph. The impact was loud. The trunk disappeared as if it never existed.
The backseat has bent out of shape. The mother thought the worst has happened. She turned to check on her daughter and saw her. She had wide eyes and didn’t know what just happened. There wasn’t a scratch on her. She was fine a bit scared but fine.
The Graco Tranzitions won the Best Lightweight Harness Booster Car Seat award.
Graco Tranzitions saved a life that day. Even if it’s light, it has done its job and kept the little girl safe. The name tranzitions suits this car seat fine because it’s so easy to swap between cars. Plus, it has a narrow profile, so you will be able to do three across with ease.
This will be the last car seat that you will ever need. It’s a 3 in 1, so the upper limit is set to 100 pounds. It will give you good mileage.
It won the award because it’s light, easy to install, and has a narrow profile.
Pros:
Finally, a super lightweight car seat that’s easy to transition in and out
It has a narrow profile so three car seat can be fitted in the back
The cushion gives extra comfort, so it’s good on long road trips
Cons:
The armrest feels short you can only utilize them in backless booster mode
It’s not the prettiest car seat around it gives a cheap feeling
Runner Up: Graco Atlas 65 2-in-1 Harness Booster Car Seat
Weighs: 16.6 pounds
It was a close call; eventually, the Atlas lost to the Tranzitions.
The Graco Atlas is a bit heavier than the other one, plus it doesn’t have a narrow profile. These were the main points where it lost ground.
Other than that, it’s a perfectly good harness booster car seat. Since it’s a two in one car seat, it can only be mounted forward-facing. Depending on your child’s weight and height, you can choose harness mode or booster mode.
The installation is quite easy with the latch system. You can’t go wrong with it. The material feels strong and durable because it will serve you for the next few years to come.
The age minimum for this car seat is three years old, so young kids like them tend to make a mess. This is why it’s good to know that the cover is removable, and it handles the washing machine.
The Graco Atlas has two cup holders, which is perfect for kids. One can be used for drinks and the second one for toys. They are quite easy to reach for a little one as well.
It didn’t lose by much, but it was sufficient.
Pros:
It offers all-around protection for the sides as well (head and torso protection)
The fabric is easy to remove and wash very important if you have a child with motion sickness
Most parents reported that kids fall asleep fast
Cons:
It’s harder to install in older cars
It’s huge both vertically, and it takes up a lot of space
Buyer’s Guide
Here’s my second bonus to you. I thought I would include a buyer’s guide to making car seat selection easier. As you know, I review a ton of car seats. For me to become consistent, I had to develop a system. Here it is. If you like it, then put it to good use.
Before we get to the system part, here are two very important tips for you.
Once you get your car seat, you have to decide where you want to install it. The safest car place for your child is in the middle of the car. That gives the best protection. Now for some, this is not possible, so at least go with the second safest spot which is behind the driver.
My second important tip is related to the installation. There’s no bad car seat, only an unused one or a poorly installed one. According to a recent survey, 75% of car seats in the US are poorly installed. This is terrible. If the installation isn’t tight enough, then it won’t be able to provide the necessary safety for your child.
Make sure that you measure the wiggle room in the right place. Many people measure it on the far side. You should check it where it’s closed to the car seat. If that’s less than an inch, you’re good. The far side can’t be changed; it will wiggle no matter what you’ll do.
Let’s get to the buyer’s guide.
I have created a simple check-list on which I go through whenever I review a car seat. Here it is.
Safety
It is the first and the most important item on the list. I’ve mentioned this before, but here it is again. All car seats on the market are safe. They have passed the government standards. If there are issues, then the recall is immediate.
Here’s a dirty industry secret that rarely gets mentioned. Some brands barely pass the tests. So which one would you trust? The one that barely passes or the one that goes above and beyond.
I have examined all the car seats above, and there are no rotten apples. No matter which one you choose, your little one will be safe.
Size Limits
This is the second item on my list. It’s very important to check this. The more you’re using a car seat, the less you’re spending. One of the most popular options nowadays is the all in one solution.
You get it during infancy, and you use it until your child doesn’t need it anymore. Upfront, it costs more than any other car seat. But it costs less than any other two or three added up together.
It’s getting important to keep your child in rear-facing as long as possible. This provides the best protection for them. Do take that into consideration when you’re choosing your car seat.
The recommended age minimum is two in other countries. It’s four.
Install
At this point, people waste a lot of time and burn a lot of neurons. Some brands are notoriously hard to install. I heard some crazy stories where two adults were needed to get it tight.
This is why it’s a good idea to check out the manual, and if you’re still unsure, watch some installation videos. Nowadays, you can find anything on YouTube.
Just to be on the safe side, you can always reach out to a licensed professional.
Fabric
Finally, you should check out the fabric. We’re talking about kids, so there’s no question about if they will leave a mess behind. There will be spills and an accident, so you have to know how easy it is to remove the material and how you can wash it.
From the list above, only the Clek car seats are spot clean only all the other are washing machine friendly.
Well, this concludes my short buyer’s guide.
Conclusions for the best lightweight infant car seats
We have reached the end of the best lightweight car seat article. By now you should have a clear idea which car seat is the best fit for you. There were multiple categories to choose from, so you know which works best.
Now it’s your time to take action. Last time I’ve checked stocks were running low, so get them fast.
I will love to hear from you; please share your thoughts below.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Which car seat is the lightest?
The WayB Pico is the lightest car seat it only weighs 8 pounds.
What is the lightest toddler car seat?
The lightest toddler car seat is the Graco Milestone which only weighs 19.8 pounds.
What is the best car seat?
The Best car seat is the Evenflo Symphony Elite DLX. It’s affordable it’s an all in one and it’s super easy to install and tighten.
Which lightweight car seat is for air travel?
The best lightweight car seat for air travel is the Wayb Pico booster seat. It’s a forward facing only car seat meant for lightweight air travel. It’s also the best travel seat as well.
Which car seats didn’t make the lightweight convertible car seat list?
These car seats missed the lightweight car list: cosco scenera next, chicco keyfit 30 infant seat, safety 1st booster seat, cosco apt 50 booster seat, britax b-safe infant seat, evenflo tribute lx lightweight car seats, nuna pipa lightweight infant car seat, evenflo nurture dlx car seat. Also the britax b-safe infant seat was voted as the best infant car seat. These are the best seats on the market.
What is the weight limit for light weight infant car seats?
The weight limit for an infant seat is at 30 pounds occasionally to 35 pounds. The weight limit for booster seat is 110 pounds.
Which is the best convertible car seat (convertible seat)?
The best convertible car seat (convertible seat) is Graco SlimFit lightweight convertible car seat.
What kind of safety standards can you expect from lightweight infant car seats and convertible car seats?
The safety standards are high with infant seats, convertible seats and booster seats. Child safety is super important both in rear facing and forward facing. You can expect the anti-rebound bard and side impact protection.
How do you install a lightweight car seat?
You can use the latch system or the vehicle seat belt. Make sure you consult with the manual first. The infant car seats can be installed both with the car seat base and without the base. Typically it’s easy installation. It take more time with the seat belt than the latch system. Keep in mind that the latch system can be only used up to 65 pound forward facing mode. With narrow car seats you can do three seats across with ease.
How long can you use the infant insert with lightweight car seats?
The infant insert is quite universal. Depending on the child’s weight limit the infant insert can be used up to 11 pounds, sometime 10 pounds. With the best infant car seat and other convertible car seats your getting the infant insert in the package. It’s a must have with a baby gear as the child grows you can save it for the next one.
Are the graco snugride infant car seats the lightest car seats on the market?
The Graco snugride infant car seats are one of the lightest car seats on the market. They clock in under 10 pounds. Being an infant seat it can be installed rear facing mode only. Also make sure you keep in mind the weight limit. It’s also one of the top of the line infant car seats it can be installed without the base. If you want to install it without the base in rear facing you have to use the seat belts and feed it throuugh the belt path. Now the graco snugride infant car seats are FAA approved so you can install the carrier portion with the help of the airplane seat belt. Like other infant car seats the graco snugride is cleared for airplane travel. Although the base isn’t so you can only take a the carrier part. Any of these infant car seats can be considered as lightweight car seats if they are under 10 pounds. The graco snugride has high safety rating.
Which are the best lightweight convertible car seats?
The best lightweight convertible car seats are: Graco Slimfit and Safety 1st guide 65. Now they can be used as infant car seats but they have both rear facing and forward facing mode. Being a convertible seat means that you have to sacrafice on the weight. Typically the convertible seat is heavier. These convertible car seats don’t have a car seat base. When they get the FAA approval then you don’t have to leave the car seat base behind.
What makes these lightweight convertible car seats and child safety seats so comfortable?
These lightweight convertible car seats and child safety seats are so comfortable because of multiple features. First of all they can be installed both rear facing forward facing. With child safety seats the seat cover is removable and washable. There are multiple cup holders. As you know the more cup holders you have the more fun kids can have. The selected child seat there’s no rethread harness. the shoulder straps are padded. It’s ideal for family cars. The cushion system is out of this world. Since they are child safety seats they have latch connectors and high safety rating. You can’t expect anything less from a baby car seat. Let it be infant car seats or lightweight convertible car seats you will find the best child safety seats in the list above. These lightest car seats can be installed both in rear facing and forward facing mode.
Which are the best lightweight infant car seats?
The best lightweight infant car seats are from the graco company. Getting the lightest infant car seats (lightweight baby car seat) means that the manufacturer has replaced the steel frame with ultra strong plastic. The lightest infant car seat (lightest infant seats) works well in compact cars and any rental car. The lightest infant car seat comes with extra safety features such as: light weight, head support, baby safe, adjustable headrest, body pillow, dream drake, multiple reclining positions, higher weight limit, seriously crash tested, faa approved, easy to install, latch attachments, extra protection, rigid latch system, machine washable covers and machine washable pads, it’s perfect for everyday use on public transportation and traveling families. Now if you want an affordable seat for a rental car or compact cars you have found it. Also the best baby car seat comes with stroller compatibility such as evenflo strollers and chicco strollers. Many infant seats has stroller compatibility and most strollers work with baby seats quite well. The best infant car seat (best infant car seats) are recommended by the child passenger safety technician. Besides the lightest infant car seat there are seats for older kids like: lightest convertible car seat, lightweight travel car seat. To check the maximum weight limits by lightweight infant car seat and lightest infant car seat chec the car seat’s manual. The infant car seat weight is small so you can easily carry your sleeping baby from your car into the home. The baby inside the compact car seat (baby car seat) will enjoy all the features that a tall shell baby jogger would. The best way to score a big dealis by buying below the retail price.
What’s the difference between lightweight infant car seat and a car seat for travel (travel car seat)?
The differemce between a lightweight infant car seat and a car seat for travel (travel car seat) is the weight and faa aproval. Typically car seat for travel can be installed with the car set belt so you can use it in a small car (small cars), multiple cars and next to other car seats this includes a smaller vehicle and smaller cars. And yes both the infant car seat has all the safety features and the car seat for travel has all the safety features as well. You have to make sure that the car seat correctly is installed in rear face mode so the sleeping baby can be easily transfered. With the proper installation and maximum weight taken into account you can make a tight installation when you adjust the straps. Besides additional safety features the covers are machine washable and other features include extra pounds, extra support. This is just what kind of car seat for travel you’re looking for.
Which is the best best travel car seat on the market today?
There are many many car seats on the market that might be a fit since youre looking for a travel car seat it hasa to be faa approved or you won’t be able to get on the flight. Besides the great safety features you should check comfort features as well. As baby grows it might become a tight fit then when it was a smaller baby. If you want a solid choice frequent travelers advise this for a new parent easy to install and correctly install the particular model let it be on the back seat or front seat.
Last Updated on October 25, 2023 by Brian Beasley
