Best Car Seat Bases of 2023

Compatible with both Clek infant seats, the Liing and the Liingo models, this car seat base has seven recline positions. This allows you to angle the car seat in a position that’s safest for your baby’s airways, no matter the angle of your vehicle’s seat.

A rigid LATCH system makes it easier to make the connections between base and car, and a bubble level on the base lets you see when it is in the correct, safe position.

For those who do not have a vehicle with LATCH or find it challenging to use, you can also install the base using a regular seatbelt. For this installation, the base has a belt tensioning system that’s especially easy for those with limited hand strength.

Then you can adjust the seat within the base to ensure younger babies are reclined at an optimal 40 to 45-degree angle.

The narrow design is ideal for smaller cars, maximizing the room available for other passengers. If your family needs more than one infant seat, the Clek base is small enough that you can fit three in a row across the back seat.

The Peg Perego Primo Viaggio Nido car seat base has a built-in anti-rebound bar designed for additional safety in the event of a crash. In addition, the base has a load leg that folds out from under it. The leg extends until its foot sits on the car floor.

This load leg and anti-rebound bar combo provide extra reassurance that your child will be safer, no matter what vehicle they are riding in.

On the upper face of the Peg Perego base, you will see a level with an air bubble next to a sticker. The sticker lists three weight ranges:

• 4 to 11 pounds
• 12 to 22 pounds
• 23 to 32 pounds

At the opposite end of the base to the sticker and level, there’s a large grey plastic knob.

To set the base, choose your child’s weight range. Then twist the knob until the level’s bubble sits next to the correct weight range on the sticker. You will then have the base at the right angle for your baby’s weight, minimizing the chances of them sitting too upright.

Like most car seat bases, it’s easier to install the Graco SnugRide Lite base with the seatbelt in some vehicle makes and the LATCH system in others.

Even with the same car manufacturer, you may find that different models or trimmer levels of the same model are easier to install using the LATCH system, while others are easier to install using the seatbelt.

Consequently, if you find yourself struggling with the LATCH install, consider trying out the seatbelt install and visa-versa.

The downside of this affordable, easy-to-install car seat base is that it can be tricky to remove. This isn’t a big deal if you intend for the base to sit permanently in a vehicle. However, if you remove the base on a regular or semi-regular basis, it is a real pain to detach from the LATCH system.

Not everyone owns a vehicle. Some of us choose to use co-op cars, Uber, or taxicabs, or we hire cars when the need arises. The downside to this is that when you do use a vehicle, you need a safe way of transporting your baby.

If you don’t own a car but spend a reasonable amount of time in various vehicles, this car seat base is one of the best options for you.

The Stokke Pipa by Nuna car seat base uses their True Lock installation system. This system consists of a small arm that unfolds on each side of the base. When extended, the arms click quickly into a vehicle’s LATCH system, and you’re good to go.

Removing the base is just as easy, with the press of a button on each True Lock arm.

Although you can use the Stokke Pipa by Nuna car seat without the base, you have an additional layer of safety when using the base because it has a stability leg that minimizes rotation in the event of a crash.

This model from Maxi-Cosi is a good, solid option for a spare car seat base. It has few dips, nooks, and crannies in which dirt and detritus can hide. This is especially helpful if you have other kids riding in the back when the baby’s car seat is not in place.

You would be amazed at the amount of food, snacks, sand, mud, tiny toys, and other items your older kids can lose or deposit in a car seat base when the car seat is not there!

When the car seat base does get dirty, you can wipe it down with a soft cloth and warm, soapy water. If you have time, dry the base off, but if you don’t, no worries, the base will quickly air dry.

There are three angles at which you can set the base, which is installed with integrated LATCH belts or your vehicle’s seatbelts. If you use the LATCH belts, they come out of the base, thread through the belt loops, and into your vehicle’s anchor points.

Before buying an item for our kids, we like to ensure it is compatible with the other baby equipment we own. This could be an issue when considering the Safety 1st OnBoard 35LT car seat base. The information on the internet is not consistent.

It took a great deal of research, but after contacting the manufacturer, we can confirm this car seat base is compatible with Safety 1st OnBoard 22, OnBoard 35 LT, Light n Comfy 22, Light n Comfy 35, SureFit 35 LT, and the OnBoard 35 FLX.

While we know the anchor system meets federal standards, it still appears to be more flimsy than the anchor systems on other seat bases. However, apart from that, we like this car seat base as it is the most affordable on our list, easy to install, and sturdy.

The anti-rebound design of the Cybex car seat base reduces the distance your car seat can move toward the back of the vehicle if you are unfortunate enough to crash.

There are two indicators on the front of the base, the end nearest to the front seats. One changes to green when the car seat has been appropriately locked into the base, and the other turns green when the load leg is correctly installed.

The height-adjustable load leg moves crash forces away from your baby by carrying them — the forces, not your baby — to the floor of the car. However, one piece of information that isn’t clearly listed is that you cannot use the load leg on a floor with a hollow space under it.

Consequently, if you have, for example, a minivan with stow-and-go seats or other storage in front of the rear seats, the load leg cannot be used.

The dual-level indicator shows you if you have the correct reclining angle, and a belt tension system makes safe, secure installation a breeze.