Hello, moms and dads! It will probably come to you as no surprise that 90 percent of American households own a car. So if you’re like them and get around in a car, and you now have a baby coming along, then there’s no question about getting an infant car seat. The only question is . . . which one? What are the best infant car seats?

I recommend that you start by reading my general guide to buying a car seat. Once you’ve done that, read on for my reviews of the five top infant car seats on the market today:

1. Chicco KeyFit 30 Infant Car Seat

$199

• Size and weight: 27.5 x 17 x 24 inches; 17 pounds
• Range: 4-30 pounds, up to 30 inches
• Installation: LATCH system, bubble indicators
• Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Buy on Amazon

The Chicco KeyFit30 is a very standard, no-frills option at a good price. It’s especially easy to install, supporting the LATCH system, with bubble indicators to show correct and secure installation. It supports a large range of strollers, too, so you can transfer your baby without disturbing their sleep. At 9.5 pounds it is somewhat heavier than rival options, but still a good deal.

2. Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 Infant Car Seat

$149

• Size and weight: 28 x 18 x 16 inches; 14.7 pounds
• Range: 4-35 pounds, up to 32 inches
• Installation: adjustable base with four recline positions, LATCH system, level indicators
• Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Buy on Amazon

The Graco SnugRide car seat is an Amazon bestseller and one of the most affordable options on the market. Check out my video review of an earlier model of this deservedly famous car seat. I especially like the Click Connect technology, since it gives a satisfying, reassuring click when the car seat is properly secured. It’s on the heavier side, but impossible to beat for the price.

3. UPPAbaby MESA Infant Car Seat

$299-349

• Size and weight: 17 x 28 x 25 inches; 9 pounds
• Range: 4-35 pounds, up to 32 inches
• Installation: LATCH system, light indicators
• Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Buy on Amazon

If you’re looking for a more premium item, then the UPPAbaby Mesa may be the car seat for you. The distinguishing features of this car seat are the sleek design, the generous padding, and the easy-as-pie installation, complete with a green light that indicates correct positioning.

4. Century Carry On 35 Lightweight Infant Car Seat

$89

• Size and weight: 27.5 x 17.5 x 15 inches; 7 pounds
• Range: 4-35 pounds, up to 32 inches
• Installation: seat belt or LATCH system
• Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Buy on Amazon

The Century Carry On 35 is a relatively new arrival on the market, and it just might upset the market too, given its price tag of a mere $89. What sets it apart—besides the incredibly low price—are that it’s made of recycled materials and is exceptionally lightweight, coming in at just under 4 pounds. Reviewers love the ease of installation, the quality, and the lightness. It’s a fantastic bargain, good for someone looking for a cheap infant car seat.

5. Nuna Pipa Infant Car Seat

$319

• Size and weight: 26.5 x 17 x 22.6 inches; 8 pounds
• Range: 4-32 pounds, up to 32 inches
• Installation: seat belt or LATCH system (base optional) with indicators
• Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Buy Now

Nuna does it again with a beautifully designed product. This Nuna Pipa car seat is for those of you aesthetically attuned parents. This luxury car seat boasts premium fabric, a gorgeous design, a mesh peekaboo window, an easy installation with indicator, all at a low weight of just under 8 pounds. The fact that it can be installed without a base makes it especially attractive to urban buyers like me, who might be moving in and out of taxis.