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7 Best Car Seat Bases of 2024

Updated
These car seat bases will make traveling with a baby easier.

If your baby is traveling in different vehicles, you have three options. You can buy multiple car seats, remove and swap the base every time you move between cars, or buy an extra car seat base for each set of wheels.

An extra car seat base is both the easiest and the most cost-effective of these choices.

We looked at all the top car set bases to determine which ones are safe, simple to use, and easy on the budget, so you won’t get stuck with a model that causes you frustration. Plus, we have the answers to all your car seat base questions.

Our Top Picks

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Image
Model
Product Comparison Table
Features

Product Image of the Clek Liing Infant Car Seat Base
Best for Narrow Vehicles
Clek Liing Infant Car Seat Base
  • Reduces crash forces by 40%
  • Space-saving design
  • Seatbelt or latch system installation
Product Image of the Peg Perego Primo Viaggio Nido Car Seat Base
Best Adjustable
Peg Perego Primo Viaggio Nido Car Seat Base
  • Adjustable to child’s weight
  • Correct seat attachment indicators
  • Can be installed with a seatbelt
Product Image of the Graco SnugRide Lite Infant Car Seat Base
Most Durable
Graco SnugRide Lite Infant Car Seat Base
  • Graco infant car seats compatible
  • Affordable for multiple vehicles
  • Seatbelt or lap belt installation
Product Image of the Stokke PIPA by Nuna Car Seat Base
Best for Non-Vehicle Owners
Stokke PIPA by Nuna Car Seat Base
  • Correct installation indicators
  • Less than 10 sec installation
  • Safer than no base car seat
Product Image of the Maxi-Cosi Mico Max 30 Stand-Alone Car Seat Base
Easiest to Clean
Maxi-Cosi Mico Max 30 Stand-Alone Car Seat Base
  • Easy cleaning
  • Three angles of adjustment
  • Integrated latch belts
Product Image of the Safety 1st OnBoard Adjustable 35 LT Car Seat Base
Most Affordable
Safety 1st OnBoard Adjustable 35 LT Car Seat Base
  • Adjustable to five positions
  • Fits a range of car seats
  • Easy to install
Product Image of the Cybex Safelock Car Seat Base
Safest Car Seat Base
Cybex Safelock Car Seat Base
  • Height adjustable load leg
  • Reduces rebound & crash forces
  • Correct reclining level indicator

Review Methodology: At Mom Loves Best, we pride ourselves in conducting thorough research and hands-on testing to evaluate the best car seat bases. Our professional team spends hours comparing products, measuring their performance, and ranking them based on key criteria such as safety, ease of installation, compatibility, and durability. We analyze data, compile facts, and share our findings to help you make informed decisions. Our comprehensive reviews provide detailed insights about design choices and their impact on user experience. Trust us to guide you in choosing the car seat base that stands out from its competitors and best suits your needs.



The Best Car Seat Bases of 2024

Considering these criteria, online reviews, and our own experiences, these are our top seven choices for car seat bases.

Clek Liing Infant Car Seat Base

Best for Narrow Vehicles

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.

Pros

  • Metal load leg reduces crash forces by up to 40%.
  • Space-saving design for narrow vehicles.
  • Installs with seatbelt or LATCH system.

Cons

  • Budget busting — the most expensive seat on our list.

Product Specs

Compatible with Clek Liing or Liingo car seats
Size 22.6 x 13.2 x 8 inches
Installation aids Rigid LATCH and self-tensioning seatbelt system
Child Specs Weight: 4–35 pounds Length: Up to 32 inches

Our Ratings

Compatibility
4.5 / 5
Safety Features
5 / 5
Ease of Installation
5 / 5
Durability
5 / 5
Total Rating
4.75 / 5

User Experience

After using this car seat base with my Clek infant seat, I've found it to be incredibly versatile due to its seven recline positions and compatibility with both LATCH and seatbelt installations. The rigid LATCH system and bubble level indicator make it easy to achieve a safe position, while the narrow design allows for maximum space in smaller vehicles or fitting multiple car seats in a row. However, the high price point might be a drawback for some families, but in my experience, the safety features and convenience make it a worthwhile investment.

Peg Perego Primo Viaggio Nido Car Seat Base

Best Adjustable

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.

Pros

  • Easy to adjust according to your child’s weight.
  • Indicators show when the seat is correctly attached to the base.
  • Can be installed with a vehicle’s seatbelt.

Cons

  • At the longer end of the base size range.

Product Specs

Compatible with Primo Viaggio 4/35 and Primo Viaggio 4/35 Nido
Size 21 x 14.75 x 7 inches
Installation aids Twist knob and level
Child Specs Weight: 4–35 pounds Length: Up to 32 inches

Our Ratings

Compatibility
3 / 5
Safety Features
5 / 5
Ease of Installation
4.5 / 5
Durability
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4.25 / 5

Personal Perspective

In my experience, this car seat base provides peace of mind with its safety features, making it a great choice for our baby. However, I did find the latch mechanism to be a bit cumbersome to tighten, and it didn't fit perfectly in my 2017 4Runner. On the brighter side, the base is lightweight and easy to install in various cars, including rental and my husband's Civic.

Graco SnugRide Lite Infant Car Seat Base

Best Durable

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.

Pros

  • Compatible with all Graco infant car seats.
  • Affordable option for multiple vehicles.
  • Easy to install with seatbelt or lap belt.

Cons

  • It can be tricky to remove from the LATCH system.
  • Car seats have a looser feel in this base than in the original base.

Product Specs

Compatible with Any Graco infant car seat model
Size 21 x 14 x 8 inches
Installation aids Level indicator
Child Specs Weight: 4–35 pounds Length: Up to 32 inches

Our Ratings

Compatibility
5 / 5
Safety Features
4 / 5
Ease of Installation
4 / 5
Durability
5 / 5
Total Rating
4.5 / 5

Community Feedback

When I first got this Graco SnugRide Lite base, I noticed it was compatible with all Graco infant car seats and quite affordable, making it a great option for families with multiple vehicles. Installing it was simple, whether using the seatbelt or lap belt, but I found that the ease of installation varied between different vehicle makes and models. On the downside, removing this car seat base from the LATCH system proved to be quite tricky, which could be frustrating if you need to do it often. Additionally, I noticed that car seats tended to have a slightly looser feel in this base compared to the original one.

Stokke PIPA by Nuna Car Seat Base

Best Non-Vehicle Owners

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.

Pros

  • Side indicators turn green when installation is correct.
  • Super quick installation — less than 10 seconds.
  • Safer than using the car seat without a base.

Cons

  • More expensive than most bases.
  • Fits with only one car seat model.

Product Specs

Compatible with Stokke PIPA by Nuna Car Seat
Size 25.8 x 13.5 x 8.6 inches
Installation aids Dual bubble level indicators and a “Green for Go” indicator
Child Specs Weight: 4–32 pounds

Our Ratings

Compatibility
2 / 5
Safety Features
4.5 / 5
Ease of Installation
5 / 5
Durability
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4 / 5

First-Hand Impression

Best decision I've made for car seat safety, especially as someone who doesn't own a vehicle and relies on co-op cars and ride-sharing services. The Stokke Pipa by Nuna car seat base is incredibly easy to install with its True Lock system, and the side indicators ensure a correct fit every time. I appreciate the added safety of the stability leg, which minimizes rotation in case of an accident. Though it's pricier than other bases and only compatible with one car seat model, the convenience and peace of mind are well worth it.

Maxi-Cosi Mico Max 30 Stand-Alone Car Seat Base

Best Easy to Clean

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.

Pros

  • Smooth contours for easy cleaning.
  • Three angles of adjustment.
  • Integrated LATCH belts.

Cons

  • Only two hooks hold the seat in the base.
  • There are no installation aids such as built-in levels.

Product Specs

Compatible with Mico Max 30, Mico 30, Mico Nxt, and Mico AP car seats
Size 22.8 x 16.8 x 8 inches
Installation aids None
Child Specs Weight: 4–30 pounds Height: 19 to 30 inches

Our Ratings

Compatibility
4 / 5
Safety Features
4 / 5
Ease of Installation
4 / 5
Durability
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4 / 5

User Experience

This Maxi-Cosi car seat base has smooth contours, making it easy to clean and perfect for families with older kids who tend to leave a mess. I appreciate the three angles of adjustment and the integrated LATCH belts for installation. However, it's worth noting that there are only two hooks holding the seat in the base and no built-in levels for installation assistance.

Safety 1st OnBoard Adjustable 35 LT Car Seat Base

Best Affordable

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.

Pros

  • Base adjustable to five positions.
  • Fits a range of car seats.

Cons

  • The anchor system looks flimsy.
  • No installation aids.

Product Specs

Compatible with Safety 1st OnBoard 22, OnBoard 35 LT, Light n Comfy 22, Light n Comfy 35, SureFit 35 LT, OnBoard 35 FLX, and the Cosco Light N Comfy Elite
Size 23.7 x 8.5 x 16 inches
Installation aids None
Child Specs Weight: 4–30 pounds Length: up to 30 inches

Our Ratings

Compatibility
4.5 / 5
Safety Features
4 / 5
Ease of Installation
4 / 5
Durability
4 / 5
Total Rating
4 / 5

Personal Perspective

As a parent, I always want to make sure that the products I buy for my children are compatible with our existing baby equipment. After some extensive research and contacting the manufacturer, I found that this car seat base is compatible with a variety of Safety 1st car seats, making it a versatile option. While the anchor system meets federal standards, it does seem a bit more flimsy compared to other seat bases I've used. That being said, this car seat base is affordable, easy to install, and feels sturdy overall. Additionally, it has an adjustable base with five positions, which is a nice feature for ensuring a proper fit in our car.

Cybex Safelock Car Seat Base

Safest Car Seat Base

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.

Pros

  • Height adjustable load leg.
  • Reduces car seat rebound and crash forces.

Cons

  • Expensive — as costly as some car seat and base combos.
  • Only compatible with one car seat.
  • The load leg cannot be used above hollow floors.

Product Specs

Compatible with Cybex Anton M
Size 26 x 17.3 x 22.25 inches
Installation aids Dual-level indicators, load leg installation indicator.
Child Specs Weight: 4–35 pounds Length: up to 30 inches

Our Ratings

Compatibility
2 / 5
Safety Features
5 / 5
Ease of Installation
4.5 / 5
Durability
4.5 / 5
Total Rating
4 / 5

Community Feedback

For those seeking top-notch safety for their little ones, this Cybex car seat base goes above and beyond with its anti-rebound design. I found the dual-level indicators on the front of the base to be extremely helpful, as they turn green when the car seat is securely locked in and when the load leg is properly installed. The height-adjustable load leg effectively redirects crash forces away from the baby, adding an extra layer of protection. However, it's important to note that the load leg cannot be used on floors with hollow spaces underneath, so those with minivans featuring stow-and-go seats might encounter issues. Despite its higher price point and compatibility limitations, this car seat base provides an extra sense of security for parents on the road.


Product Comparison Chart

Product Best Compatible with Size Installation aids Child Specs
Clek Liing Infant Car Seat Base Best for Narrow Vehicles Clek Liing or Liingo car seats 22.6 x 13.2 x 8″ Rigid LATCH & self-tensioning seatbelt system Wt: 4–35 lbs Lgth: < 32″
Peg Perego Primo Viaggio Nido Car Seat Base Best Adjustable Primo Viaggio 4/35 & Primo Viaggio 4/35 Nido 21 x 14.75 x 7″ Twist knob & level Wt: 4–35 lbs Lgth: < 32″
Graco SnugRide Lite Infant Car Seat Base Best Durable Any Graco infant car seat model 21 x 14 x 8″ Level indicator Wt: 4–35 lbs Lgth: < 32″
Stokke PIPA by Nuna Car Seat Base Best Non-Vehicle Owners Stokke PIPA x Nuna Car Seat 25.8 x 13.5 x 8.6″ Dual bubble level indicators & a “Green for Go” indicator Wt: 4–32 lbs
Maxi-Cosi Mico Max 30 Stand-Alone Car Seat Base Best Easy to Clean Mico Max 30, Mico 30, Mico Nxt, & Mico AP car seats 22.8 x 16.8 x 8″ None Wt: 4–30 lbs Ht: 19–30″
Safety 1st OnBoard Adjustable 35 LT Car Seat Base Best Affordable Safety 1st OnBoard 22, OnBoard 35 LT, Light n Comfy 22, Light n Comfy 35, SureFit 35 LT, OnBoard 35 FLX, & the Cosco Light N Comfy Elite 23.7 x 8.5 x 16″ None Wt: 4–30 lbs Lgth: < 30″
Cybex Safelock Car Seat Base Safest Car Seat Base Cybex Anton M 26 x 17.3 x 22.25″ Dual-level indicators, load leg installation indicator. Wt: 4–35 lbs Lgth: < 30″

How to Choose the Best Car Seat Bases

This is a list of things to consider when choosing a car seat base. We checked each car seat against this list for our reviews.

Safety

Only choose a car seat base from a reputable manufacturer. This way, you can be sure the base meets federal safety standards.

A base that connects using a LATCH system or has extra installation features will help make it more secure (1).

Compatibility

Check the specifications of a car seat base to ensure it is compatible with your car seat’s make and model. Even if the base was made by the same manufacturer as your car seat, not every base works with every car seat model.

Budget

Most car seat bases we looked at were in the $100 to $150 range, but we’ve seen bases that cost up to $300.

We discovered that cost does not necessarily equal quality or value for the money.

Ease of Cleaning

Car seat bases are best cleaned by washing with warm soapy water and a cloth. We considered how easy they were to keep clean rather than choosing between bases according to what you can wash them with.

Car seat bases with fewer nooks and crannies where dirt, upchuck, and a sibling’s food can hide rated higher than those with difficult to access or difficult to clean areas.

Ease of Installation

Car seat bases can be installed with a seatbelt or your car’s LATCH system. Some bases have a built-in level, leveling feet, or other devices to help ensure a safe, easy installation.

Latch System

LATCH stands for “Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children.” This is like an extra seatbelt system in your car, made especially for car seats. Many people find installing a car seat with the LATCH system to be easier than installing one with a seatbelt.

You may see some websites or car seat manufacturers refer to UAS, which stands for Universal Anchorage System. In the US, this is the same as the LATCH system.

Vehicles and car seats made for use in the US after September 2001 have a built-in LATCH system (2).

Durability

Your car seat will regularly be in and out of the base for up to a year or longer if you use it for multiple children. When looking for good base models, we look for strength in the parts connecting the base and seat, eliminating any bases showing wear or cracking.

Weight Limit

Weight limits for car seat bases are usually the same as for the infant car seats with which they work.

However, we double-checked this for every seat base and have included this information in our reviews where it was available.


FAQs About Car Seat Bases

These are the questions about car seat bases we hear most often.

Are All Car Seat Bases Universal?

No, not all car seat bases are universal. When choosing a car seat base, it is vital to check and double-check that the base is compatible with your car seat make and model.

Can You Use a Car Seat Without a Base?

Yes, you can use a car seat without a base. Without a base, you must affix the car seat each time you install it in your vehicle. You can install your car seat using either your vehicle’s seatbelt or, if your car includes it, the LATCH system (3).

Are Graco Car Seat Bases Universal?

No, Graco car seat bases are not universal. They do not fit car seats from all manufacturers, nor does each Graco base fit all Graco models.

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Headshot of Patricia Barnes

About the Author

Patricia Barnes

Patricia Barnes is a homeschooling mom of 5 who has been featured on Global TV, quoted in Parents magazine, and writes for a variety of websites and publications. Doing her best to keep it together in a life of constant chaos, Patti would describe herself as an eclectic mess maker, lousy crafter, book lover, autism mom, and insomniac.