BabyGearLab

The is a good quality infant seat with super easy LATCH installation thanks to the center pull SuperCinch system from Chicco. This seat looks and feels higher quality with an easy-to-grip handle and a non-rethread harness adjustment for on-the-fly corrections. The Keyfit 35 has a better crash-test analysis than most of the competition, and it is compatible with a variety of strollers from different brands. 
The Keyfit 35 is a little heavier than some competition, which is something to consider if you'll need to carry it with a baby on board. It also has a canopy and handle rubbing issue, making it hard to have the handle and canopy upright simultaneously. Besides these minor hiccups, we think this high-ranking seat is perfect for most families and believe the reasonable price will make parents happier. 

The Chicco Keyfit 35 is a nicer quality infant car seat with a ridiculously easy LATCH installation with the SuperCinch center pull strap. This option has a polished look with a rubbery grip handle and a headrest with a non-rethread harness adjustment. The Keyfit 35 earned better crash-test analysis than most infant competitors, and it works well with various award-winning strollers. 
The Keyfit 35 is somewhat heavier to carry, which could be a deal-breaker if you plan to carry your baby in it. Overall, we believe this top-ranking infant seat is ideal for most families regardless of their infant seat goals, and it is compatible with various strollers from multiple manufacturers.

Best for Most

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amazon.com

target

The Cybex Aton 2 is a quality choice with one of the best crash test results in the lineup, making it an infant option we highly recommend. This car seat combines top-ranked crash-test analysis with a sleek design and additional safety features such as a load leg and "side-impact crumple zone." This Cybex has an easy-to-install LATCH system &#40;that potentially translates to increased safety&#41;, making the Cybex Aton 2 an excellent contender for many families.
While the Aton 2 has a super easy LATCH installation system, some of its daily functions are a little less easy to use. This product also has a higher than average price, so anyone on a tighter budget might need to plan and save or add it to their registry. The Aton 2 is compatible with several strollers, but we suggest choosing a stroller with a click-in adapter instead of one that uses straps. Overall, if your budget allows, and safety crash test results and easy installation are what you want, then the Aton 2 &#40;with the load leg&#41; should be a top choice on your shortlist. 

Budget Pick

Wirecutter

The Chicco KeyFit 30 has better overall safety scores and is easier to install, adjust, carry, and click in and out than seats that cost much more.

The Chicco Keyfit 30 has a good overall score and a budget-friendly price compared to many higher-ranking competitors in this review. These qualities make the Keyfit an exceptional value to us. This contender is easy to install and has some of our lineup's best crash test results. The Keyfit has an easy-to-use LATCH system and unique features that help make installation as straightforward as possible. Parents love that this can translate to a potentially safer riding experience as, statistically, some crash-related injuries result from errors in use or installation. Combine this knowledge with an attractive design and vast compatibility with various high-ranking strollers, and you get a car seat parents absolutely love.
The Keyfit 30 is somewhat challenging to install minus the base compared to the competition, though it isn't difficult. The carrier portion of the seat weighs over 10 lbs, which is average but fairly heavy if carrying your baby in the carrier is in your plans. These minor issues make this option less ideal for anyone who uses public transportation or frequently commutes and doesn't want to lug a stroller around. Still, we believe the Keyfit 30's better ease-of-use and crash test performance easily override these issues if you use a stroller or wear your baby, and own a car where the base can stay. Overall, we believe the Keyfit 30 is hard to beat for budget-savvy families and those who love a great deal at a reasonable price.

walmart

The Peg Perego Primo Viaggio 4-35 has impressive scores for crash test results, installation, and comfort/quality that helps earn it the highest rank in this competition. This Peg has an 8 of 10 for crash test result analysis and is one of the easiest contenders to install. Easy installation potentially translates to a safer experience as some documented injuries from real-world crashes are directly related to car seat installation errors instead of the seat's design. This Peg is lightweight, easy to carry, and has simple features that work well.
Unfortunately, this safety seat isn't compatible with many strollers other than the Peg Perego brand, which sort of locks you into Peg Perego products or babywearing &#40;which we love and is a highly viable choice&#41;. The Primo also has one of the highest prices in our review, making it potentially a no-go for parents on a budget. Overall, the Primo Viaggio has the quality and comfort you expect for the price, and we believe it will please parents who are worried about stroller compatibility. 

The Peg Perego Primo Viaggio 4-35 is a higher-quality product with impressive crash test results, indicating a potential additional margin of protection when correctly installed and used according to directions. We believe this stylish and comfy carrier is super easy to install without the base, making it a possible contender for those using public transportation; it is almost as easy to install with the vehicle belt and the base. This Peg Perego features an anti-rebound bar, has thicker padding, and soft fabric for a comfortable ride; plus, it is easy to use. 
Unfortunately, the Primo Viaggio 4-35 is more expensive than most of the competition we've tested, and it isn't compatible with most strollers outside the Peg Perego brand. However, if your budget allows and limited stroller options aren't a concern, this Peg may be for you. 

The Baby Trend EZ Flex-Loc is one of the least expensive contenders in this lineup of options. However, there is still much to love about this safety seat than the impressively low price. The Flex-Loc is a straightforward infant seat that is easy to install with two different methods, including without the base. It is helpful since it is also lightweight, making it a potential option for those who commute or regularly travel. 
This Baby Trend only earned average results in most of our tests, with some features being more challenging to operate when compared to the competition. It also has thinner comfort padding and somewhat rougher fabric than we'd like. While not the top-ranking choice in this review, this Baby Trend is an economical option that can make an excellent secondary seat, grandma's go-to, or anyone on a super tight budget who needs to reduce costs without sacrificing safety. 

Infant Car Seat Comparison