Congratulations on welcoming a new baby! For many families, an infant car seat is the easiest and safest way to bring a newborn home. These seats are simple to install, lightweight enough to carry or travel with, and can click right into compatible strollers for added convenience.

When you purchase an infant car seat, you usually only need one seat to start. Most models include a base, which makes installation quick and allows you to easily snap the seat in and out of your car. Additional bases can be added for second cars, grandparents, or caregivers, making it simple to move your baby between vehicles without hassle.

This guide focuses on the infant car seat base, the part that stays installed in your vehicle.

How to Install Your Car Seat Base

The base is the foundation of your infant car seat. It remains installed in the car while the seat clicks in and out for easy transport or attachment to a stroller.

You can install most bases using either the lower anchors with LATCH or your vehicle’s seatbelt. Both methods are safe, so the best choice depends on your car and which installation gives the most secure fit. If your base has a rigid LATCH feature, it provides extra stability and should be used when possible.

Always read both your car seat manual and your vehicle manual before installation to understand exactly how your specific seat should be installed.

Why an Extra Base Can Be Helpful

Extra bases are ideal for families with multiple cars, or for grandparents and caregivers who often drive your baby. While an infant seat can be installed without a base, that method takes more time and practice. It works well for travel or ride-share trips, but for regular use it can be more stressful and increases the chance of installation errors.

A base simplifies daily routines. Once installed, you just click the seat in and out. Additional bases stay in place, ready whenever you need them. You only ever need one actual infant car seat. The rule is to always keep the seat with your baby, whether at home, daycare, or with a caregiver. Anyone picking up your little one can then use the base already installed in their car.

Buying an extra base comes with a cost, but it can be worth it for convenience. Instead of reinstalling the base every time you switch cars, you know each one is secure and ready to go. Bases are sold separately, so you only need one seat and can add as many bases as your family requires.

Safety Features to Know

Not every base is the same. Some include extra safety features for added peace of mind. A load leg extends to the floor of your car to reduce crash forces and rotation. An anti-rebound bar limits movement in a collision. Rigid LATCH offers a stronger connection than standard straps. These features are optional, but they can provide extra protection if included.

Travel and On-the-Go Use

There are times you may need to install the car seat without a base, such as on a plane, in a taxi, or in a rideshare. Almost all infant car seats allow for seatbelt-only installation. While it takes a little practice, it is just as safe as using a base. For everyday use, having bases in each vehicle makes life much simpler.

Checking Compatibility

Car seat bases are not interchangeable across brands and sometimes not even across different models within the same brand. Always make sure that any extra base you purchase is designed for your specific car seat. Double-check both your car seat and vehicle manuals or reach out to a Strolleria team member to help!

City Living

Not every family needs multiple bases, and city dwellers in particular may find that one is enough. If one parent does most of the driving or grandparents and caregivers only occasionally transport your baby, a single base can cover your needs. Car seats can always be installed securely without a base when necessary, making it easy to move your baby between vehicles or use rideshares and public transportation without extra hassle. Perfect for city living!

Looking Ahead

infant car seats are typically outgrown around one year of age. After this stage, you will need a convertible car seat or a booster seat. Alternatively, an all-in-one car seat can serve as both a convertible and booster seat. No matter what, remember to keep your child rear-facing as long as possible, as it is the safest way for them to travel.

Continue Learning About Car Seats

• Best Infant Car Seats
• Best Convertible Car Seats
• Best All-in-One Car Seats
• 18 Car Seat Safety Mistakes You Might Be Making (and How to Fix Them)
• Best Three-Across Friendly Car Seats

FAQs About Extra Bases

How many extra bases do I need?

We recommend having a base pre-installed in every vehicle that will frequently transport baby.

Do I need an extra base for travel?

Most families traveling by plane leave their base at home and utilize baseless installation methods. However, if you do plan to take your base along, we recommend packing it in a padded travel bag for protection.

Is baseless installation safe?

Most infant car seats do feature a belt path for baseless, seat-belt installation. While this method is considered safe, utilizing an infant car seat base makes correct installation easier and reduces installation errors. 

Should I add an extra infant car seat base to my registry?

Yes! Your baby registry is the perfect way to get the extra bases you will need. We highly recommend adding your infant car seat's extra base to your registry.

When should I buy an extra infant car seat base?

If your infant car seat base is not gifted off your registry, we recommend purchasing it before your baby is born. Plan ahead, so your extra bases are properly installed and checked before baby arrives. 

Are car seat bases universal?

No, car seat bases are not universal. Base are both brand and model specific.

Can I buy a used infant car seat base second-hand?

We do not recommend purchasing second-hand or used infant car seat bases. Without knowledge of the bases history this is risky. If the base was installed in a vehicle during a collision the interior safety components may be compromised even if there are not visible signs of damage. Any base or car seat involved in an accident needs to be replaced. Purchasing second hand also means you won't have a warranty.

Do car seat bases expire?

Yes, car seats bases do have an expiration date. Always check the manufacturer label, especially if you do decide to purchase used or are passed down an extra base from a family member or trusted friend. 

More Questions?

Strolleria is dedicated to making the baby gear buying experience less overwhelming for parents. If you have more questions about infant car seats and their bases, feel free to contact us at cs@strolleria.com.