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Lightweight Car Seats
When it comes to infant car seats, every pound matters—especially when you’re carrying your baby, diaper bag, and stroller all at once. The lightest infant car seats currently on the market are the UPPAbaby Aria V2, Joie Rue, and Nuna PIPA aire RX, all designed to make life on the go a little easier.
UPPAbaby Aria V2 — Only 6 Pounds!
The UPPAbaby Aria V2 takes the crown as the lightest infant car seat available today, weighing just 6 pounds without the base. This is nearly half the weight of many standard infant car seats, which typically range from 9 to 12 pounds.
Despite its ultra-light design, the Aria doesn’t compromise on safety or comfort. It features an infinitely adjustable, no-rethread headrest for a precise fit as your baby grows, along with a two-piece infant insert that supports even the tiniest newborns, including preemies. Designed with UPPAbaby’s signature attention to detail, the Aria offers a streamlined, easy-to-carry design without sacrificing protection or style.
UPPAbaby’s Mesa infant car seats, both past and present, weigh around 10 pounds—making the Aria a major leap forward in lightweight design and everyday convenience.
Joie Rue — Lightweight and Budget-Friendly
Another standout in the lightweight category is the Joie Rue, weighing just 7.8 pounds. This seat offers an impressive balance of affordability, safety, and portability, making it a great option for families seeking a quality infant car seat at a more accessible price point. With thoughtful features like plush padding, easy installation, and compatibility with a range of Joie strollers, the Rue delivers excellent value without unnecessary weight.
Nuna’s Lightweight Legacy
Nuna has long been known for its lineup of lightweight, premium infant car seats. The brand recently simplified its PIPA series, now offering three models: the PIPA aire RX, PIPA RX, and PIPA urbn (sold only as part of a travel system).
The Nuna PIPA aire RX remains one of the lightest car seats available, weighing just under 7 pounds. It uses Nuna’s Aeroflex foam, which is lightweight yet resilient to help absorb and minimize crash forces. Both the PIPA aire RX and PIPA RX pair with the RELX base, while the PIPA urbn installs without a base for quick convenience. All three are FAA-approved for travel and continue Nuna’s reputation for safety and innovation.
Note: Nuna car seat weights do not include the canopy or infant insert, but even with those, the seats remain lighter than most competitors.
The Lightest Toddler Car Seats
If you’re looking for a lightweight option beyond the infant stage, there are two standout models that make travel and daily use easier than ever:
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Maxi-Cosi Romi – Weighing just over 9 pounds, the Romi is one of the only lightweight convertible car seats. Designed for families on the go, it’s easy to move between cars, perfect for city living, and a great seat to bring on all your adventures (even approved for airplane travel!).
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WAYB Pico – At just 8 pounds, the Pico remains the lightest forward-facing toddler car seat on the market. Its foldable, portable design makes it ideal for travel and compact living. The Pico is recommended for children age 2 and older and installs easily in vehicles or airplanes.
Lightest Infant Car Seats
These are the lightest car seats, ranked by weight.
- UPPAbaby Aria V2: 6 pounds
- Nuna PIPA aire RX: 6.2 pounds
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Nuna PIPA urbn: 7 pounds
- Bugaboo Turtle Air Shield by Nuna: 7.10 pounds
- Graco SnugRide Lite 35: 7.2 pounds
- Nuna PIPA RX: 7.6 pounds
- Joie Rue: 7.8 pounds
- (tie) Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 LX and Baby Jogger City Go Air: 8 pounds
- Maxi Cosi Mico Luxe: 8.75 pounds
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(tie) Clek Liing and Cybex Aton G Swivel: 9 pounds
- (tie) Joie Mint Latch and Britax Willow: 9.3 pounds
- Peg-Perego Primo Viaggio 4-35: 9.5 pounds
- Chicco KeyFit 30: 9.6 pounds
- Britax Cypress: 9.7 pounds
- UPPAbaby Mesa V3: 9.9 pounds
- (tie) Peg Perego Primo Viaggio 4-35 Nido, BOB/Britax B-Safe 35, andd Chicco KeyFit Max: 10 pounds
- Baby Jogger City GO: 10.2 pounds
- Graco GoMax: 10.9 pounds
- Chicco Fit2: 11 pounds
- (tie) Cybex Cloud G Lux, Cybex Cloud T, and Peg Perego Primo Viaggio 4-35 Lounge: 12 pounds
- Doona: 16.5 pounds
Our Top Picks
Not sure which lightweight car seat is right for you? We’ve rounded up our favorite infant car seats for every lifestyle, budget, and travel need.
Check out our top picks for the best infant car seats >>> HERE!
Stroller Compatibility
Make sure your car seat fits seamlessly into your travel system. See which strollers pair perfectly with our infant car seats.
Find stroller compatibility details >>> HERE!
Infant Car Seat FAQs
Feeling a little lost in the world of car seats? You’re not the only one. There are a lot of options out there, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. Our team includes certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians (CPSTs) who are here to help you find the right seat for your baby, your car, and your lifestyle.
What’s the safest infant car seat?
All infant car seats sold in the U.S. meet the same federal safety standards. So the “safest” seat is the one that:
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Fits your baby’s size
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Installs securely in your vehicle
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Is easy for you to use correctly every time
Extra features like load legs or rigid LATCH are great, but even the fanciest seat isn’t safe if it’s used incorrectly. Proper installation and harnessing matter most.
Is it okay to buy a used car seat?
Usually not. Car seats have expiration dates and shouldn't be used after a crash. With a used seat, it’s hard to confirm its full history or whether it’s been in an accident, recalled, or even cleaned properly.
Only consider a used seat if:
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You personally know and trust the seller
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You can confirm the expiration date, crash history, and all parts are intact
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The manual and labels are still attached
When in doubt, it’s always safest to buy new.
How long can I use an infant car seat?
Most infant seats are safe to use until your baby reaches 30–35 pounds or 30–32 inches tall, depending on the model. That usually happens around the 1-year mark.
Also, stop using the seat once your baby’s head is less than 1 inch from the top of the seat shell—even if they haven’t hit the height or weight limit yet. And always check the expiration date, usually found on the bottom or side of the seat.
Where’s the safest spot to install an infant car seat?
The middle seat in the back is generally the safest because it’s furthest from impact zones. But the safest place is the one where you can install the seat correctly.
If the center seat doesn’t have LATCH or doesn’t allow a secure install, move to one of the outer seats. A secure install on the side is safer than a loose or awkward fit in the center.
Can infant car seats attach to strollers?
Yes! Most infant seats work with strollers, either the same brand or with adapters. Many families love the convenience of a travel system, especially for quick errands and smooth car-to-stroller transfers. Just make sure your car seat and stroller are compatible before clicking them together.
How long can my baby stay in a car seat during a road trip?
Experts recommend keeping infants in their car seat for no more than 2 hours at a time. Plan to stop often so your baby can stretch, feed, and get a break from sitting in one position.
What about when the car seat is in a stroller?
Same rule applies. Even when clipped into a stroller, your baby is still in a semi-reclined position. For long walks or outings, switch to a fully reclined stroller seat or bassinet to give your baby a safe and comfortable place to stretch out.
Do I need the base to use my infant car seat?
Nope! Most infant seats can be installed without the base using a seatbelt, which is super helpful for travel or ride shares. If your seat has European belt routing, it’ll be even more stable. Just follow your manual closely and practice ahead of time if you can.
Is using the base safer than a seatbelt install?
Not necessarily. Both are equally safe when done right. A seatbelt-only install can be just as secure—especially if the seat has European routing.
That said, bases do make installation easier and more consistent, which helps cut down on user error. If you’re moving the seat between cars a lot or want to simplify daily use, a base is definitely helpful.
Questions?
Strolleria is dedicated to making the baby gear buying experience less overwhelming for parents. If you have more questions about the best lightweight infant car seats, feel free to contact us at cs@strolleria.com.