The lightest infant car seats on the market are the Nuna PIPA Lite series of car seats and the Maxi-Cosi Coral XP.

Nuna offers a wide range of PIPA Lite options of varying weights and with a range of features. We'll explore the differences between the four Nuna PIPA Lite models in detail below.

The Maxi-Cosi Coral XP consists of two parts: an outer shell and an inner carrier that can be removed for use outside of the vehicle. While the total weight of the car seat with outer shell is 12 pounds, the Coral XP inner carrier weighs 5 pounds and can be carried cross-body or from its handle.

Total weight considered, the lightest car seats are the Nuna PIPA Lite, Nuna PIPA Lite R, Nuna PIPA Lite LX, and PIPA Lite RX, weighing less than 7 pounds. The Nuna PIPA Lite series of car seats are made with a proprietary lightweight foam not seen in any other car seats, which helps to make them 2.6 pounds lighter than the original Nuna PIPA and the PIPA RX.

Also adding to the weight savings: three of the PIPA Lite versions do not have seatbelt paths for installing the car seat without the base. Therefore, the PIPA Lite, Lite R, and Lite LX must be used with the base at all times.

The newest PIPA Lite model, the PIPA Lite RX, is slightly heavier than its counterparts thanks to an added feature - seatbelt paths that allow this lightweight car seat to be installed without its base, including FAA approval for use on an airplane.

See the differences between the Nuna PIPA, PIPA RX, PIPA Lite, PIPA Lite R, and PIPA Lite LX, and PIPA Lite RX in this comparison.

One note: Measurements for Nuna car seats do not include the canopy or infant insert. With those accessories, Nuna car seats are as light as 6.9 pounds—still lighter than any other car seat. Most infant car seats weigh 9 to 12 pounds.

Looking for a car seat for an older child? The lightest toddler car seat is the WAYB Pico, which weighs just 8 pounds and is foldable for travel. The WAYB Pico can be used only forward-facing and is recommended for children age 2 and older.