12 Best Infant Car Seats for Small Cars (Comfy &amp; Safe)

Being small in size makes this one of the best newborn car seats for small cars. With the ability to install with or without the Pipa Relx base, the compact design is perfect for a small vehicle.

The base size at its widest is 13inches, giving you the ability to use the Latch attachments and click the seat in when needed.

Another important feature this compact infant car seat offers is the ability to connect to strollers and create a travel system.

A disadvantage of this infant car seat is it can be difficult to move the handle when the sun canopy is being used to shade your child.

What We Liked

Think padding makes this a comfortable seat for your new baby.
It is extremely lightweight, ideal for carrying your baby to and from your vehicle.
The base is narrow and will comfortably fit in the majority of vehicles.
Can be secured with or without the use of the Pipa Relx base.
The covers are machine washable.

What Can Be Improved

The shoulder padded straps are quite short.
The hood canopy makes it hard to move the seat’s handle.
You need both hands in order to adjust the straps on the harness.

Seat Width: 17.5 inches (44.4 cm)
Base Width: 13 inches (33 cm)
Seat Length: 27.25 inches (69 cm)
Base Length: 23.75 inches (60 cm)
Child Height: Up to 32 in (81 cm))
Child Weight: 4-32 lbs (1.8-14.5 kg)
Dimensions: 27.25 H x 17.5 W x 23 L in

2. Cybex Cloud Q Sensorsafe 2.1 Compact Infant Car Seat

The Cybex infant car seat provides one of the best infant car seats for small cars. Being one of the smallest infant car seat it will comfortably fit in your compact vehicle.

Being shorter in depth and having a narrow width included within the base, this small infant car seat doesn’t take up too much room.

Importantly being able to recline flat when not being used in your car. This seat is ideal when attached to your stroller.

Including the SensorSafe technology, this upgrade from the past version alerts you to your child not being secured correctly.

A disadvantage of this seat is that it is hard to remove and reattach the covers after washing.

What We Liked

The SensorSafe technology alters you if your child isn’t fastened in correctly.
The narrow base makes it suitable for use in all vehicles.
The base can be used with the Isofix latch system or the seat belt.
When out of your vehicle, the seat can recline and lay fully flat.
Can be attached to strollers and used as part of a travel system.

What Can Be Improved

Currently limited design and color options available.
SensorSafe can only be used with one cell phone at a time.
Supports a lower maximum weight limit than other infant car seats.

Seat Width: 17.4 inches (44 cm)
Base Width: 15.7 inches (40 cm)
Seat Length: 26.4 inches (67 cm)
Base Length: 21.6inches (55 cm)
Child Height: Up to 30 in (76.2 cm)
Child Weight: 4-35 lbs (1.8-16 kg)
Dimensions: 27 in. x 23 in. x 18 in

3. Clek Liing 2021/2022 Infant Car Seat

Ideal for parents with narrow cars, the Clek Liing is one of the safest infant car seats for small cars.

What makes it one of the best newborn seat for a small car is its narrow design. Not only making it a perfect infant car seat for a small backseat but narrow enough to support 3 across.

Another factor that makes this compact newborn car seat great is how lightweight it is. Ideal for when you are transporting your little one to and from your car.

A disadvantage of this seat is after washing the covers, it is tricky to re-secure them back in place.

What We Liked

The seat can be used with the base or your car’s seat belt.
The base is compatible to be used with a latch or seat belt fastening.
Includes various recline positions, ensuring maximum comfort.
The narrow design supports you being able to have 3 car seats in the rear of your vehicle.
It is easy to disconnect the seat from the secured base.

What Can Be Improved

It is hard to re-apply to covers after removing them for washing.
Shade canopy only protects half of the seat’s depth.
To protect your car seats, an additional protective mat needs to be purchased.

Seat Width: 17 inches (43 cm)
Base Width: 13.2 inches (33.5 cm)
Seat Length: 27.7 inches (70 cm)
Base Length: 13.2 inches (33.5 cm)
Child Height: Up to 32 in (81 cm)
Child Weight: 4-35 lbs (1.8-15.8 kg)
Dimensions: ‎30.75 x 20.75 x 18.25 inches

4. UPPAbaby Mesa Max Newborn Car Seat

Wake makes this UPPAbaby seat one of the best infant seat for small car, with a narrow base. Included with the seat is the narrow base.

Even the seat is narrow, making it one of the smallest newborn car seats available and compatible with both the base or seat belt use.

The best features of this small newborn car seat is the loaded leg on the base and extra rebound bar. Providing additional protection for your baby in the event of an accident.

The most beneficial upgrade since the earlier model is the inclusion of the larger canopy to provide more shade coverage and privacy for your tot.

A disadvantage is that the material isn’t as soft as other small car newborn seat.

What We Liked

Narrow and slim fit design makes it compatible in almost every vehicle.
Can be secured with the base or the seat belt.
The large canopy provides a lot of shade and privacy for your baby.
The base and car seat are easy to attach and secure correctly.
The harness loosening release is easily accessible.

What Can Be Improved

On average, this small baby car seat lasts until your baby is approximately 1.
The handle rubs the canopy when being moved when the hood is up.
It is a heavier infant car seat than other models.

Seat Width: 17 inches (43.2 cm)
Base Width: 14.5 inches (36.8 cm)
Seat Length: 27 inches (68.8 cm)
Base Length: 21.3 inches (54.1 cm)
Child Height: Up to 32 in (81 cm)
Child Weight: 4-35 lbs (1.8-16 kg)
Dimensions: 23 H x 17 W x 27 L in

5. Maxi Cosi Coral XP Infant Car Seat

Whether your small vehicle is 3 or 5-door, this is one of the best compact infant car seat. With the width of the Latch base being under 15 inches, it is narrow and ideal for vehicles with little rear space.

Importantly this compact car seat is different from other newborn car seats due to the ability to remove the inner carrier. Making it even easier and lighter to lift your baby out and carry them.

The biggest change since the last version is the addition of additional carrying methods.

Gives you the ability to distribute your child’s weight and carry them in a position that you are comfortable with.

A disadvantage, however, is that it can be tricky to quickly remove the inner carrier from the seat’s base.

What We Liked

It is easy to adjust the straps.
Compatible with a range of different stroller bases.
Can be used with the base or the seat can be secured via the seat belt.
Comes with 4 modes of being carried, making it easier to transport your newborn.
Detachable inner carrier weighing under 5 lbs, ideal for carrying to and from your car.

What Can Be Improved

Has a lower maximum weight limit compared to other infant car seats.
Doesn’t offer the ability to recline in different positions.
It isn’t very easy to remove the lightweight inner section from the seat.

Seat Width: 17.5 inches (44.5 cm)
Base Width: 14.5 inches (36.8)
Seat Length: 31 inches (78.8 cm)
Base Length: 23.25inches (59cm)
Child Height: Up to 29 in (73.6 cm)
Child Weight: 4-22 lbs (1.8-10 kg)
Dimensions: 31” x 17.5” x 18”

6. Baby Jogger City GO Air Compact Infant Car Seat

Lightweight and easy to secure in your vehicle, this is one of the most compact infant car seat.

What makes this ideal for smaller vehicles is the narrow and shallow base that can easily fit compact vehicles. At under 14 inches, it will easily fit the narrowest of vehicles.

Another great feature of this infant car seat is the one-hand recline positions that it includes. Ensuring your newborn is comfortable and safe on your travels.

Compared to the previous version, this seat includes an insert to wick away moisture to prevent your child from getting too hot and uncomfortable.

A disadvantage, however, is to move the handle in different positions, you will need to use both hands.

What We Liked

Rapid lock base makes it quick to secure in your vehicle.
One-hand adjustment for the headrest and harness positioning.
Includes 4 recline positions, allowing your baby to be comfortable.
Can be easily attached to various strollers.
There is a drape that covers the whole seat providing full sun protection.

What Can Be Improved

Doesn’t include a loaded leg on the base.
You need to use both hands in order to move the handle.
The canopy is easily knocked out of place, especially when carrying.

Seat Width: 16.93 inches (43 cm)
Base Width: 13.9 in (35.3 cm)
Seat Length: 18.11 inches (46 cm)
Base Length: 14.09 in (35.8cm)
Child Height: Up to 32 in (81 cm)
Child Weight: 4-35 lbs (1.8-16 kg)
Dimensions: 18.11 x 16.93 x 30.67 inches

7. Peg Perego Primo Viaggio 4/35 Lounge Newborn Car Seat

Not only providing a comfortable car journey, but this seat is also great when out of your vehicle as well.

Its slim base makes it ideal to fit in your smaller vehicle. Whilst the full recline position outside of your vehicle makes it ideal for laying flat and providing maximum comfort.

Another important feature is the extendable pagoda hood, keeping your little one shaded and cool.

The biggest improvement from the previous model is that this seat can now recline in more positions. Increasing your child’s comfort in and out of the car.

A disadvantage of this infant car seat is that you need both hands to move the handle in different positions.

What We Liked

Can be reclined flat when not being used in your vehicle.
It is easy to remove the fabric covers when they need washing.
The handle can be lowered to stabilize the seat and prevent it from rocking when not in use.
The large canopy provides full shade protection.
Rebound bar and loaded leg offer increased safety features.

What Can Be Improved

It isn’t as light as other infant car seats available.
The load leg is long and doesn’t fit in some rear middle seats.
The handle release button is difficult to press.

Seat Width: 17 inches (43 cm)
Base Width: 14.6 inches (37 cm)
Seat Length: 27 inches (68.5 cm)
Base Length: 21.6 inches (54.8 cm)
Child Height: Up to 32 in (81 cm)
Child Weight: 4-35 lbs (1.8-16 kg)
Dimensions: 31 x 17 x 27 inches

8. Britax B-Safe Gen2 FlexFit Small Baby Car Seat

With the base of this infant car seat being extremely narrow, it provides ideal newborn car seats for small cars.

Another great feature that this small car infant seat offers is that the covers are both machine and dryer safe. Making it easy to wash away any diaper blowouts that inevitably happen at this age.

Also, this seat can be secured within your vehicle with both the base and, alternatively, the seat belt.

The biggest improvement from the prior model is the even larger hood, providing more shade protection when needed.

A disadvantage of this seat is that the car seat is a little longer than others.

What We Liked

Large-sized hood provides good sun protection for your newborn baby.
It is compatible with a variety of strollers to support it being used within a travel system.
It is easy to remove and wash the covers.
It is easy to adjust the recline for your baby’s comfort.
You don’t need to rethread the harness or headrest.

What Can Be Improved

The base is larger than other newborn car seats for compact cars.
It isn’t very easy to remove the seat from the base.
It is longer than other car seats and may require the front seats to be pulled forward.

Seat Width: 17.9 inches (45.5 cm)
Base Width: 14 inches (35.6 cm)
Seat Length: 26.6 inches (67.5 cm)
Base Length: 21.6 inches (54.9cm)
Child Height: Up to 32 in (81 cm)
Child Weight: 4-35 lbs (1.8-16 kg)
Dimensions: 26.6 x 17.9 x 25.85 inches

9. Chicco Keyfit 30 Infant Car Seat

As an all-around smaller car seat, this seat is narrow, shallow, and not as high as other seats. It is this winning combination that makes it one of the best compact newborn car seat.

Both the base and the car seat itself are narrow, making it ideal for fitting either way in compact vehicles.

Another great feature of this seat is the bubble features that show that the seat is correctly in place and in the safest position for each car journey.

From previous models, this seat has been upgraded to include spring leveling foot for an even quicker installation.

A disadvantage of this seat, however, is that other car seats are lighter in weight.

What We Liked

The bubble bar makes it easy to visually see if the seat is installed correctly.
The seat is narrow and will fit in the majority of vehicles.
Premium latch connectors make it very easy and quick to install.
Compatible with a wide variety of different strollers.
Includes removable newborn inserts for safe travel for smaller babies.

What Can Be Improved

It is heavier than other infant car seats available.
Dismantling the seat for cleaning involves many steps and isn’t easy.
The sunshade is short and only covers 50% of the seat.

Seat Width: 16.75inches (42.5 cm)
Base Width: 15.5 inches (39.4 cm)
Seat Length: 24 inches (61 cm))
Base Length: 20 inches (50.8 cm)
Child Height: Up to 30 in (76.2 cm)
Child Weight: 4-30 lbs (1.8-13.6 kg)
Dimensions: 27.5 x 16.75 x 24 inches

10. Cybex Aton M SensorSafe Car Seat

Not only narrow, but these Cybex infant car seats for small cars also have an adjustable load leg. This makes sure you get maximum protection from this seat no matter the size of your vehicle.

The smaller base and seat make it ideal for compact vehicles where space is restricted.

Another feature that this most compact newborn car seat includes is the SensorSafe clip, which provides parents with updates if their child isn’t secured properly, is too hot, or has been in the vehicle too long.

Compared to previous models, this seat now includes 11 adjustable settings for the harness and headrest.

A disadvantage of this car seat is that it is a little on the heavier side.

What We Liked

Offers 11 different positions for the harness and headrest for a perfect fit.
The SensorSafe clips alert parents to any risk their child make be.
The padding is plush and makes a comfortable baby seat.
Can easily be secured to various stroller wheels to make a travel system.
The material is soft and gentle against your baby’s delicate skin.

What Can Be Improved

Only one caregiver receives notifications from the SensorSafe clip.
You need to use both hands in order to remove the seat from the base.
The seat isn’t very breathable and your child may sweat.

Seat Width: 17.3 inches (43.9 cm)
Base Width: 15.4 inches (39 cm)
Seat Length: 22.25 inches (56.5 cm)
Base Length: 26.3 inches (39 cm)
Child Height: Up to 30 in (76.2 cm)
Child Weight: 4-30 lbs (1.8-13.6 kg)
Dimensions: 26 x 17.3 x 22.25 inches

11. Diono Radian 3QXT+ All in One Convertible Car Seat

Ideal for newborns, this infant car seat for compact cars includes a narrow built-in base. Being narrow and shallow, it is great when you have limited rear space in your car.

Another great feature of this seat is that as your child grows, this seat can easily be adapted to grow with your child. Saving you the cost and struggle of finding another slimline car seat for your vehicle.

A disadvantage of this seat, however, is that it is heavy and bulky. This can make it challenging when lifting into your vehicle for installation.

From previous models, this baby car seat now includes added leg support. Making it even more comfortable for your child when they move into front-facing car seat positions.

What We Liked

The seat can be used from birth through to booster.
Covers can easily be removed for washing and keeping the seat clean.
It has a slim base and can support 3 across in most vehicles.
Includes 2 cup holders making it easier as your child grows.
The seat can be folded flat for carrying and storage.

What Can Be Improved

The padding isn’t as deluxe and plush as other infant seats.
The seat is heavy, making installation difficult for some people.
The infant setting is not compatible with any stroller bases.

Seat Width: 16 inches (40.6 cm)
Seat Length: 17 inches (43 cm)
Child Height: Up to 57 in (119 cm)
Child Weight: 4-120 lbs (1.8-54.4 kg)
Dimensions: 16″ x 17″ x 28″

12. Graco SnugFit 35 Elite Infant Car Seat

The Graco snug fit comes with a slim fit base, making it ideal for a smaller vehicle.

As it’s under 15 inches wide, it will fit in the majority of small cars.

This infant car seat can be secured with both the base and directly with the seat belt. Making it easy when using in your home vehicle but also other cars or cabs.

From previous models, this seat now includes the additional upgrade of thicker padding, making this seat even more comfortable for your newest addition.

A disadvantage of this seat is that it is on the heavier side than other infant seats available.