4 Best Baseless Infant Car Seats to Buy in 2025

The Peg Perego Primo Viaggio Urban Mobility isn’t just another baseless infant seat—it’s a game-changer for safety and convenience, engineered with built-in LATCH connectors and a Euro belt path for true installation freedom. What sets it apart is its anti-rebound handle and Kinetic Pods, which actively reduce rotational forces by 50% in rear impacts and redirect crash energy in side collisions—features typically reserved for premium models. For parents tired of juggling bases or worrying about improper installs, this seat delivers rock-solid stability without the bulk, solving the #1 pain point of portability versus protection.

In real-world use, the six-position no-rethread harness and dual-stage cushion system make it adaptable from day-one newborns (4 lbs+) to growing infants, all without sacrificing comfort or correct positioning. The EPP & EPS foam layers provide impressive impact absorption, while the Fresco Jersey fabric keeps babies cool—a major win for long drives or hot climates. It installs quickly in most vehicles using either LATCH or seat belt, though tighter rear seats may require a bit more effort to achieve optimal tension. While it’s slightly heavier at around 10 lbs, the stroller compatibility with Peg Perego and other top brands (via adapters) enhances its versatility for urban families.

Compared to the Clek Liingo, the Urban Mobility offers superior energy management in crashes thanks to its anti-rebound design and Kinetic Pods, though it lacks the Liingo’s flame-retardant-free fabrics. It’s more feature-rich than the Graco Gomax and more refined than the Joie Mint, making it ideal for safety-first parents who want maximum protection without being tied to a base. Packed with innovation and rigorously tested, this seat delivers premium performance that outshines even higher-priced rivals in crash mitigation and usability.

The Clek Liingo enters the baseless infant car seat arena with a sleek, minimalist design and a rigid-LATCH system that installs securely—no base, no guesswork. Its standout feature? A removable LATCH bin that not only streamlines installation but also allows the seat to double as a carrier compatible with the Clek Liing base, offering rare flexibility. For eco-conscious parents, the flame-retardant-free fabrics are a breath of fresh air, combining health safety with high-performance protection in a lightweight 9 lb. package that’s easy to lift and carry.

During real-world testing, the one-hand quick-release LATCH connectors made transitions between car and stroller buttery smooth, a major win for busy caregivers. The newborn support system keeps tiny infants properly positioned from 4 lbs, eliminating the need for bulky inserts that can compromise safety. Installation was consistently solid across multiple vehicle types, and the slim profile helped in tighter backseats where other seats struggle. However, the canopy is minimal, offering limited sun protection, and the seat’s narrow fit may not suit larger babies as they grow.

Positioned as a premium option, the Liingo trades some comfort features (like extended padding) for clean design and chemical-free materials, setting it apart from the more padded Peg Perego and the budget-focused Graco. While it doesn’t have anti-rebound tech or energy-absorbing pods, its rigid-LATCH system delivers exceptional stability, making it a top pick for modern families who value simplicity, safety, and sustainability. It may cost more than the Joie or Graco, but its build quality and eco-conscious engineering justify the investment for the right buyer.

The Joie Mint Latch is engineered for movement, turning the baseless infant seat into a travel-ready powerhouse with built-in rigid lower anchors and a featherlight 9.3 lb. frame. Its three-level anchor adjustment ensures a secure fit across a wide range of vehicles, while the newest side-impact certification means it doesn’t sacrifice safety for portability. Whether you’re hopping between rideshares, flying with baby, or navigating narrow city streets, this seat solves the hassle of carrying extra bases while maintaining confidence in every installation.

In practice, the seat belt installation option is a standout—perfect for airplanes or older cars without LATCH anchors—giving it unmatched versatility. The lightweight design makes it a dream for parents constantly on the go, and the bubble level indicator takes the guesswork out of achieving the correct recline. It pairs seamlessly with Joie strollers to create a full travel system, though adapters for other brands aren’t supported. While the padding is on the thinner side, it’s sufficient for short trips, though long-haul comfort lags behind the plushness of the Peg Perego.

When compared to the Graco Gomax, the Mint Latch offers better side-impact protection and smoother installation, though it lacks a built-in canopy. Against the Clek Liingo, it’s similarly lightweight but doesn’t match the Liingo’s chemical-free fabric standards. Ideal for frequent travelers and urban dwellers, it strikes a rare balance between safety, simplicity, and mobility. Though priced like a premium model, it delivers travel-centric features that outperform its cost in real-world flexibility.

The Graco Gomax redefines value in the baseless infant seat market, packing core safety and convenience features into a lightweight, no-fuss design that installs in seconds using its Insta-Install rigid LATCH system. What makes it shine is the memory recline on the connectors, which remembers your preferred angle for consistent, hassle-free reinstallation—a small detail that saves big time for sleep-deprived parents. With a 4–30 lb. weight range and 32-inch height limit, it’s built to last longer than many competitors, and the no-rethread harness ensures quick adjustments as baby grows.

Real-world testing shows the PureProtect fabric is soft yet durable, meeting flammability standards without added chemicals—a rare find in budget-friendly seats. The built-in canopy provides solid sun and light blockage, a feature missing on the Joie and Clek models, making it ideal for daytime outings. Installation was quick and secure in most vehicles, though in cars with stiff LATCH anchors, a bit more effort was needed. While it lacks advanced energy-absorbing tech like Kinetic Pods or anti-rebound bars, it delivers solid, reliable performance for everyday use.

Stacked against the Peg Perego, the Gomax forgoes high-end crash protection for straightforward functionality and affordability, making it perfect for parents seeking a no-frills, dependable seat without the premium price tag. It’s heavier than the Clek and Joie but offers a longer usage window and better sun protection. For families prioritizing value, longevity, and ease of use, the Graco Gomax stands out as the smartest everyday performer in the lineup, offering more features per dollar than any other baseless infant seat.