7 Best Infant Car Seats Without Base 2025

The Graco Gomax is a game-changer for parents who demand effortless installation and no-fuss portability—all without sacrificing safety. With its built-in rigid LATCH system, this baseless infant car seat installs securely in seconds, eliminating the need for a stay-in-car base while ensuring a rock-solid fit. The No-Rethread Simply Safe Adjust Harness and 4-position one-hand recline make daily use a breeze, especially for sleep-deprived caregivers juggling car transitions and diaper bags. It directly tackles the pain point of clunky, heavy setups that dominate the infant seat market.

In real-world use, the Gomax shines in compact cars and rental vehicles where space and compatibility are concerns. Its rear-facing support from 4–30 lbs and up to 32 inches means extended usability, while the bubble level indicator removes guesswork during installation—critical for maintaining proper recline on uneven surfaces. The PureProtect fabric is soft and chemical-free, ideal for babies with sensitive skin, though the canopy could offer more sun coverage. While it lacks a true anti-rebound bar, the memory recline on LATCH connectors helps maintain consistent positioning over time.

Compared to the Joie Mint Latch and Peg Perego Primo Viaggio, the Gomax strikes a sweet spot between simplicity and smart engineering—it’s not the lightest or most feature-packed, but it’s the most intuitive for families who prioritize set-and-forget reliability. It’s ideal for urban dwellers, ride-share users, or those with multiple cars who need a plug-and-play solution without buying extra bases. While the Peg Perego offers superior side-impact tech, the Graco delivers unmatched ease of use with fewer moving parts and more peace of mind per pound.

The Joie Mint Latch is a travel-savvy powerhouse, engineered for parents who live on the move and refuse to compromise on safety. Weighing just 9.3 lbs, it’s one of the lightest baseless infant seats on the market, yet it packs rigid lower anchor attachments with three installation angles for a secure, wobble-free fit in nearly any vehicle. Its FAA approval and seat belt compatibility make it a top pick for air travel, solving the common headache of navigating airport security with bulky gear. The side-impact protection meets the latest testing standards, offering serious crash defense in a featherlight frame.

During testing, the Mint Latch proved exceptionally easy to transfer between a compact SUV, sedan, and airplane row—its tool-free installation worked flawlessly with both LATCH and seat belt methods. The shallow handle design makes overhead lifting intuitive, though it can dig into the forearm during extended carries. The dual-density foam and plush inserts kept infants well-supported, and the adjustable canopy with visor provided excellent sun protection. However, the narrow base can cause instability on contoured rear seats, and the harness routing is less intuitive than competitors like Graco.

When stacked against the Graco Gomax, the Joie wins on weight and portability, but trades off some ease of harness adjustment and recline flexibility. It’s the ultimate companion for jet-setting families or ride-share commuters who need a seat that’s light, safe, and airplane-ready. While the Peg Perego offers more advanced energy absorption, the Joie Mint Latch delivers best-in-class travel performance with no base required, making it the go-to for minimalist, mobile parenting.

The Peg Perego Primo Viaggio Urban Mobility is a safety-first marvel, engineered with military-grade materials and intelligent crash protection that redefine what a baseless infant seat can do. Its Kinetic Pods absorb and redirect side-impact forces, while the handle-as-anti-rebound-bar feature reduces rear-collision rotation by 50%—a rare and critical innovation in this category. The dual-stage cushion system supports newborns from 4 lbs with neck and bottom support, then transitions seamlessly as baby grows, all wrapped in naturally fire-retardant Fresco Jersey fabric that avoids toxic chemicals.

In real-world scenarios, the Primo Viaggio excels in high-impact simulations and uneven terrain, thanks to its EPP and EPS energy-absorbing foams and six-position no-rethread harness. The built-in LATCH and Euro belt path offer installation flexibility, making it ideal for international travel or older vehicles without anchors. However, at over 10 lbs, it’s heavier than rivals, and the complex cushion system requires frequent adjustments for smaller infants. The forward handle position is crucial for anti-rebound function, but it limits carry convenience when engaged.

Compared to the Baby Trend Secure-Lift and Evenflo LiteMax, this seat is in a premium safety league of its own—it’s not the lightest or easiest to carry, but it’s the most protective. It’s best suited for safety-obsessed parents, urban drivers in high-traffic zones, or those who want European-level crash engineering in a baseless design. While the Joie Mint Latch wins on travel ease, the Primo Viaggio offers unmatched impact defense with intelligent design touches that justify its elite positioning.

The Baby Trend EZ-Lift PLUS is a budget-savvy hero, proving that affordability doesn’t mean cutting corners on core safety or comfort. At under 8 lbs, it’s one of the lightest seats in its class, making it a dream for parents constantly moving between car, stroller, and grandma’s house. The ergonomic handle, designed with chiropractor input, reduces strain during lifting—addressing a real pain point for caregivers with back issues. It’s FAA approved, meets federal safety standards, and includes a bubble level indicator and flip-foot recline for proper installation, despite its low cost.

In daily use, the EZ-Lift PLUS delivers surprisingly plush comfort thanks to its deep padding and full-coverage canopy that shields against sun and wind. The handle doubles as an anti-rebound bar, a rare feature at this price, enhancing stability in rear impacts. However, the harness system lacks no-rethread adjustment, meaning you’ll need to re-thread straps as your baby grows—a tedious process compared to premium models. The plastic feel is noticeable, and the LATCH connectors aren’t as intuitive, requiring more force to click into place.

Stacked against the Evenflo LiteMax and Graco Gomax, this seat doesn’t offer the same tech or ease of use, but it delivers essential features at a fraction of the cost. It’s perfect for first-time parents, backup car setups, or occasional travelers who need a reliable, lightweight, and safe option without overspending. While the Peg Perego wins on protection, the EZ-Lift PLUS offers the best bang for the buck with thoughtful ergonomic touches that punch above its price tier.

The Baby Trend EZ-Lift PRO builds on its predecessor with upgraded side protection and a more refined harness system, making it a smart value-driven upgrade for budget-conscious families. It retains the under-8-lb lightweight design and FAA approval, but now adds deep side wings and no-twist harness indicators—a small but impactful feature that ensures correct strap alignment every time. The adjustable canopy with visor offers superior sun protection, and the plush inserts keep newborns snug and properly positioned.

Real-world testing revealed the PRO model handles daily wear better than the PLUS, with sturdier fabric and improved LATCH engagement. The bubble level and flip-foot recline help achieve optimal angle, though installation in older cars without anchors can be finicky. While it lacks a no-rethread harness, the headrest adjusts easily, minimizing re-threading frequency. The side impact protection is solid for the price, but not on par with Joie or Peg Perego’s advanced systems.

Compared to the base EZ-Lift PLUS, this model justifies its slight price bump with meaningful safety upgrades and better comfort—ideal for parents who want more protection without jumping to premium brands. It’s a strong contender for second cars, grandparents’ vehicles, or urban parents using ride-shares. While the Graco Gomax offers more convenience, the EZ-Lift PRO delivers the best balance of safety, comfort, and cost in the budget segment, making it a practical, no-frills workhorse.

The Evenflo LiteMax 30 is a masterclass in minimalist engineering, built for parents who want ultra-lightweight mobility without sacrificing safety fundamentals. At just under 7 lbs, it’s the lightest baseless infant seat in the lineup, making it effortless to carry through airports, parking lots, or multi-story buildings. The ergonomic handle fits naturally in the crook of the arm, reducing fatigue during extended walks, while the full-coverage canopy provides excellent protection from sun, wind, and rain—something many competitors skimp on.

During real-world use, the LiteMax proved incredibly easy to install using the seat belt or base with vehicle belt lock-off, and its bubble level indicator ensured proper recline every time. It supports babies from 3–30 lbs, giving slightly earlier usability than most. However, the harness system requires rethreading, which becomes a chore as your baby grows, and the padding is thinner than in plushier models like the Baby Trend EZ-Lift PRO. The LATCH connectors are functional but less intuitive, occasionally requiring readjustment.

Pitted against the Joie Mint Latch and Graco Gomax, the LiteMax wins on sheer portability and canopy coverage, though it lacks advanced safety features like anti-rebound bars or side-impact pods. It’s the perfect choice for frequent travelers, minimalist parents, or those who prioritize weight above all else. While the Peg Perego offers superior crash protection, the LiteMax delivers the ultimate lightweight experience with reliable baseline safety and thoughtful comfort touches.