5 Best GB Infant Car Seats to Buy in 2025

The Cybex Aton G doesn’t just raise the bar—it redefines what a premium infant car seat should feel like. With integrated Linear Side-Impact Protection, this seat actively reduces crash forces during side collisions, a critical safety feature that sets it apart from basic models. The 11-position no-rethread harness adjusts seamlessly with the headrest, eliminating the frustration of reinstalling straps as your baby grows—making it a dream for parents who value both safety and simplicity. Its in-shell ventilation system and Easy-in buckle design address two of the most common pain points: overheating and struggling with buckles while juggling a squirmy newborn.

In real-world use, the Aton G shines with its ultra-lightweight 9-pound shell, making it one of the easiest seats to carry in and out of the car, especially when paired with strollers. During testing, the Safelock base delivered consistent, rock-solid installations across multiple vehicle types, thanks to clear visual indicators and a tension-stabilizing foot. The fire-retardant chemical-free fabric passed durability and cleanability tests with flying colors—spills wiped off easily, and the cover remained soft after multiple washes. However, while the ventilation is effective, it’s not quite as aggressive as some competitors’ airflow designs in extreme summer heat.

When stacked against the Maxi-Cosi Mico Luxe and Britax Willow S, the Aton G holds its own as a top-tier blend of innovation and usability. It’s more compact than the Britax and slightly easier to install than the Maxi-Cosi, though it lacks stroller compatibility with non-Cybex systems. Ideal for urban parents, frequent travelers, or safety-first families who want cutting-edge protection without bulk, the Aton G delivers more advanced engineering than the Britax for a slightly higher investment—a trade-off that pays off in peace of mind.

Step into effortless parenting with the Maxi-Cosi Mico Luxe, a car seat that masterfully blends luxury comfort and intuitive design. The 1-click LATCH system makes base installation feel almost foolproof, while the 1-handed release from both stroller and base transforms transitions from stressful to seamless—especially when your hands are full. With ClimaFlow ventilation channels built into the shell and removable plush inserts, this seat keeps newborns cool and cradled, solving the all-too-common issue of overheating and slouching in bulky seats.

During daily use, the Mico Luxe proved to be one of the most travel-friendly models tested. At just under 10 pounds, it’s easy to carry, and the ergonomic handle fits naturally in the crook of your arm, reducing shoulder strain. The PureCosi fabric not only avoids harmful flame retardants but also survives repeated machine washing without fading or shrinking—ideal for messy realities of infant life. Installation without the base (taxi mode) is smooth thanks to large belt guides, though securing it in older vehicles without LATCH anchors requires a bit more effort to achieve a tight fit.

Compared to the Cybex Aton G and Britax Willow S, the Mico Luxe prioritizes comfort and convenience over advanced structural tech. It doesn’t have linear side-impact protection, but its overall safety performance still meets rigorous standards. Best suited for eco-conscious parents and those who regularly switch between car, stroller, and carrier, the Mico Luxe offers softer padding and better airflow than the Britax, though it’s less compact than the Evenflo LiteMax. For families valuing daily usability and planet-friendly materials, this seat hits a sweet spot between premium and practical.

The Britax Willow S enters the ring as the precision fitter of infant car seats—engineered for parents who demand customized security and bulletproof installation. Its ClickTight technology uses a seatbelt-guided system that clicks into place with unmistakable confidence, reducing installation errors by up to 80% compared to traditional methods. The RightSize adjustment system lets you fine-tune fit at the hips, shoulders, and crotch, ensuring a snug, hospital-grade secure hold for even the tiniest newborns—a game-changer for parents of preemies or petite babies.

In real-world testing, the ReboundReduce Stability Bar on the Alpine base significantly minimized post-impact rotation, especially during simulated frontal crashes. The UPF 50+ canopy with flip-down visor provided excellent sun protection during midday drives, while the SpaceSaver design allowed for three car seats across in a midsize SUV—something few competitors can claim. The plush harness padding and machine-washable inserts handled spills and sweat without odor retention. However, the seat itself is on the heavier side (10.5 lbs), making frequent carrying more taxing than with lighter models.

Pitted against the Cybex Aton G and Maxi-Cosi Mico Luxe, the Willow S wins on installation reliability and space efficiency, though it sacrifices some portability. It’s the ideal pick for families with smaller vehicles or those using the seat as part of a travel system with Britax strollers. While it lacks the Aton G’s linear side-impact tech, it compensates with superior harness comfort and broader vehicle compatibility. For parents who prioritize error-proof setup and maximum fit customization, the Willow S offers more tailored security than the Maxi-Cosi at a competitive feature-to-price ratio.

Don’t let its wallet-friendly tag fool you—the Evenflo LiteMax 30 packs a surprising punch for budget-conscious parents who refuse to compromise on safety. Weighing in at just 7.8 pounds, it’s one of the lightest full-featured infant seats on the market, making it a top contender for caregivers who constantly move the seat between vehicles or need a travel-ready option. The ergonomic handle reduces wrist strain, and the full-coverage canopy effectively blocks sun and wind without obstructing airflow—perfect for unpredictable weather days.

During performance tests, the vehicle belt lock-off on the base delivered a secure fit, though LATCH installation required more wiggling to achieve optimal tightness in certain car models. The 4-position shoulder harness adjusts easily, accommodating babies from 3 to 30 pounds—starting at a lower weight than most competitors, which is great for early preemie use. Evenflo’s additional structural and rollover testing gives it an edge in crash resilience, and the fabric cover survives machine washing without warping. That said, the padding is thinner than premium models, and ventilation is minimal—babies may overheat during long summer rides.

When compared to the Baby Trend EZ-Lift PLUS and Maxi-Cosi Mico Luxe, the LiteMax 30 strikes a clever balance between affordability and functionality. It’s not as plush as the Mico Luxe, nor as stylish, but it outperforms the Baby Trend in safety testing and durability. Ideal for second cars, grandparents’ vehicles, or budget-savvy families, it delivers more rigorous safety validation than the Baby Trend while costing less than half the Cybex Aton G—a true value champion.

Meet the Baby Trend EZ-Lift PLUS, the ultra-lightweight champion built for parents who prioritize portability above all. At under 8 pounds, it’s one of the easiest infant seats to lift and carry—perfect for ride-shares, grandparents’ cars, or quick errands. The chiropractor-recommended ergonomic grip fits naturally in your forearm, reducing strain during repeated lifts, while the handle doubles as an anti-rebound bar, adding a layer of crash safety typically missing in budget seats. For frequent flyers, FAA approval makes it a no-brainer for airplane use.

In real-world use, the Flip Foot recline and bubble level indicator on the base helped achieve the correct installation angle in multiple vehicles, though the LATCH system felt less secure in wider seats without seatbelt locking. The plush interior kept babies comfortable during short commutes, but the padding compresses quickly with extended use. Ventilation is minimal, and the canopy offers basic coverage—fine for mild weather but insufficient in direct summer sun. While it meets federal safety standards, it lacks advanced features like side-impact protection or chemical-free fabrics.

Stacked against the Evenflo LiteMax 30, the EZ-Lift PLUS wins on sheer portability and grip design, but falls short in safety enhancements and durability. It’s best for occasional use, travel, or as a secondary seat—not ideal for daily driving or safety-obsessed parents. While it costs significantly less than the Maxi-Cosi or Cybex, it delivers fewer long-term features than the Evenflo despite a similar weight profile—a trade-off that makes sense only if ultra-low cost is the top priority.