10 Best Graco Infant Car Seats 2025 in the United States

The Graco Modes Element Travel System is a versatile and comprehensive solution for parents, serving as an Infant Car Seat Carrier, Infant Stroller, and Toddler Stroller. This 3-in-1 design supports your child from infancy through toddlerhood, making it a long-term investment. A notable strength is its reversible stroller seat, allowing you to choose whether your child faces you or the world, catering to different stages of development.

The included Graco SnugRide Lite LX Infant Car Seat is suitable for infants weighing 4-30 pounds and up to 32 inches tall, ensuring a smooth transition from car to stroller. Safety is a key priority with Graco, and this travel system does not disappoint in this area. Another convenience feature includes ample storage with a large basket and trays for both parents and children to keep essentials close by. The one-step self-standing fold enhances portability and ease of storage, making it practical for everyday use.

The full-sized canopy with a peekaboo window provides good coverage and allows you to easily check on your child, while the multi-position reclining seat adds to comfort. However, the travel system might be on the heavier side due to its metal and nylon construction, potentially making it less convenient for frequent travel. If you’re looking for a travel system that grows with your child and includes convenient features for both parents and kids, the Graco Modes Element Travel System is a strong contender.

The Graco Premier SnugRide SnugFit XT ICS, Midtown Collection, is a rear-facing infant car seat designed for babies weighing between 4-30 pounds and up to 32 inches in height. One of its main strengths is its strong focus on safety, featuring an Anti-Rebound Bar and ProtectPlus Engineering, which provide protection from various types of crashes. Safety is further enhanced by the 5-point harness system and the rigorous crash testing it has undergone.

The seat's SnugLock technology allows for easy installation in less than a minute using either the vehicle seat belt or LATCH system, making it user-friendly for parents. Comfort is another highlight, as it includes premium infant head and body supports, a silent shade canopy that adjusts quietly, and a privacy drape for shading and comfort. Additionally, the car seat is portable, weighing only 9.8 pounds, which makes it fairly easy to carry.

However, there are some potential drawbacks. The car seat’s compatibility with other strollers might require additional adapters, and its premium materials and features come at a relatively higher price point compared to other models. Also, while the storage pocket is a nice touch, it is quite small and may not hold larger items. In summary, the Graco Premier SnugRide SnugFit XT ICS is a well-rounded choice for parents prioritizing safety and comfort, although its cost and potential need for extra accessories should be considered.

The Graco SnugRide SnugLock LX Car Seat with TrueShield Technology offers a range of features that make it a strong contender in the infant car seat category. One of its most significant strengths is safety. The TrueShield Advanced Side-Impact Protection provides enhanced safety from head to hips, which is a major plus for parents concerned about side-impact collisions. It is designed for infants weighing between 4 to 35 pounds and up to 32 inches tall, making it suitable for newborns and allowing for extended use as your baby grows.

Installation is made easy with SnugLock Technology, which promises a secure fit in less than a minute using either the vehicle seat belt or LATCH system. The easy-to-read level indicator and adjustable base with four recline positions further simplify the installation process and ensure a good fit in various vehicles. Comfort is another strong point, with removable quilted newborn head and body supports that keep the baby feeling cradled, and a Silent Shade canopy that can be adjusted without disturbing them.

At 9.75 pounds, the car seat is relatively lightweight, enhancing its portability. The 1-hand adjustable handle also adds to the ease of carrying and maneuvering. However, it's worth noting that the car seat is made of polyester, which might not be as breathable as other materials. Additionally, its bulkier dimensions might make it less compatible with some compact strollers. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Graco SnugRide SnugLock LX Car Seat is a robust, comfortable, and highly safe option for parents looking for a reliable infant car seat.