Travel Car Seats: Top Picks for Baby & Toddler

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Every parent knows that traveling with babies and toddlers is no easy task. Add in air travel or a rental car, and suddenly you’re wondering which travel car seat is best for your child.

We did the digging for you—highlighting top infant and toddler car seats for travel and explaining exactly why they’re great options. Read on to learn how to travel safely with kids in car seats and get our best tips for taking car seats on the go.

What should I look for in a travel car seat?

When choosing a travel car seat, keep these factors in mind:

• FAA approval – Essential if you plan to use the seat on an airplane.
• Lightweight design – Easier to carry through airports and hotels.
• Compact size – Helps with navigating tight spaces and fitting in smaller cars or rideshares.
• Ease of transport – Look for features like a carry handle, backpack straps, or compatibility with travel carts.
• Domestic vs. international travel – Some seats install more easily overseas where LATCH isn’t available, so baseless installation and European belt routing can be helpful.

Can I use my regular car seat for traveling?

Yes—as long as it’s FAA-approved, you can use your everyday car seat for air travel. However, keep in mind that many regular seats are bulkier and heavier. This can make navigating airports more challenging. If you own a rotating car seat, double-check the manual for FAA approval since some models are not approved for airplane use.

How do I know if my car seat is approved for traveling on a plane?

If your car seat has FAA approval, it can be used on an airplane. Look for a sticker on the seat that reads: “This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft.” You can also confirm FAA approval in your car seat’s manual.

Keep in mind that flight attendants may ask to see the approval, so it’s helpful to know where the sticker is and keep it visible or easily accessible when boarding.

Important: Booster seats are not FAA-approved because they require both a lap and shoulder belt, while airplanes only provide lap belts.

Things to Consider When Traveling Outside the Country

Every country has its own rules regarding car seat use in taxis, rideshares, and rental cars. Before traveling, research the regulations for your destination to ensure your child’s safety and compliance.

Many vehicles outside the United States do not have LATCH systems, so it’s important to have a car seat that allows for a European belt path. This ensures your seat can be safely installed using the vehicle’s seat belt in international cars.

Baseless Infant Car Seats for Travel

Baseless infant car seats can be safely installed without a separate base, making them ideal for travel. Since you don’t have to carry a heavy base, they’re perfect for taxis, rideshares, and airplanes, offering maximum convenience for families on the go.

Joie Mint Latch Baseless Infant Car Seat

A base-free car seat that’s ideal for travel—especially taxis and rideshares—just click into the lower anchors and go.

The Mint Latch features a base-free design that makes it perfect for on-the-go families. Installing it is simple—just click the lower anchor attachments into your vehicle’s anchors, and you’re ready to go. This makes it an ideal choice for taxis, rideshares, or rental cars while traveling.

If you’re flying or using a vehicle without anchors, the seat can also be safely installed with a seat belt, giving you maximum flexibility.

Fits little ones: 4–30 lbs, up to 30” tall
Weight: 9.3 lbs
Investment: $300

Graco GoMax Infant Car Seat

Perfect for travel, this baseless car seat installs in seconds and offers a memory-recline system plus a compatible frame stroller (sold separately).

Graco’s baseless car seat is the GoMax, and it’s comparable to the Joie Mint Latch. You can secure the seat in seconds using the vehicle’s lower anchors.

The Graco GoMax features a 4-position recline system with memory, meaning it remembers the last recline position used. There is also a GoMax frame stroller sold separately if you want the convenience of going from car to sidewalk in seconds.

Fits little ones: 4–30 lbs. and up to 32″ tall
Weight: 9 lbs.
Investment: $270

Best Infant Car Seats for Travel

Traveling with an infant car seat doesn’t have to be stressful! Most infant seats are FAA-approved and designed to be portable, making them perfect for travel. Plus, they come with a built-in handle, so carrying your little one through airports, hotels, or rental cars is much easier!

Chicco Fit2® Adapt Infant and Toddler Car Seat

An infant car seat featuring a European belt path and extended rear-facing capability, perfect for travel and everyday use.

The Chicco Fit2 Adapt is a top pick for traveling parents. It features a European belt path, making it suitable for both domestic and international travel.

This seat also offers great value. It fits babies longer than traditional infant car seats, thanks to its 2-stage base that allows little ones to remain rear-facing for an extended period. With extra legroom, it accommodates taller babies, too.

Fits little ones: 4–35 lbs, up to 35” tall
Weight: ~12 lbs (without base)
Investment: $330

Peg Perego Primo Viaggio Nido Infant Car Seat

An infant car seat that can be installed safely without the base and accommodates children up to 32 inches tall.

The Peg Perego Primo Viaggio Nido is another excellent option for traveling families. With a European belt path, it can be used internationally without requiring the base for safe installation.

This seat is packed with safety features, including an anti-rebound bar for added protection. The extendable canopy is fire-retardant free, providing shade and protecting your baby from sun exposure and other elements.

Fits little ones: 4–30 lbs, up to 32” tall
Weight: 8.2 lbs (without base)
Investment: $400

Best Toddler Car Seats for Traveling

Depending on their height and weight, toddlers may be traveling rear-facing or forward-facing. All of the travel car seats listed below are FAA-approved for flying. If you have a younger toddler, you may want to consider a convertible car seat for travel, as they will likely start off using it rear-facing and eventually transition to a forward-facing position. That way, you get the best bang for your buck!

We’ve included some of our favorite convertible car seats for travel, as well as our favorite forward-facing option for older toddlers.

Cosco Scenera Extend Convertible Car Seat

The most affordable travel car seat on the market, perfect for keeping your child rear-facing as long as possible.

This is a highly recommended convertible car seat for travel because it’s lightweight and extremely budget-friendly—coming in at under $60!

It’s especially popular among families who want to keep their toddler rear-facing for as long as possible. This seat can typically be used longer in the rear-facing position, so keep that in mind.

Fits little ones: Rear-facing: 5–40 lbs., 19″–40″; Forward-facing: 30–50 lbs., 34.4″–43″, and at least 1 year old
Weight: 8.8 lbs.
Investment: $59

Graco Contender Slim Convertible Car Seat

A slim convertible car seat that can fit in tight spaces, equipped with a no-rethread harness.

The Graco Contender Slim lives up to the “slim” in its name. It’s more compact than the average convertible car seat and can fit into tighter back seats—perfect if you’ll be renting a car or taking taxis.

It’s ProtectPlus engineered, meaning it has passed rigorous safety tests. It also features a no-rethread harness, which makes buckling your child in much easier.

We travel with this seat and love it.

Fits little ones: Rear-facing harness: 5–40 lbs.; Forward-facing harness: 26.5–65 lbs, up to 49″
Weight: 15.9 lbs
Investment: $199

Best Travel Car Seat for Older Toddlers

WAYB Pico Travel Car Seat

The perfect travel car seat for forward-facing toddlers—simple to install, space-saving, and only 8 pounds.

The WAYB Pico is the easiest car seat to travel with for older toddlers! This seat is designed specifically for travel: it’s lightweight, portable, and it folds up compactly into the included travel bag.

Installation is easy, whether you’re using it on an airplane or in rideshares and taxis during your trip. While it’s more of an investment, if you travel often this car seat is absolutely worth it—we love ours!

Fits little ones: ages 2+ and within the range of 22–50 lbs. and 30–45″
Weight: 8 lbs
Investment: $559

Getting Around With Your Car Seat While Traveling

While many of the car seats we recommend for travel are lightweight, you’ll still need to carry them through the airport. Consider what luggage you’ll have—both carry-on and checked—and decide on the best way to transport your car seat. Depending on your situation, you might use one of the following options.

Car Seat Dolly

Car Seat Travel Cart

Make airport travel easier with a convenient car seat travel cart. Instead of carrying a bulky car seat from gate to gate, simply strap it onto this sturdy dolly and roll it effortlessly through the terminals.

Built to support up to 90 lbs, this travel cart is compatible with many popular car seat models. Use the included secure straps to fasten the seat to the base, ensuring a stable and smooth ride.

Car Seat Luggage Straps

Car Seat Belt Strap for Suitcase

For a budget-friendly travel solution, turn your rolling luggage into a makeshift dolly. This car seat belt strap lets you securely attach your car seat to the back of your suitcase—no extra gear required. Just fasten, tighten, and go!

Don’t Forget to Buy a Car Seat Travel Bag!

J.L. Childress Car Seat Backpack

This backpack-style carrier is a great option for transporting your car seat through the airport—whether you’re checking it or bringing it on board. J.L. Childress is a trusted brand known for durable, family-friendly travel gear, and this backpack is no exception.

Designed with thoughtful security features, it includes an AirPod holder, an ID pocket, and lockable zippers for added peace of mind. The backpack design keeps your hands free while navigating the airport and getting to your final destination!

Looking for more?

Want an easier airport experience? Don’t miss my travel stroller roundup.

Pack a few fun distractions for the trip, and explore our favorite travel toys for kids.