Having a premature baby can come with added concerns, especially when it comes to ensuring their safety while traveling in a car. Fortunately, there are car seats specifically designed to accommodate the needs of preemies.
We’ll be highlighting some of the best car seats for preemies, based on factors such as weight limit, adjustability, and safety features. Whether you’re looking for a rear-facing or front-facing car seat, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s take a look at the best car seats for preemies available on the market today.
Our Top Picks
- Best Car Seat For Preemie Overall: Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 Elite Infant Car Seat
- Best Budget Car Seat For Preemie: Evenflo LiteMax Infant Car Seat
- Best Car Seat Stroller Combo For Preemie: Britax Pathway & B-Safe 35 Travel System
- Easiest To Install Car Seat For Preemie: Chicco KeyFit 30 Infant Car Seat and Base
- Best Car Seat For Preemie For Small Cars: Primo Viaggio
In This Article
HappyBabyHub’s Best Car Seats For Preemies Picks
Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 Elite Infant Car Seat – Best Car Seat For Preemie Overall
- No re-thread harness
- Fits preemies really well
- Headrest keeps the baby’s head upright
- Easy to get a tight latch with the base
- Heavier than most infant car seats
One of the standout features of this car seat is its ease of installation. With just three simple steps, you can securely install the car seat using either the vehicle seat belt or Latch. The In Right Latch system makes it even easier with a one-second connection. The base’s 4-position reclining and easy-to-read level indicator ensures a safe and accurate installation every time.
The Simply Safe Adjust Harness System allows for easy adjustment of the harness and headrest height, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit for your growing baby. Plus, the Safety Core technology works to dissipate crash forces in the event of a frontal collision, giving parents added peace of mind.
Clean-up is a breeze with the Rapid Remove seat cover. Plus, with Click Connect technology, you can securely attach the car seat to any Graco Click Connect stroller with just one click, creating a customized travel system that meets your specific needs.
The Snug Ride Snug Lock 35 Elite offers protection for rear-facing babies up to 32 inches tall and weighing between 4 to 35 pounds.
Evenflo LiteMax Infant Car Seat – Best Budget Car Seat For Preemie
- The cushion is super soft and comfy
- Very sturdy
- Installation is no more difficult than any other car seat
- Very beautiful design
- The lever on the top back side that releases the car seat from the base does not release the car seat easily
The lightweight and ergonomic design of this car seat makes it easy to carry your little one even when you have your hands full. But that’s not all, as the Litemax 35 is also designed for hassle-free installation. With a two-step vehicle belt lock-off and an easy-to-install foundation, you can securely fasten the car seat in just a few simple steps.
The separate in-car base is another fantastic feature of the Litemax 35, allowing you to quickly and easily transfer your little one to and from the car. And, with four reclining adjustments, you can customize your child’s seating position to ensure maximum comfort during long car rides. The pendulum level indicator is also a great safety feature, helping you confirm the correct installation position.
Britax Pathway & B-Safe 35 Travel System – Best Car Seat Stroller Combo For Preemie
- Easy to remove the car seat from the base and attach
- The stroller folds up with ease after you figure it out
- The stroller has a generous canopy that pairs well with the car seat
- It has lots of ways to vent the stroller area
- The stroller is a pain to fold up at times and it doesn’t fold very flat
This travel system includes the lightweight and maneuverable Britax Pathway Stroller, the Britax B Safe 35 Infant Car Seat with Base, and car seat adapters. Both the stroller and car seat feature eye-catching patterns that stand out and are protected by a UV 50+ cover.
The Pathway Stroller is designed to make strolling a breeze. Its lightweight construction and four-wheeled front design make it easy to carry and maneuver, while the connected parking brake ensures secure stopping with just a single motion. In addition, the stroller’s all-wheel suspension technology provides a smooth ride, even on bumpy terrain. And with a spacious basket and zipped storage compartment, you can easily carry all your essentials.
The Britax B Safe 35 Infant Car Seat is loaded with safety features, including the proprietary SafeCell Impact Protection System, which consists of a steel frame, energy-absorbing base, and tiered release stitches that slow and reduce forward movement in the event of a collision.
The seat also has an added layer of side impact protection. Plus, the SafeCenter Latch and built-in lock-offs make it easy to securely install the car seat base, and the included adapter makes it a snap to attach the car seat to the stroller.
The B Safe 35 infant car seat is suitable for infants weighing 35 pounds or less and measuring 32 inches or shorter, while the Pathway Stroller is appropriate for use from birth up to 55 pounds.
Chicco KeyFit 30 Infant Car Seat and Base – Easiest To Install Car Seat For Preemie
- Easy-to-read/clear-level indicators
- Easy to get in and out of the base
- Good safety features
- Pretty lightweight
- The fabric is a little rough but not the worst on the market
The Chicco KeyFit® 30 Baby Car Seat aims to simplify your life with its user-friendly features, ensuring a convenient and safe experience for both you and your little one. Weighing just 9.5 lbs., you can effortlessly snap the carrier onto the stay-in-car base, perfect for those busy days.
The base of the car seat is equipped with two bubble-level indicators and a leveling foot, providing maximum safety by ensuring the car seat is at the correct angle. Installing the base is a breeze thanks to the LATCH connections and SuperCinch® tightener, providing a snug fit with minimal effort. In case you need to use the vehicle seat belt, the clear belt routing and integrated lock-offs make it easy to install the car seat securely.
The KeyFit® 30 delivers with its five-point harness, which can be tightened with just one pull. And the carrier shell is coated with EPS energy-absorbing foam, adding an extra layer of impact protection, and a smooth underside to protect your vehicle’s seats.
The seat also comes with a replaceable infant head and body support insert that can accommodate babies weighing as little as 4 lbs. The adjustable and detachable canopy provides sun protection, and the machine-washable and easily removable seat pad makes cleaning up a breeze.
Primo Viaggio – Best Car Seat For Preemie For Small Cars
- Easy to make strap adjustments
- The seat features authentic Italian styling and stitching
- The sunshade is large and light in weight but offers 50 UV protection
- The different stage inserts work well
- The canopy only has one locking position while covering the baby
This car seat is suitable for babies weighing 4 to 35 lbs. and up to 32″ tall, making it perfect for your growing baby. This is one of the most compact car seats on our list making it suitable for small cars.
One of the standout features of this car seat is its adjustable side impact protection, which can be easily changed to six different positions without any re-threading. This means that your baby will have consistent head and shoulder protection at every stage of their development. Additionally, the EPS-coated shell with perforations promotes air circulation while enhancing protection, so you can be sure that your baby is comfortable and safe at all times.
The dual-stage cushion system is another highlight of this car seat. It includes two cushions – one for extra support for the neck and bottom for infants weighing 4 lbs. and up, and the other to properly support a developing infant. Both cushions are made of fresco Jersey fabric for comfort in any season and proper head posture.
In terms of safety, this car seat has a 5-point harness and a large adjustable hood to protect from the elements.
How To Choose The Best Car Seats For Preemies?
- Weight Limit: Preemies have lower weight limits compared to full-term babies. Look for a car seat that accommodates the weight and height of your preemie. Ensure the minimum weight restriction starts at 4 pounds when buying. The difference of one pound may seem insignificant, but it can be surprising.
- Inserts: Infant car seats usually come equipped with support for your baby’s comfort during car rides. Not all convertible car seats have this feature, so if you’re considering one, make sure to check. If available, the support usually comes in the form of additional inserts or pillows. High-quality inserts prevent the baby’s chin from dropping to the chest by elevating the chest higher than the head.
- Straps: Ensure that the strap and buckle are adjusted to their lowest setting. This is crucial for the proper positioning of the straps and buckles against your premature baby, as even the lowest setting on some car seats may still be too big.
- Convenience: Consider the ease of installation, adjustability, and portability of the car seat when choosing the best car seat for your preemie.
- Safety Features: Make sure the car seat you choose has the necessary safety features such as adjustable side-impact protection, a five-point harness, and an energy-absorbing shell.
Do Preemie Babies Need A Special Car Seat?
Yes, preemie babies often require a special car seat designed for their smaller size and weight. These car seats typically have a weight limit starting at 4 pounds and provide additional support to ensure proper positioning and comfort. It is important to choose a car seat that is specifically designed for preemies to ensure their safety while traveling. Babies born preterm should be screened while still in the hospital to make sure they can sit safely in a semi-reclined position (1).
Does My Preemie Need A Preemie Car Bed?
It depends on the weight and medical condition of the preemie. If the preemie weighs less than the minimum weight requirement for a standard infant car seat, a car bed may be necessary.
Do Preemies Have To Pass A Car Seat Test?
Infants born prematurely, before 37 weeks of pregnancy, often require a special car seat test, also known as a tolerance test (2). This test is important to assess their ability to sit in a semi-reclined position, such as in a rear-facing car seat. It’s important for parents to understand that not all preemies are the same, and some may have medical conditions that affect their ability to sit upright. The purpose of the car seat test is to ensure the safety and comfort of the infant during travel.
The car seat test usually takes place in a hospital or clinical setting, with a medical professional supervising. The infant is placed in a car seat and monitored for signs of distress, such as increased heart rate, breathing difficulties, or fussiness. This test is conducted for a specified period of time, typically between 30 minutes to an hour.
If the infant passes the test, it can be considered safe to travel in a car seat. If they do not pass, alternative arrangements such as laying flat on a medically approved transport incubator may need to be considered. The test is an important step in ensuring the health and safety of premature babies during car travel.
How Long Should A Preemie Be In A Car Seat?
It is recommended to keep preemies in a car seat for less than an hour to ensure they are safe and secure while traveling (3).
What Kind Of Safety Features Do Preemie Car Seats Should Have?
- Low weight limit starting at 4 pounds (4)
- Infant support insert
- Adjustable strap and buckle settings
- Side impact protection
- Five-point harness
- Energy-absorbing materials in the shell
- Dual-stage cushion system
- Breathable and comfortable fabric
- Large, adjustable hood for protection from elements.
Do I Need An Infant Insert With A Preemie Car Seat?
It is advised to use an infant insert for optimal car seat safety with preemies, as they are usually small. Infant inserts should be used until the baby weighs 11 pounds, as advised by the American Academy of Pediatrics. It is important to use a rear-facing car seat for preemies, as it is the safest option. If the baby weighs less than the minimum requirement, the use of a car bed may be justified. Note that car beds and infant car seats are different. Always ensure that the car seat you purchase is rear-facing for preemies.
