Infant car seats don’t just make traveling with your baby safer. They make every outing a little more manageable! Most models are designed to easily attach to strollers or wagons, and their built-in carrying handles let you transport your baby comfortably and conveniently.
However, installation is one aspect of infant car seats that is not always easy and convenient. They typically come with a base that stays secured in your vehicle, allowing the carrier to click in and out with ease. But, since installing the bases is often a struggle, many families choose to purchase multiple bases (one for each car), so transferring the seat between vehicles is quick and hassle-free.
But, over the years, car seats have changed a lot. Many now include new features that improve both safety and convenience. One of those innovations is lower anchor baseless installation. In this post, we’ll discuss what these baseless car seat options are that come with lower anchors, what they’re for, and which car seats have this feature.
What Are Baseless Car Seats?
As we discussed, infant seats typically come with a base for installation, although most of them can be installed with just the seat belt if needed. But, as the name suggests, baseless car seats don’t come with one! Baseless car seats have lower anchors integrated into the infant seat for easy installation without a base!
Are Baseless Car Seats Safe?
Yes. Like any car seat on the market, a baseless car seat is safe as long as it’s installed correctly. They still require the standard crash tests and safety features like a 5-point harness. When properly secured with the lower anchors or the vehicle's seat belt, a baseless car seat is just as safe and secure as one used with a base.
That said, it’s also important to make sure an infant car seat is the right fit for your child’s age, weight, and height. It can’t effectively protect your child if it’s the wrong fit, so, check out our guide on when to transition out of an infant car seat. Once you know for sure it’s the right seat, it’s all about finding the right baseless car seat for your family and installing it perfectly every time.
How Does a Baseless Infant Car Seat Work?
A baseless infant car seat works by using lower anchors for installation. You can use the seat belt to install the seat if you prefer, but in most cases, the lower anchor installation will be easier. Some of the baseless infant seats have rigid lower anchors and others have flexible lower anchors. If it has rigid lower anchors, you just click them onto the vehicle seat's anchors and you are ready to go! Flexible lower anchors require that you click them on and then tighten the strap.
How To Install Baseless Infant Car Seats
This step-by-step guide will help you better understand the baseless car seat installation process. However, remember your car seat manual is the best tool you have for getting the safest install. Always refer to your manual when you’re looking for your seat’s best practices.
Step 1: Place the car seat flat on the vehicle seat.
First, place the car seat flat against the seat and flush with the backrest. Of course, it should be placed rear-facing in the vehicle and in the back seat.
Step 2: Adjust the recline for the child’s age and weight.
Most car seats have a built-in recline indicator that helps you get the safest angle for your child’s age. (This recline sometimes changes as the baby grows, so check your manual.) Adjust the carrier against the vehicle seat until the recline indicator shows it’s positioned correctly.
Step 3: Install the seat with your preferred method.
If you are going to install the seat using the integrated LATCH connectors, make sure you know how to use them by checking the manual. The versions with rigid lower anchors are easier to use as no tightening is necessary.
If you prefer to install with the seat belt instead, look near the baby’s hips to find the designated lap belt path for baseless installation. Thread the lap belt portion of the seat belt through this belt path, ensuring it’s not twisted. Also check your manual to see if the shoulder strap is meant to be left against the vehicle seat back or wrapped behind the carrier for added stability (European routing). You will need to make sure the seat belt is locked as well.
Step 4: Make sure the car seat doesn’t move more than 1 inch at the belt path.
At the belt path, give the car seat a firm shake in all directions to check for movement. If the car seat moves more than 1 inch in any direction, re-tighten the seat belt or LATCH connectors. With rigid lower anchors, this is not a concern.
Step 5: Adjust the carry handle according to the manual.
Some car seats require the handle to be locked in a certain position, so check your car seat manual to confirm the approved handle positions for your model.
Step 6: Double-check with a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST).
Baseless car seats can be a learning curve, so to help you figure it out and feel confident in your installation, get a video consultation with a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST). They can help you get the best fit and answer any questions you have about the process. You can book a video call with one of our CPSTs here.
Bonus tip: If you have a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) on video, use the opportunity to practice fastening your child in the seat too. They can help you learn things like how to adjust the harness straps, proper chest clip positioning, and so much more!
Best Baseless Infant Car Seats
Clek Liingo
The Clek Liingo is a very compact car seat and it’s 17 inches wide, so it’s perfect for 3-across scenarios or compact vehicles. Families also appreciate its UPF 50+ sun canopy, flame-retardant-free fabric, and the fact that it’s FAA-approved for air travel.
The Clek Liingo actually has multiple car seat installation options, and two of them are baseless. You can use European routing with the seat belt, or you can use the Liingo’s integrated flexible LATCH anchors that allow you to use LATCH without the base. It’s a quick installation process with no base or seat belt required. But if you want a base, this seat is compatible with Clek's infant seat base.
Joie Mint Latch
The Joie Mint Latch also has rigid lower anchors. The Joie Mint Latch is lightweight, compact, and FAA-approved. It also includes a UPF 50+ canopy. The lower anchors have multiple recline settings to help you find the perfect fit for your vehicle. The canopy is very large and will cover most of the baby. You can install the Joie Mint Latch with the seat belt instead if preferred, but it does not allow the European-routing method.
Peg Perego Primo Viaggio Urban Mobility
The Peg Perego Primo Viaggio Urban Mobility is packed with features families love. It offers a no re-thread harness, a UPF 50+ canopy, flame-retardant–free fabrics, a compact design, and is FAA-approved for air travel.
It also has kinetic pods for side-impact protection, and an integrated anti-rebound bar built into the handle—all designed to absorb crash forces and reduce movement in a collision.
Of course, what really sets the Urban Mobility apart is its baseless installation. In fact, it’s specifically designed to be installed without a base. You can choose between the European-style seat belt routing or use the integrated flexible LATCH connectors. Either method provides a secure and safe fit without the need for a base.
Baseless car seats are a safe and convenient option for families on the go!
Baseless infant car seats are a great option for families who want safety and convenience all in one. They make traveling, switching cars, or using rideshares a breeze—without the hassle of a bulky base. With easy installation options and built-in safety features, these seats keep your little one secure while making life a little easier for you. Pick the right baseless seat for your family using our Car Seat Finder Tool, follow the installation steps, and you’re all set for safer, smoother adventures together!
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