Best Narrow Car Seat

Are you looking for the best narrow car seat for your car?

Then let us help you find the perfect car seat with our guide on the best narrow car seats!

If you’re trying to fit three young kids in the back of one car or even two in a small car, a regular width car seat might be too big. So, don’t struggle with bulky car seats that will never fit side-by-side. Instead, look for a narrow car seat with a slim profile, reducing the width for a comfortable fit.

But how do you find the right narrow car seat? Surprisingly, it isn’t all about the width! The right narrow car seat balances a small build with impressive comfort and safety, plus easy installation and intuitive use. 

To help you find the perfect narrow car seat, we’ve put together this complete guide on the slimmest infant car seats, looking at their features, pros, and cons. We’ve also taken a look at car seats for kids of all ages, to ensure you can get the right model for your family.

And we’ve included a buyer’s guide, to make deciding easier than ever. So, read on, and enjoy a family car trip with less hassle, and more fun!

And if you love this guide on when can best slim car seat, then make sure to check out these guides on the best lightweight car seatcar seats compatible with Uppababy Vistacar seats compatible with Bob Stroller, and car seats compatible with Uppababy Cruz. Or even our Britax Advocate vs Boulevard review!

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Best Overall Narrow Car Seat
  • 4.9
  • $189.99
  • Pros:
    • 16.75 inch width
    • Simple and secure installation
    • Spring-loaded leveling foot
    • EPS energy-absorbing foam
    • Removable infant head and body support inserts
    • Machine washable seat pad
Best Premium Narrow Car Seat
  • 4.7
  • $299.99$239.99
  • Pros:
    • 17 inch width
    • Dual stage cushion system
    • Adjustable SIP
    • Made in Italy
    • Integrated anti-rebound bar
    • Patent handle and seat design have color coded belt paths
Our Top Pick
  • 4.9
  • N/A
  • Pros:
    • 17 inch width
    • Natural flame retardant
    • SMART secure system
    • No-thread 5-point harness
    • Infant insert and adjustable crotch strap
Best Narrow Convertible Car Seat
Best Narrow Booster Seat
  • 4.9
  • $219.99$164.99
  • Pros:
    • 17 inch width
    • Converts from 5-point harness for toddlers to belt-positioning booster for bigger kids
    • EPS energy-absorbing foam
    • Premium LATCH connectors and LockSure belt-tightening system
    • Two CupFolders
Best Overall Narrow Car Seat
4.9
$189.99
Pros:
  • 16.75 inch width
  • Simple and secure installation
  • Spring-loaded leveling foot
  • EPS energy-absorbing foam
  • Removable infant head and body support inserts
  • Machine washable seat pad
Best Premium Narrow Car Seat
4.7
$299.99$239.99
Pros:
  • 17 inch width
  • Dual stage cushion system
  • Adjustable SIP
  • Made in Italy
  • Integrated anti-rebound bar
  • Patent handle and seat design have color coded belt paths
Our Top Pick
4.9
N/A
Pros:
  • 17 inch width
  • Natural flame retardant
  • SMART secure system
  • No-thread 5-point harness
  • Infant insert and adjustable crotch strap
Best Narrow Convertible Car Seat
3.5
N/A
Pros:
  • Convertible with 4 in 1 seating positions
  • 17 inch width
  • Reinforced steel core
  • Suitable from 4lbs to 120lbs
Best Narrow Booster Seat
4.9
$219.99$164.99
Pros:
  • 17 inch width
  • Converts from 5-point harness for toddlers to belt-positioning booster for bigger kids
  • EPS energy-absorbing foam
  • Premium LATCH connectors and LockSure belt-tightening system
  • Two CupFolders
03/28/2024 06:03 am GMT
best narrow car seat

List of The 5 Best Narrow Car Seats

Best Narrow Car Seat

1. Chicco KeyFit 30 Infant Car Seat

Best Overall Narrow Car Seat

Stylish, comfortable, and easy to install, the Chicco KeyFit 30 is one of our favorite narrow car seats.

With a width of 16.75 inches, this is a slim build car seat that uses an innovative design to provide parents and babies with the best experience possible.

One of the top features of the Chicco KeyFit 30 is the simple and secure installation.

Chicco uses a spring-loaded leveling foot to ensure the base angle is just right, with two bubble-level indicators providing visual confirmation that the seat is in place.

Premium LATCH connectors make it easier than ever to get a secure installation, easily. If you’re choosing a narrow car seat because you need to accommodate multiple babies, this easy installation means it won’t take you hours to get out of the house.

The Chicco KeyFit 30 has been built for comfort, with a removable infant head and body support inserts offering adaptable support for newborns.

The material is also easy to wash and breathable, with a machine washable seat pad finishing a premium design!

Pros

  • 16.75 inch width – An incredibly narrow design that still provides comfort.
  • Spring-loaded leveling foot – Easier installation thanks to the excellent angling.
  • EPS energy-absorbing foam – Improved impact absorption.

Cons

  • 4 to 30lbs weight range – Limited compared to similar designs.

You can learn more in our Chicco Keyfit 30 infant car seat review! Or check out our guide on the best strollers compatible with Chicco Keyfit 30.

Our Top Pick
Chicco KeyFit 30
$189.99

With a width of 16.75 inches the Chicco KeyFit 30 is our top choice when it comes to a narrow infant car seat!

Chicco is easy to install with it's spring-loaded leveling foot to ensure the base angle is just right, with two bubble-level indicators providing visual confirmation that the seat is in place. 

The material is also easy to wash and breathable, with a machine washable seat pad. 

The Chicco KeyFit 30 Infant Car Seat is designed for babies between 4-30 lbs. and up to 30” tall.


03/28/2024 06:03 am GMT

2. Peg Perego Primo Viaggio Infant Car Seat

Best Premium Narrow Car Seat

The Peg Perego Primo Viaggio 4-35 Infant car seat uses a slim build combined with incredible cushioned support to create a design that we love.

At its widest point, the Peg Perego Primo Viaggio car seat measures just 17 inches across, and at its base this car seat is only 14.6 inches.

Designed for babies from 4 to 35lbs, and up to 32 inches tall, the Peg Perego Primo Viaggio car seat has a dual stage cushion system to provide top level comfort.

In the first stage, the cushions add extra support at the neck, positioning the head perfectly. The second stage accommodates growth, so your little one stays cozy and secure.

Made from fresco jersey, the seat is breathable for optimum temperature control.

The Peg Perego Primo Viaggio Infant car seat protects your little one through the use of EPS and EPP foams. Installed throughout the shell and headrest, these foams protect your child from force.

And an adjustable Side Impact Protection provides the safest fit for your child. Secured with the premium base and Right Tight System, you know your child will be safe, stable, and secure.

Pros

  • 17 inch width – A narrow model, as small as 14.6 inches at the base.
  • Dual stage cushion system – Provides support at different stages.
  • Adjustable SIP – Find the perfect angle for support and safety.

Cons

  • The awkward fit of the canopy makes it difficult to hold the car seat.
03/21/2024 07:03 am GMT

3. UPPAbaby MESA Infant Car Seat

Best Narrow Car Seat For Preemies

Attractive and smartly designed, the UPPAbaby MESA infant car seat is an excellent choice for parents looking for a narrow car seat.

At only 17 inches wide, it has a slim profile and contained build that will fit easily into the backseat of your car. 

The UPPAbaby MESA is simple but smart. It comes fitted with a unique tightness indicator and self-retracting LATCH connectors that allow parents to quickly and safely install the seat.

Turning green when installed correctly, you get an obvious visual indicator when the seat is in place. Multiple foot positions make it easier than ever to find a comfortable angle for your little one.

And comfort is clearly a priority at UPPAbaby. The no-thread 5-point harness can be adjusted alongside the headrest, for a system that adapts to your growing child.

An included infant insert and adjustable crotch strap provide a fantastic fit for small newborns and preemies. And for extra safety, the headrest is reinforced with EPP foam, keeping your child’s head still in the event of a collision.

Pros

  • 17 inch width – A slim and narrow profile.
  • Natural flame retardant – Passes both FMVSS 302 and FMVSS 213 without using chemical fire retardants.
  • SMART secure system – A visual indicator when the seat is securely installed.

Cons

  • Materials aren’t particularly breathable, and it can get warm in the seat.
Our Top Pick
Uppababy Mesa Infant Car Seat

The Uppababy Mesa is a leading car seat that employs a SmartSecure system that provides a self-retracting latch installation. This enables you to quickly and easily install the car seat with accuracy. 

It is suitable for weights of 4-35 lbs and heights of up to 32" making it suitable for infants and newborns.


4. Diono Radian 3RXT 4-in-1 Convertible Car Seat

Best Narrow Convertible Car Seat

Diono Radian has been consistently creating excellent car seats, which is why we’re on the third version of this convertible seat.

This slim fit convertible seat offers a 4-in-1 performance, making it an excellent choice for parents who like to get the most out of everything. 

The Diono Radian 3RXT offers 4 ways to travel: newborn rear-facing, rear-facing, forward-facing with harness, and high-back booster.

This means the seat can be used from 5lbs to 120lbs, providing an incredible 10 years of use. 

With this incredible capacity, you might expect the Diono Radian 3RXT to be a large seat. However, it’s actually incredibly narrow, with a width of just 17 inches. For expanding families, the Diono Radian will fit easily alongside other car seats. 

For newborns, the Diono Radian is safe and comfortable, with a travel wedge that can be used to create a lie-flat position.

When your little one has grown, this wedge can be removed, and the infant positioning liner provides the support you need.

Pros

  • 17 inch width – Despite the adaptability, this isn’t a bulky seat.
  • Reinforced steel core – Mechanically engineered for excellent protection.
  • Suitable from 4lbs to 120lbs – The 3RXT can be used for up to 10 years.

Cons

  • The 3RXT is narrow, but long, and it protrudes in rear-facing mode.

You may also like our guide on the best compact car seats for small cars!

5. Chicco MyFit Harness + Booster Car Seat

Best Narrow Booster Seat

A 2-in-1 booster seat that will appeal to parents of older children, the Chicco MyFit Harness and Booster seat is only 17 inches wide.

This narrow design is suitable for children from 25 to 100lbs, converting from a 5-point harness to a belt-positioning booster.

Finding a car seat for older children is an important balance of meeting their needs without neglecting convenience. Chicco MyFit does this perfectly.

With a 4-position recline and 9-position headrest, you can ensure your little one is perfectly comfortable in the backseat.

A contoured Ergoboost seat and dual-density padding are super comfortable for kids, while the deep rigid shell and EPS energy-absorbing foam add protection and security. 

Parents will love the small profile of the Chicco MyFit, which allows the car seat to be maneuvered easily. We also think any parent will appreciate the zip-off backrest and seat cushions, which makes cleaning easier than ever!

When you’re done cleaning, the Chicco MyFit is quick to install, and you can get a tight fit with either LATCH or the vehicle seat belt.

Pros

  • 17 inch width – A harness and booster seat with a slim build.
  • Two CupFolders – Convenient for long journeys.
  • LATCH connectors and LockSure belt-tightening system – Easy installation.

Cons

  • 25lbs – This is a very heavy seat, which makes it difficult to move.
03/28/2024 06:03 am GMT

Buyer’s Guide on the best slim car seat

If you’ve ever tried fitting three car seats in a row, then you’ll understand why some parents are interested in as narrow a design as possible.

Car seats can be bulky and inflexible, and once you have two secured, you might find there’s no room for a third. 

But narrow car seats appeal to more than just parents with multiple children. Narrow car seats can fit into more cars, are easier to carry, and better to travel with. And they do all this without sacrificing the comfort of your child.

So, there are many reasons why you might think about buying a narrow car seat. However, it’s important that you consider more than just the width!

We’ve put together a buyer’s guide so you can better understand how to choose a narrow car seat. Let’s take a look.

Width

If it’s a narrow car seat you’re after, then you have to consider the dimensions first. Look for a width between 16 and 17 inches. Any wider than 17 inches, and you will probably struggle to fit all three seats in the back of the car.

Make sure the width refers to the widest part of the car seat, including the handle. 

Width isn’t the only dimension to think about, although if you’re looking to fit 3 car seats side-by-side, it’s the most important one.

The length is also worth noting, as some narrow car seats can be long, and struggle to fit into front and back seats. It’s also important to consider all dimensions if you’re purchasing a narrow car seat for traveling.

A long or tall car seat will be difficult to travel with, even if it is slim.

Weight And Height Limit

Narrow car seats are available for a wide age range, but it’s important to check the exact specifications of each model. Some car seats will only be useful for a couple of months, while some can be used for years.

Instead of age range, most car seats will have a height and weight limit.

Overall Weight

Whether you want a narrow car seat to accommodate multiple children, or for increased portability, it’s important to consider the overall weight of the car seat. Narrow car seats tend to be lighter than average, as they use a slim build.

However, this isn’t always the case. If portability is a key concern to you, then make sure you know the weight of the car seat.

Safety

Whatever kind of car seat you’re after, safety is a crucial concern. Car seats should be rigorously safety tested before being sold, to ensure they’re safe for use. Check for the safety certification of any car seat before you buy.

You may also like these guides on do car seats expire and when do booster seats expire?

Comfort

A narrow car seat shouldn’t sacrifice comfort just to reduce space. Padded cushions must be used to support the child, and to keep them comfortable in the car.

Look for designs with molded and movable padding, which will adapt to your growing child.

The fabric used is also a key concern. Fabric should be soft and breathable. This prevents the car seat from becoming too warm, which will be uncomfortable. 

One final aspect of comfort is recline. A good car seat will come with recline and adjustments that can be used to alter the angle of the seat to better suit the needs of each individual.

Installation

Trying to fit three car seats into one car? Then you probably don’t want a seat that’s difficult to install. It should be easy to not only install the seat, but to install it securely.

Some car seats will use the LATCH system, while others will attach to the seatbelt, and some use a combination of various installations. 

A helpful feature is an installation indicator. This will tell you when the seat is safely in place, so you know you’ve got it right. 

Stroller Compatible

If you want a car seat for a younger baby that can be used with a stroller, then you need to check that it’s compatible.

This can be a tricky feature to understand. Some car seats are compatible with multiple strollers, and can be used with a wide range of brands.

Other car seats will only be compatible with a single brand, and won’t fit into any other stroller frame. 

Cleaning

With three kids in the back of one car, you can expect a fair amount of mess! It’s pretty much inevitable.

So, it’s important to choose a car seat that can be easily cleaned. Look for wipe-clean materials, so you can quickly deal with small spills as they occur. Worried about a bigger mess?

Many car seats come with removable fabric coverings that can be machine washed and dry quickly. These are excellent if you know your kids can’t go on a long journey without a major stain!

Our Top Pick
Chicco KeyFit 30
$189.99

With a width of 16.75 inches the Chicco KeyFit 30 is our top choice when it comes to a narrow infant car seat!

Chicco is easy to install with it's spring-loaded leveling foot to ensure the base angle is just right, with two bubble-level indicators providing visual confirmation that the seat is in place. 

The material is also easy to wash and breathable, with a machine washable seat pad. 

The Chicco KeyFit 30 Infant Car Seat is designed for babies between 4-30 lbs. and up to 30” tall.


03/28/2024 06:03 am GMT

FAQs on A narrow infant car seat

Can You Fit Three Car Seats In The Backseat?

Potentially, you can fit three car seats in one backseat, but you have to choose the right car seats! If you want three car seats to fit, they should be 17 inches wide at most. Any wider than this, and they just won’t fit.
You also need to check how the car seats are installed, and whether they need the LATCH system, or can fit into the seatbelt. This is particularly important with the middle seat, which might not have much room. 
And even three narrow car seats might not fit, if you have a particularly small car. Make sure you understand the dimensions of your car when buying multiple car seats.

Are Narrow Car Seats Safe?

Yes, narrow car seats are perfectly safe! Safety should never be sacrificed to reduce the width. Car seats must be rigorously safety tested before being sold, no matter the size.
Because of this, a narrow car seat is just as safe as a bigger car seat. Be sure to check the safety credentials of the car seat before buying, particularly if you’re choosing a car seat from a little known brand.

How To Choose The Right Narrow Car Seat?

Width is obviously the key consideration when choosing a narrow car seat. A narrow car seat is typically 17 inches wide or less.
Other important features to consider are safety, ease of installation, comfort, and the height and weight limit of the car seat. Don’t just focus on the width, or you might find your car seat doesn’t meet your needs.
If portability is important to you, make sure to consider the length and height of the car seat, as well as its overall weight.

Final Thoughts on the best narrow infant car seat

Fitting three car seats into one car is never going to be easy, but with the right narrow car seat, you can safely get three kids side-by-side.

And there are plenty of options for all children, from newborns, to toddlers, to older kids, so you can make the right choice for your family! We hope this guide has helped you find the perfect narrow car seat for you.

And if you’re still looking for more great baby guides, try these guides on how to keep baby cool in car seat, how to keep baby warm in car seatbest stroller car seat combos, and best compact travel stroller for more inspiration! Or even our guide on the best triple strollers

Best Overall Narrow Car Seat
  • 4.9
  • $189.99
  • Pros:
    • 16.75 inch width
    • Simple and secure installation
    • Spring-loaded leveling foot
    • EPS energy-absorbing foam
    • Removable infant head and body support inserts
    • Machine washable seat pad
Best Premium Narrow Car Seat
  • 4.7
  • $299.99$239.99
  • Pros:
    • 17 inch width
    • Dual stage cushion system
    • Adjustable SIP
    • Made in Italy
    • Integrated anti-rebound bar
    • Patent handle and seat design have color coded belt paths
Our Top Pick
  • 4.9
  • N/A
  • Pros:
    • 17 inch width
    • Natural flame retardant
    • SMART secure system
    • No-thread 5-point harness
    • Infant insert and adjustable crotch strap
Best Narrow Convertible Car Seat
Best Narrow Booster Seat
  • 4.9
  • $219.99$164.99
  • Pros:
    • 17 inch width
    • Converts from 5-point harness for toddlers to belt-positioning booster for bigger kids
    • EPS energy-absorbing foam
    • Premium LATCH connectors and LockSure belt-tightening system
    • Two CupFolders
Best Overall Narrow Car Seat
4.9
$189.99
Pros:
  • 16.75 inch width
  • Simple and secure installation
  • Spring-loaded leveling foot
  • EPS energy-absorbing foam
  • Removable infant head and body support inserts
  • Machine washable seat pad
Best Premium Narrow Car Seat
4.7
$299.99$239.99
Pros:
  • 17 inch width
  • Dual stage cushion system
  • Adjustable SIP
  • Made in Italy
  • Integrated anti-rebound bar
  • Patent handle and seat design have color coded belt paths
Our Top Pick
4.9
N/A
Pros:
  • 17 inch width
  • Natural flame retardant
  • SMART secure system
  • No-thread 5-point harness
  • Infant insert and adjustable crotch strap
Best Narrow Convertible Car Seat
3.5
N/A
Pros:
  • Convertible with 4 in 1 seating positions
  • 17 inch width
  • Reinforced steel core
  • Suitable from 4lbs to 120lbs
Best Narrow Booster Seat
4.9
$219.99$164.99
Pros:
  • 17 inch width
  • Converts from 5-point harness for toddlers to belt-positioning booster for bigger kids
  • EPS energy-absorbing foam
  • Premium LATCH connectors and LockSure belt-tightening system
  • Two CupFolders
03/28/2024 06:03 am GMT
best narrow car seats