Baseless car seats are the latest car seat trend, but are they safe and here to stay?

Nuna changed the game for rear-facing car seats by introducing the Pipa Urbn – a seat without a base attachment. This innovation sparked a wave of interest, and now many top car seat manufacturers have joined the trend, offering baseless options with integrated lower anchors.

While Nuna set the stage, other brands have taken this concept further, bringing their own features and improvements to the market. One standout in this growing category is the Joie Mint Latch, which takes the convenience of a baseless design and combines it with thoughtful safety features and ease of use.

If you’re new here, hi – I’m Sam! I’m a CPST and mom of many kids in car seats! My passion is to demystify the car seat selection overwhelm and help you select the right car seat for your family, budget, and car.

Let’s break down everything you need to know about the Joie Mint Latch so you can decide if it’s the right fit for your family.

What Is A Baseless Car Seat?

A standard rear-facing infant car seat (sometimes called a "pumpkin seat") typically comes in two parts: the car seat itself and a base. The base stays installed in your car, and the seat clicks in and out of it, making it easy to carry your baby around. While it’s possible to install most infant car seats without the base using a seatbelt, many parents prefer the simplicity and security of a LATCH installation.

This is where baseless car seats come into play—they eliminate the need for a separate base entirely. Instead, they allow you to install the car seat directly using LATCH connectors that are built into the seat itself. The Joie Mint Latch takes this concept further with rigid lower anchor connectors that flip out from the seat. These connectors click directly onto your car’s lower anchors, making installation incredibly fast and hassle-free.

With no bulky base to deal with, baseless car seats like the Joie Mint Latch are perfect for families who frequently switch between cars or need to maximize space in tight areas, like third-row seating. It’s a practical and innovative solution for car seats and haven’t seen a price on the market this great yet!

Why Would I Want A Baseless Seat Over A Standard Rear-Facing Seat?

While it may seem counterintuitive to buy a baseless car seat over a standard rear-facing car seat, there are specific scenarios where this option can be great.

Here are some reasons why a baseless car seat might make your life easier:

Convenience: No need to buy multiple bases for different cars or struggle with complicated installations.
Ease of Use: The Joie Mint Latch installs in seconds with its click-on lower anchors.
Space-Saving: Without a bulky base, it’s easier to access third-row seating or fold-down seats when needed.
Travel-Friendly: A baseless seat is lighter and more portable, making it ideal for travel, ride shares, or taxis where you can’t rely on having a base available.

Let’s Talk Safety. Are Baseless Car Seats As Safe As Other Car Seats On The Market?

Yes, absolutely! Every car seat sold in the United States, including baseless ones, must meet strict federal safety standards. In fact, safety standards are becoming even tougher with new side-impact testing requirements (FMVSS213a) rolling out this year.

The Joie Mint Latch already meets these updated standards ahead of schedule, so you can feel confident about its safety in the event of a collision.

What Makes the Joie Mint Latch Special?

There are several impressive features that make the Joie Mint Latch stand out. Here’s what make it a practical and reliable choice for parents:

Higher Weight And Height Limits

First, it offers higher weight and height limits, accommodating babies up to 30 pounds or 30 inches tall. This is significantly more than many competitors, like the Nuna Pipa Urbn, which maxes out at 22 pounds and 29 inches. The extended capacity means you can use this seat longer, delaying the need to transition to a convertible car seat.

For families looking to maximize the lifespan of their infant car seat, this added flexibility is a major advantage. It’s especially helpful for babies who grow taller before they reach the weight limit, as both height and weight are important factors in determining when to move to the next stage.

Great Fit Customization For Newborns

For newborns, the Joie Mint Latch provides an excellent fit because of its adjustable padding and thoughtful design. It includes a low birth weight insert that ensures even small or premature babies are secure in the seat. Additionally, the seat’s padding is soft yet supportive, making it comfortable for your child during longer trips.

Smart Features Great For Everyday

The seat also includes several smart features that enhance convenience and comfort. Its UPF 50+ canopy provides excellent protection from the sun and weather, with an extendable zipper section that allows full coverage when needed. This feature is perfect for shielding your baby during walks or when transferring them in and out of the car on sunny or rainy days.

The leatherette handle adds a touch of style while also being ergonomic and easy to grip, making carrying the seat less of a hassle. Another standout feature is the one-button recline adjustment, which lets you change the angle of the seat effortlessly without having to adjust each lower anchor connector individually. This streamlined design saves time and reduces frustration during installation.

Easy Installation

Finally, the user-friendly design makes this seat nearly foolproof, which is crucial given how often car seats are misused. The rigid lower anchor connectors click into place easily, ensuring a secure installation every time with minimal effort.

This simplicity reduces the likelihood of errors during setup, giving parents peace of mind that their child is properly secured. Additionally, the lack of a bulky base makes it easier to move between cars or install in tight spaces like third-row seating.

Is The Joie Mint Latch Compatible With Strollers?

Currently, the Joie Mint Latch is designed to work with exclusively Joie strollers using the included adapters.

This compatibility allows parents to switch effortlessly between driving and walking without disturbing their baby. Joie offers a variety of stroller options, including compact travel strollers, pramette designs, and models with mom-facing and outward-facing configurations. For example, the Joie Nutmeg stroller pairs perfectly with the Mint Latch and offers features like a lightweight frame, flat recline for newborns, and an adjustable handle for added convenience.

At this time, the Mint Latch has not been tested with strollers from other brands, so it’s recommended to stick with Joie’s lineup for guaranteed compatibility. However, Joie has announced plans to release more detailed compatibility findings in the coming months, which could expand its usability with other stroller brands. For now, if you’re considering this car seat, pairing it with a Joie stroller ensures a smooth and hassle-free experience.

Which Families Benefit From Baseless Car Seats The Most?

The Joie Mint Latch is perfect for families who value convenience and flexibility.

It’s especially useful for parents who frequently use third-row seating, as the lack of a bulky base makes accessing those tight spaces much easier. This seat is also great for caregivers who regularly switch cars with its quick and secure installation using built-in rigid lower anchor connectors.

Additionally, it’s a great choice for those seeking a safe, affordable option that doesn’t compromise on features that make everyday life easier for you and your newborn. Whether you’re juggling multiple kids or need a travel-friendly solution, the Joie Mint Latch simplifies your routine without sacrificing safety or quality.

The Joie Mint Latch Is One Of The Best Baseless Seats Out There!

The Joie Mint Latch is one of the best baseless car seats available right now, offering a combination of safety, convenience, and thoughtful design.

If you’re considering switching to a baseless car seat, this model is an excellent choice for its ease of use, extended weight and height limits, and innovative features like built-in rigid lower anchor connectors. It’s a game-changer for parents who frequently switch cars or need a space-saving solution for third-row seating.

To shop the Joie Mint Latch, click here.

Would you use a baseless car seat over the standard rear-facing car seat? Let me know in the comments! And to keep up with all the latest tips for families when it comes to safety on the road, check out my recent posts:

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