Video: 3 Things to Know About the Joie Mint Latch Baseless Infant Car Seat

For parents gearing up for life with a newborn, convenience is a constant (and helpful) theme. Whether that means stocking up on frozen meals for the postpartum period or shopping for gear that helps streamline your day, it’s not a bad strategy to consider how to keep your day-to-day life with an infant as simple as possible—which is exactly where the Joie Mint Latch Baseless Infant Car Seat comes in. This under-$250 infant car seat securely installs in seconds and can be removed and safely installed into different cars or rideshares just as quickly.

In the video above, watch Ashley, a new mom, demonstrate both (!) of the simple ways to install the Mint Latch, and below, learn more about this infant car seat’s features before adding it to your Babylist registry. 

Why you may want a baseless infant car seat

Most infant car seats come with a base that you install in your car once, and then you can easily click the car seat in and out of it. Baseless infant car seats are an alternative to infant car seats that have a base, and they offer the same secure ride while giving you more options to transport baby.

Since you don’t need to install a separate base in your vehicle, you can efficiently move the Mint Latch from one car to the next using one of two install methods (more on those below). This convenience factor can be extra useful when you need to use the seat in another caregiver’s car, or if you and your baby are traveling via rideshare. 

If you're wondering if a baseless car seat is less safe, know this: Bases aren’t required for all car seats, but all car seats sold in the US must comply with the latest safety standards. This one is no different. The Mint Latch meets the newest safety standards to protect your baby from frontal and side impact crashes, and is designed with a five-point harness that restrains your baby at their hips and shoulders.

Joie Mint Latch Baseless Infant Car Seat - Mocha

$249.99

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What makes the Joie Mint Latch Baseless Infant Car Seat stand out

Here's what to know about the Joie Mint Latch:

• Easy to install in different cars: The baseless design of the Mint Latch infant car seat clicks in and out of cars using either the integrated lower anchor connectors (see them at the 1:13 mark) or your car’s seat belt (2:03). Both of these methods are faster than having to uninstall and reinstall a separate base—and they also save you from having to buy a second base in order to easily use the seat in different cars. 

• Approved for use on airplanes: Another pro for going with the baseless Mint Latch? It’s significantly easier to travel with. This infant car seat  is certified for use on airplanes by the Federal Aviation Administration, giving you the option to bring  the carrier onboard and buckle your baby into their own seat. To install, you’ll use the aircraft’s lap belt with the Mint Latch’s belt path, then fasten your baby in with the infant car seat’s five-point harness to prepare for takeoff.

• Conveniences for caregiver comfort: Weighing just 9.3 pounds, including the canopy, inserts, and fabrics, the Mint Latch is a lightweight option designed with an ergonomic handle (4:05) for easier carrying. It is also compatible with most Joie strollers so you can easily attach the seat for a complete travel system and is available in a range of colors, including the luxe Babylist-exclusive Mocha shade and a brand new neutral shade called dove. (3:24).

• Included accessories: The Mint Latch comes with a UPF 50+ water repellent canopy (3:00) that helps protect your baby from the elements. There’s also an adjustable insert (3:37) to help give babies as small as 4 pounds their most comfortable fit. Plus, the car seat cover and inserts are machine washable for when things get messy.

What to know about installing the Joie Mint Latch Baseless Infant Car Seat

With its baseless design, the Mint Latch infant car seat provides two options to install your rear-facing infant seat into your vehicle safely:

• LATCH installation: The integrated rigid lower anchor attachments let you install your car seat in your vehicle without using your car’s seat belt or a base. For an even quicker installation, especially in older vehicles, this car seat comes with nifty LATCH guides that will save you from digging between your backseat (that’s where your car’s lower anchor points are) every time you travel with your infant. Plus, the integrated rigid lower anchor attachments offer 3 different positions so the car seat can sit in a level position on a variety of back seats. See how that works at the 1:13 mark.

• Seat belt installation: This method uses (you guessed it!) the seat belts in your back seat to install the car seat. The Mint Latch is designed with two belt guides, which you’ll thread the seat belt through before tightening the belt and locking it into place. Get a visual reference of that at 2:03 in the video above. 

Who we recommend the Joie Mint Latch Baseless Infant Car Seat for

On-the-go parents and families with multiple caregivers, this one was designed with you in mind. With its quick and convenient install options, you’ll be able to safely swap the Mint Latch in and out of different vehicles for carpool, daycare pickup, babysitter duties or afternoons with grandma. The baseless design makes it a great choice for city dwellers or folks who regularly use rideshare services. And since it’s FAA-certified for aircraft use and compatible with Joie strollers (like their compact, travel-friendly nutmeg stroller) this baseless infant car seat is a solid pick for traveling on a plane—or just around the block. 

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