I stumbled on the Wayb Pico a while ago while doing research but wasn’t sure I could justify the cost. For our big trip to Europe, though, I thought it might be worth it. We talked about what to do for car seats on our grand adventure, and I felt so torn. Did we need to bring travel car seats? What would our toddler ride in? How would we handle rental cars, taxis, etc for our 2 year old? Could we trust car seats provided by the car rental companies? Read on to hear what I think about the Wayb Pico travel car seat after using it for 3 weeks across Europe! (Spoiler: We loved it. Read on for why!)
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Why the Wayb Pico car seat is popular for travel with kids
Let’s state the obvious here: The Wayb Pico is popular for travel with kids because of its portability, lightweight design, and safety. Parents love that it’s easy to use and meets crash tests for safety.
Lightweight and foldable design
- Weighs just 8 lb
- Folds down to ~11.6 × 14.5 × 18.9 in (easily fits in its carry backpack to fit in the overhead bin on airplanes)
- Minimal padding
- Slim width (14.5″ wide)
FAA approval for airplanes
The FAA approved the Wayb Pico car seat for use on airplanes. It meets safety standards for both the FAA and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). (If a flight attendant in the US isn’t sure about the seat, you can show them the sticker on the bottom that says it is certified for use on airplanes or in motor vehicles.)
We flew internationally with the Wayb Pico so we were not sure if we would be able to use it on every plane. We took the Wayb Pico car seat on British Airways, Air Corsica, and Air France. The only plane that did not allow it was Air Corsica. They told us that our 2 year old needed to be in a regular seat with just the lap belt for takeoff and landing but we could use the travel car seat in the air, so that’s what we did.
Age and size limits
- Not suitable for children under age 2
- Forward-facing only
My Honest Wayb Pico Car Seat Review
First impressions
At first I was a little intimidated by the way it folds. I was worried that it would take me a long time to figure out how to fold it with the straps in the right place. I should not have been worried though. This seat works so well when you’re traveling!
Installing the Wayb Pico in different vehicles
We mainly brought the Wayb Pico car seat to use in taxis and rental cars. We originally rented a car WITH car seats, but then I wasn’t sure of the safety of those seats. (You aren’t supposed to use a car seat if it has been in an accident, for safety reasons.)
We borrowed the Wayb Pico from a friend, and I’m so glad we did! It was an absolute workhorse on our European vacation. From taxis to our rental car, our 2 year old was comfortable and safe.
Whenever possible we put her in a backward-facing seat (many taxis in Europe have seats facing each other which made this possible). The Wayb Pico is easy to install because of the latch system, so in 2 clicks you have it on the seat. And the buckles aren’t harder to use than any car seat buckle with a 5-point harness. Folding it was simple to put it away when we got out of the taxis, too. And when we had our rental car for a week in Corsica, we left the seat in the car that week so we weren’t taking it in and out of the car.
Using the car seat on an airplane
We had a pretty easy time using the Wayb Pico seat on airplanes. The only plane that did not allow it was Air Corsica. They told us that our 2 year old needed to be in a regular seat with just the lap belt for takeoff and landing but we could use the travel car seat in the air, so that’s what we did. Otherwise, the Wayb Pico fits really easily into its travel backpack and in the overhead compartment of the airplane. We found it to be much better for our toddler to use a travel car seat in the air because then she wasn’t wiggling around. She’s used to being in a car seat for a length of time, but she wasn’t a fan of just the lap belt holding her down on the plane.
Pros and Cons of the Wayb Pico
Pros
- Ultra‑portable & ultra‑lightweight
Weighs just 8 lb and folds down to ~11.6 × 14.5 × 18.9 in, fitting in overhead bins or the included travel bag—ideal for flights, taxis, rental cars - FAA-approved & meets US crash standards
Certified by both NHTSA and the FAA for airplane use. Includes a visible “airplane-safe” label. - Strong build with sustainable materials
Combines aerospace-grade aluminum with breathable wool-polyester mesh—no bulky foam, making it eco-friendlier - Fits three across
With a slim 14.5″ width, it’s designed to fit three seats side-by-side in many car backseats - Easy install
Parents report swift setup via LATCH or seatbelt, including in foreign taxis (some units ship with a lockoff clamp if needed) - Well-liked by traveling families
One user found it “easy to set up” and reliable through turbulence
Cons
- No rear-facing option
Only forward-facing for ages 2+; not suitable for toddlers under ~2 or for rearward preference - Not great for naps or long drives
With minimal padding and no recline, kids’ heads tend to flop forward during sleep - Harness limitations
Fixed harness height and short crotch strap may not fit all children comfortably, particularly near the upper limits - High price
Retailing around $390–450 USD (≈ €360–420); expensive for a travel-specific seat - Delayed stock production dates
Some buyers report receiving units a year old despite paying full price, shortening the usable lifespan
Who is the Wayb Pico best for? & Alternatives
- Best for: families who fly or use frequent rideshares and want a lightweight, compact seat.
- Drawback: not ideal for long car rides or children who need to nap comfortably. Our 2 year old did fall asleep in the Wayb Pico a few times, but it was not as comfortable as her everyday car seat.
- Alternative option: the Cosco Scenera Next – less portable but offers more recline, padding, and a rear-facing option—also much cheaper! I have a full review post about the Cosco Scenera Next if you’re interested in reading that.
Final Thoughts
If your priority is travel convenience—planes, ride‑shares, taxis—the WayB Pico is a smart choice thanks to its portability, safety certifications, and build quality. But if your child needs comfort for naps, or you want a budget-friendly all-rounder, a more traditional lightweight seat (like Cosco) may serve better.
Let me know if you’d like help comparing the Cosco or exploring additional options!
If you’re traveling soon, you might also be interested in knowing about my favorite travel stroller with a one-hand fold.
Installing the Wayb Pico in a car
Like I said above, installing the Wayb Pico is simple. If the car has a latch system, you click in two buckles for that, put the child on the seat and strap them in. When you’re at your destination, you just unhook the seat from the latch system, undo the small seat connector, and fold it up.
Do you need the Wayb Pico backpack?
The short answer is no, you don’t need it, but it makes life a lot easier. The car seat fits perfectly into the backpack. We added in our travel seatbelt positioner and travel booster seat for our two older kids, and everything fit very well into the one bag together!
If you’re looking for the best travel stroller, I have a review published for my favorite stroller with a one-hand fold!
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