The Most Inexpensive Infant Car Seat Cheap
Many retailers realize that buying a car seat may be an expense for some families, and offer payment plans.
Experts suggest choosing seats with features such as machine-washable fabric (since babies make messes) and GreenGuard Gold certification. They also recommend focusing on features that will save you money in the future, like a rear-facing limit that can be expanded and belt routes that can be used without a base for Ubers and taxis.
1. Graco SnugRide 35 LX
The Graco SnugRide35 LX infant seat is designed to be affordable. It has a lightweight base and carrier that are easy to install, especially when using LATCH. The harness is easy to use and adjusts and the canopy provides good sun protection. It doesn't have a reclining feature but does have a level indicator on the base.
Graco is a well-known company that produces high-quality products and this rear-facing, only infant car seat is no different. It is constructed with robust materials and is subject to rigorous safety testing to make sure that it meets or exceeds the standards that are required. It is also backed by a generous warranty that provides peace of mind for the new parents.
In our car seat reviews we look for a number of different things in an infant seat to assess how it performs. We consider factors like safety, comfort and how easy it is to use on a daily basis. In addition, we test the seat to determine how it stands against wear and wear and tear. We test each car seat using a variety different methods that include comparisons of two seats along with crash testing and ergonomic tests. The Graco SnugRide is a great seat in all categories, but it falls short in a few areas, specifically when it comes to padding and fabric. The head padding on this seat isn't very soft and does not move with the shoulder straps as you adjust them. It's not a major issue, but it could be improved.
This seat is among the lightest available and weighs just 7.5 pounds. It is a great option for those who require a small seat. It can accommodate three across. It can be fitted without a base using either standard belt routing or European belt routing, which is a nice feature. The buckle has an oval button which is much easier to grasp than most other buckles with round buttons. It's also simple to tighten or loosen, even if you need to do so with a baby in your arms.
2. Evenflo LiteMax DLX
The LiteMax is a fantastic choice for parents looking for a seat to fit infants and preemies. It has a lower harness than other infant seats and is able to be used with rear-facing babies as small as 4 pounds. Evenflo designed this car seat with a variety of features that make it simple to use. It comes with a buckle tongue holder as well as an off-lock feature that prevents the buckle from obstructing your view when you are putting your baby into the seat or removing them from it. It has a base which can recline in a variety of positions.
The lower anchor connectors of the seat snap onto a bar under the rim of the base. They're easy to install and remove, however they're not as efficient as the LATCH anchors found in the majority of other seats. The user's manual for the seat tucks under the fabric on the side of the seat shell which could become a mess should your child get sick or spills something on it. We also don't like the way the latch straps are tucked into the bottom of the seat when they are not in use.
Despite its price, the LiteMax is well-made and comes with a hefty warranty. The customer service is top-notch. You can contact them via email, live chat or by phone. They are available 24 hours per day to answer your questions. Video chat is also accessible for those who require assistance with installing the car seat.
Parents love this car seat because it is so simple to install. It is simple to set up and has easy-to-read directions. It features a stay-in-car convenience base that is ideal for parents who have to pick up and drop off their children at school or at other places. It also has a canopy which shields children from harmful sun rays and weather conditions. It also conforms to all safety standards set by the federal government. It is also easy to maintain and cost-effective, making it an excellent option for parents who are just starting out. The warranty is valid for 10 years. This gives parents peace of mind that they will have the car seat for a long time.
3. Safety 1st Jive
The Safety 1st Jive 2-in-1 Convertible Car Seat ensures your child's safety from birth until they are ready for an upgrade. It can be converted seamlessly from an infant seat facing rear for children weighing 5-40lbs to an forward-facing toddler or young child car seat for kids who weigh 22-65 pounds. This durability makes it a perfect choice for families looking to save money but don't want to switch seats in between each stage.
Parents love the 5-point harness system which distributes the force across five contact points (shoulders and hips as well as between legs) to keep kids cradled in their seat. The Jive includes Side Impact Protection built-in and a harness that has five different height positions. This will allow your child to find the perfect size.
car seat for newborn is the best choice for many families, whether they're looking for a cheap infant car seat that can rear-face their baby until three or four years of age or a compact travel chair. It is compact when reclined and is able to be used with lower anchors or vehicle seat belts. The "inside-out trick" makes it easy to install. The lightweight construction is ideal for families who take advantage of ride-sharing or need to have an appropriate car seat for several children.
If you're concerned about airline security when traveling, the Jive is approved to be used on airplanes and its compact design makes it easier to handle in airports. Its fabric is machine washable and dryer safe, which means you can easily clean up any mess that occur along the way.
The Jive's harness slot is low, but it's still too high to fit most newborns. The harness will be two inches higher than their shoulders when they have a torso that is 7" or less. Convertible seats are notorious for this issue, so we recommend that you stay clear of them for your child who is newborn.
The Jive is also quite heavy when it is installed in the reclined position, but it can be easily used by using the inside-out method. Also tightening the belt from the bottom makes it easier to use. It's also relatively lightweight for a convertible seat and can be bungee-connected to the handle of your stroller using the help of a ratchet strap or cord that bungees.
4. Safety 1st Jive Booster
The Jive is one of the cheapest convertible car seats on the market. It is able to rear-face kids up to three years old and forward-face until around five and is extremely light. It also comes with two reclines for rear-facing, and you can attach it using lower anchors or the seatbelt (using the inside-out installation trick).
This seat provides a fantastic balance between affordability and long-lasting. It's not recommended for infants because of its high height, but it can last until most kids are ready for a booster. It's also a good choice for families who travel frequently by taxis, ride-sharing services or airplanes. With a weight of less than 10 pounds, it's one of the lightest booster seats you can find. It can be bungee-attached to the handle of a stroller or secured using a strap for a car seatbelt or ratchet.
There are a few issues with this however. The lowest harness slot measures 9" high and is higher than the height of torsos of many newborns. The headrest isn't as impressive as our top choices. It's flat and wide with a placeholder-like feel that resembles a travel pillow instead of a real headrest for a car seat.
Apart from that it's also a great choice for kids. Jive is a breeze to use and has excellent crash test results. It's also a great choice for kids who aren't yet ready to sit in a high-back booster seat as it will fit them until they're 40 pounds and 59 inches tall.
It's also a great choice for older kids who are growing out of an infant car seat as it can be converted to a forward-facing harness booster, a backless booster and finally a belt-positioning booster. The booster mode is particularly comfortable for children due to the padded armrests and cup holder. It's also a good option because it has the same weight and height limit than the Safety 1st Grow and Go, making it more realistic for most kids.