Cheap Infant Car Seats
Car seat experts suggest looking for safety features like a load leg that braces the base, side impact protection, and the ability to use the seat without having a base (which is great if you're taking taxis). Also, consider the recline options.
Premium features like adjustable harnesses with no rethreads and easy-to-clean materials could also be worth the extra cost, Dilts says.
1. Evenflo LiteMax 35
Evenflo LiteMax 35 infant car seat is a great choice for parents who are in a hurry. It is designed for infants with a weight range of 4 to 35 lbs. It is lightweight and easy to carry. It still has the most recent safety standards and features.
Parents are impressed by the design's lightweight and easy to use. They also appreciate that they can put the seat in with or without the base, which makes it a viable option for many preemie babies. It's also a good choice for families on a budget. The LiteMax is a rear-facing car seat with premium features, like soft harness pads as well as an extended canopy. The seat is also easy to clean, as it has a smooth shell as well as several nooks and crevices where gunk could be hidden.
While the majority of people are happy with the LiteMax, a few are concerned about its durability and longevity. The plastic construction feels flimsy, and it might not give the same sense of security as a stronger car seat in high-impact scenarios. If safety and durability are important to you, it might be worthwhile to consider higher-end alternatives.
This cheap infant car seat includes an infant insert that is removable, which helps to keep baby cozy throughout the first few months. While some parents find it a useful feature however, some find the insert too heavy and occupies too much space in the car. The user manual is tucked under the fabric on the inside of the seat shell which isn't easy to reach in the event of a spill.
The LiteMax is a great car seat for a reasonable price, however it does not come with a handle. It is crucial to buy an appropriate stroller for the car, like Mountain Buggy Nano. On the site of the manufacturer you can find compatibility lists for this car seat and other strollers. You can also request an experienced technician to carry out an assessment of fit.
2. Safety 1st Onboard 35
The Safety 1st OnBoard is a excellent, low-cost infant car seat for parents looking to avoid the headaches associated with high-priced models. It offers a wide range of inserts that help fit babies and infants of all sizes and four height positions for harnesses and a base that adjusts for different vehicle seat heights.
The OnBoard scored three stars out of five in our crash tests, a good score for a low-cost model. It also scored highly in our ease-of-use tests which test the difficultness of installing and using the seat. The OnBoard buckle system is user-friendly and the user manual includes clear instructions that make it easy to adjust. It also comes with a tether strap that is easy to use and flows through the belt path. This makes it easier to attach to vehicles without lower LATCH anchors.
The OnBoard is a great value for families, however it has some drawbacks. It doesn't come with an indicator, like many rear-facing only seats, which lets you know if the angle is correct. It is also difficult to install if you have no base. The OnBoard's reclining indicator that is on its carrier and not on the base, can also be frustrating for infants weighing less than 35 pounds. Pushchairs & Prams isn't easy to get the bubble indicators to fall in the correct direction at the same time.
On the plus side it is one of the lightest options for rear-facing seats. It weighs just 7.9 pounds. It also has a hefty 8 year life span and can be used rear facing up to the point that the child is 32 inches tall or 35 pounds. It also comes with a handy one-handed release handle that is machine washable and dryer safe.
The OnBoard can be connected to strollers via Safety 1st's QuickClick mechanism, so you can use it as a travel system if you need to travel. It can also be connected to strollers with traditional LATCH connections.
3. Century Carry On 35
The Century Carry On 35 Infant Car Seat provides security and comfort, along with thoughtful features that prioritize the well-being of your baby. Its user-friendly design makes it easy to set up and secure with the included canopy that protects your baby from the elements. The infant insert included helps to ensure a snug fit.
The seat has a level indicator that ensures the correct installation rear-facing. This feature removes the guesswork and minimizes the risk of incorrect positioning, ensuring optimal safety for your child. The indicator is clear and straightforward and makes it easy for parents to see when the seat is correctly installed.
In contrast to some of its competitors unlike other models, the Century Carry On 35 Infant Car Seat comes with different harness positions and adjustable slots, making it easy to adjust the seat to fit your baby. It also comes with a harness release lever and buckle adjuster, which adds ease of use. The carrier includes harness covers for extra security and comfort.
A LATCH system is a further important factor to consider. The Carry On 35 has a standard LATCH system, which is easy for you to install by using the lower anchors of your car. Some families prefer seats with more user-friendly locking mechanisms, such as the Chicco KeyFit Infant Car Seat. It has a SuperCinch middle pull strap, and more reliable test results.
The base and the carrier of this Century Carry On 35 Infant Car Seat is lightweight which makes it easy to take your child on a trip. It's also FAA-approved for airplane use, which means it can be installed on planes.
In addition it can be used with all strollers with an integrated connector. This feature is helpful for parents who often switch vehicles and wish to save time when traveling.
The Century Carry On 35 Infant Car Seat comes with an infant insert padded that promotes a snug and comfortable baby-friendly fit. This feature enhances the comfort of your infant while traveling and allows them to sleep in a comfortable position during rides. The insert is washable in a matter of minutes, making it simple to maintain and keep clean. It can be combined with the optional head pad to provide the best lateral support to your baby.
4. Nuna Pipa Urbn
The Nuna Pipa Urbn is an original infant car seat that's extremely safe, yet it doesn't sacrifice convenience. Consumer Reports, a world-renowned independent safety firm, was the one to in the design of the. It has a top crash protection rating thanks to Aeroflex, a flexible EPP foam that compresses and diffuses impact energy in the event of an accident. It has side impact protection to ensure the safety of your infant.
It installs into the vehicle without a base and features the steel-reinforced pipaFIX rigid latches that are built into the seat itself and allows parents to secure it in seconds with helpful indicators that ensure the successful installation. It can also be installed with a regular vehicle seatbelt using the European-style method of installation.
In addition to its quick and simple installation, the Pipa Urbn is also extremely light. It weighs only 7 pounds, which makes it easy to take in and out of your car, as well as on a stroller. It also connects effortlessly and seamlessly with the sleek Nuna MIXX Next Stroller to create an ideal travel system perfect for your everyday adventures.
Another bonus of the Pipa Urbn is that it's compatible with many different vehicles, which means you don't need to buy a new car seat if you decide to change vehicles. It can be used in conjunction with the Nuna TRVL or TRIV Next stroller.
The Nuna Pipa URBN was designed for comfort and ease of use. It has a comfortable shoulder and lower buckle covers. It also comes with a full-coverage UPF 50+ canopy that protects your little one from harmful sunrays. It also has a flip-out sunshade and a large window for peek-a-boo and the famous Dream drape that is silently attached to the back of the seat to allow for uninterrupted napping.
The most appealing thing about the Pipa Urbn is that it can be used in any vehicle, including those without ISOFIX or LATCH connectors. Simply pull the pipaFIX rigid latches forward from under the seat, find the latches in your car, line them up, and click to join them. When you're ready to remove them, you can do it using just one hand.