The Most Inexpensive Infant Car Seat Cheap
Many retailers offer payment plans as they understand that buying a car seat could be an expense for some families.
Experts suggest looking for seats that feature features like machine-washable fabrics (since babies are messy) and GreenGuard Gold certification. They also recommend looking for features that can help you save down the road, such as the rear-facing weight limit that can extend, as well as belt paths that allow to be used without the need for a base when using Ubers and taxis.
1. Graco SnugRide 35 LX
The Graco SnugRide 35 LX infant seat is designed to be affordable. It features a lightweight carrier and base that is easy to set up correctly and is especially compatible with LATCH. The harness is easy to use and adjust and the canopy offers excellent protection from the sun. It doesn't come with a reclining feature, but it does have a level indicator on the base.
Graco is a brand known for its top-quality products. This rear-facing infant car seat is an exception. It is constructed from solid materials and has been subjected to rigorous safety tests in order to meet or surpass the standard requirements. It also comes with a generous warranty that provides peace of mind for new parents.
In our car seat tests, we test a variety aspects to determine how an infant seat performs. We look at factors like safety, comfort and how easy it is to use. We also test the seat for wear and wear and tear. We use a variety of different methods to test each car seat, including side-by-side comparisons, testing for crash, and ergonomic testing. The Graco SnugRide has a good seat for most categories However, it isn't as good when it comes down to padding and fabric. The head padding on this seat isn't very soft and doesn't move with the shoulder straps when adjusting the straps. It isn't a huge deal but it could be improved.
This seat is one of the tiniest on the market and weighs only 7.5 pounds. This is an excellent choice for those who require a small seat. It can accommodate three across. It can be installed baseless with either American/standard belt routing or European belt routing which is a nice feature. The buckle has an oval-shaped middle button that's more nimble than the round buttons on many other seats. It's also simple to tighten or loosen even with a child in the seat.
2. Evenflo LiteMax DLX
The LiteMax is a fantastic choice for parents who are looking for a seat that can accommodate infants and preemies. It is lower in height than most infant seats and can be used rear-facing for infants as small as 4 pounds. Evenflo designed this car seat to be simple to use and comes with a variety of features. It comes with a buckle tongue holder as well as an off-lock feature that keeps the buckle from obstructing your view when you are putting your baby into the seat or removing them from it. It also features a base that is able to recline to a variety of positions.
The lower anchor connectors on the seat are secured to a bar underneath the base rim. They're easy to put in and take off, but they're not as efficient as the LATCH anchors found in most other seats. The manual for the user of the seat is tucked under the fabric that runs along the side of the seat shell, which could become a mess if your child gets sick or spills something on it. We are also not a fan of the way the straps for latching tuck into the bottom of the seat when they are not when it is not in use.
Despite its price, the LiteMax is well-made and comes with a hefty warranty. The customer service is exceptional. You can reach them via live chat, email or by phone. The customer service representatives are available 24 hours a day to answer your questions. They also offer video chat services for those who require assistance installing the car seat.
This car seat is simple to install which is why parents are so happy with it. It's easy to put in place and the instructions are clear. It comes with a stay-in-car convenience base that is ideal for parents who must pick up and drop off their children from school or other activities. It also comes with a canopy that protects your child from damaging weather conditions and sunrays. It also conforms to the safety standards of 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 covers the seat for a period of 10 years. This gives parents the security of knowing they can use their car seat for many years.
3. Safety 1st Jive
The Safety 1st Jive 2-in-1 Convertible Car Seat keeps your kiddo safe from birth until they're ready for an upgrade. It can be converted seamlessly from a rear facing infant seat for children weighing 5-40 pounds to forward-facing toddler or young child car seat for children weighing between 22 and 65 pounds. This longevity makes it an ideal choice for families who want to save money, but don't want to swap seats at every stage.
Parents appreciate the 5-point harness that distributes forces over five contact points (shoulders hips and between legs) to keep kids secure in their seats. The Jive also features built-in Side Impact Protection and a height adjuster for the harness with five different positions to help your child get the perfect fit.
The Jive is the ideal choice for a lot of families, whether they're looking for a budget infant car seat that will rear-face their child until three or four years of age or a light travel chair. It's compact when reclined and can be used with lower anchors or the seat belt, employing the "inside-out" trick for the most simple installation. The lightweight design makes it suitable for families who take advantage of ride-sharing or need to have a car seat that is suitable for multiple children.
If you're worried about airline security when traveling and are worried about security, the Jive is approved to be used on planes and its compact design makes it easier to manage in airports. The fabric is machine washable and dryer safe, meaning you can quickly clean up any spills that happen along the way.
The Jive's harness slot is low however it's too high to fit most newborns. Most have torsos that are 7" or less, and the lowest harness slot will place the harness 2+ inches above their shoulders, which isn't a great fit. Convertible seats are known for this and we suggest that you stay clear of these models if your child is a newborn.
cheap infant car seats is also quite heavy when it is installed in the higher recline position, however it can be used with the inside-out method. Also tightening the seatbelt from the bottom will make it much easier to use. It's also fairly light for a convertible seat and can be bungee-connected to the handle of your stroller using a ratchet strap or a cord that bungees.
4. Safety 1st Jive Booster
The Jive is among the cheapest convertible car seats on the market. It can rear-face most kids to three years old and forward-face up to five years old and is extremely light. It also comes with two reclines that can be used for rear-facing, and you can put it in place using lower anchors or a vehicle seat belt (using the inside-out method of installation).
This seat is a great combination of low-cost and long-lasting use. It's not recommended for newborns because of its high harness height, but it will last until the majority of children are ready for a booster. It's also a good option for families who travel frequently via ride-sharing services, taxis or airplanes. It's one of the tiniest boosters you can buy and weighs only 10 pounds. It can be bungee affixed to the handle of a stroller or connected to the strap of a car seatbelt, or the ratchet.
There are some issues with this However. The smallest harness slot measures 9" high and is higher than the average height of torsos for babies at birth. The headrest isn't as impressive as our top picks. It's wide and flat, with a placeholder feel which resembles the shape of a travel pillow rather than an actual headrest for a car seat.
The Jive is also simple to use and has a good crash test rating. It's a great choice for children who aren't yet at the height and weight requirements to use a high-back booster.
It's also a great option for older kids who are moving out of the infant car seat as it transitions to a forward-facing harness booster as well as a backless booster, and finally an adjustable belt booster. The booster mode is particularly comfy for kids due to the padded armrests and cup holders. It's also a great option because it has a lower weight and height limit than Safety 1st Grow and Go that makes it more realistic for many children.