Cheap Infant Car Seats
Car seat experts recommend 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 ideal if you're taking taxis). Also consider recline options.
Dilts suggests that premium features such as adjustable harnesses with no rethread or easy-to-clean fabrics could be worth it.
1. Evenflo LiteMax 35
Evenflo LiteMax 35 infant car seat is a fantastic choice for parents who are on the go. It was designed for infants weighing between 4 and 35 pounds. It is light and easy to carry. However, it is still equipped with the most current safety standards and features.
Parents love the design's lightweight and easy to use. They also love that they can put the seat in with or without the base, which makes it a viable option for a lot of babies who are preemies. It is also a good option for families with a budget. The LiteMax is a safe affordable rear facing car seat that comes with premium features like soft harness pads and an extended canopy. The seat is easy to clean since it has a smooth exterior shell with small crannies and nooks which could conceal gunk.
Although the majority of users love the LiteMax, some are worried about its durability and longevity. The plastic construction is flimsy, and it might not give the same sense of security as a more robust car seat in a high-impact situation. If durability and safety are important to you, it might be worthwhile to consider higher-end options.
The car seat for infants is cheap and has an infant insert that can be removed which helps keep baby snug in the beginning of his or her life. While some parents find it useful, others consider the insert too heavy and takes up too much space in the car. Additionally, the user's manual folds down on the inside of the seat shell which isn't easy to access when a mess occurs.
While the LiteMax is a great value car seat, it does not have a built-in handle for carrying. Therefore, it is important to purchase an appropriate stroller for the car seat, such as the Mountain Buggy Nano. On the website of the manufacturer you can look up compatibility lists for this car seat as well as other strollers. You can also request an experienced technician to carry out a fit assessment.
2. Safety 1st Onboard 35
The Safety 1st OnBoard is a fantastic, affordable infant car seat for parents who wish to avoid the headaches associated with high-priced models. It comes with a variety of inserts to accommodate babies and infants of all sizes with four height positions for harnesses, and a base that adjusts to different heights of car seats.
The OnBoard scored three out of five stars in our crash tests, a decent score for a budget model. It also earned a good score in our user-friendliness tests, which assesses the difficultness of installing and using the seat. The OnBoard buckle system is particularly user-friendly, and the manual has clear instructions which make it much easier to adjust. It also comes with an easy-to-use tether anchor strap that routes through the belt path, making it simpler to attach to vehicles that do not have lower LATCH anchors.
The OnBoard is a budget-friendly option for families, but it does have some issues. It does not come with an indicator on the base like the majority of rear-facing only seats that let you know when the angle is correct and it's difficult to install without a base. The OnBoard's recline indicator, that is on the carrier, not on its base, can be frustrating for infants weighing less than 35 pounds. It can be a challenge to get the bubble indicators to fall in the right zone simultaneously.
On the positive side it is one of the lightest rear-facing seats. It weighs just 7.9 pounds. It also has an 8-year duration and can be used rear facing up to the point that the child is 32 inches tall or 35 pounds. It also has a convenient one-handed release handle that is machine washable and dryer safe.
OnBoard can be easily attached to strollers by using Safety 1st QuickClick. This lets you use it as a travel solution when you're out and out and about. It also easily attaches to strollers that have traditional LATCH connections.
3. Century Carry on 35
The Century Carry On 35 Infant Car Seat provides safety and convenience with thoughtful features that focus on your baby's wellbeing. Its user-friendly design makes it easy to set up and secure with the included canopy that offers protection from the elements. The infant insert included helps to ensure a perfect fit.
The seat comes with an indicator for level that guarantees that the seat is properly installed rear-facing. This feature removes the guesswork and minimizes the risk of improper positioning, ensuring maximum safety for your child. The indicator is clear and simple, making it easy for parents to see when the seat is properly installed.
Contrary to other brands unlike other models, unlike other car seats, the Century Carry On 35 Infant Car Seat comes with various harness positions and adjustable slots, making it simple to adjust the seat to fit your baby. The lever for harness release and buckle adjustment are a bonus feature. The harness comes with covers for added security and comfort.
A LATCH system is a further important aspect 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 vehicle. However certain families prefer seats with more user-friendly locking systems, such as the Chicco KeyFit 35 Infant Car Seat, which has a SuperCinch center pull strap as well as better crash test results.
Both the base and carrier of the Century Carry On 35 Infant Car Seat are lightweight which makes it easy to travel with your little one. It's also FAA-approved for aircraft use, which means it can be installed on the plane.
Additionally it can be used with any stroller that accept a snap-in connector. This feature is helpful for parents who often switch vehicles and want to save time while traveling.
The Century Carry On 35 Infant Car Seat has a padded infant insert that provides a comfortable and cozy fit for newborns. This feature enhances the comfort of your infant on their travels and allows them to sleep comfortably during rides. The insert is washable, making it easy to clean and maintain. It can be combined with the head pad that is available to provide the best lateral support to your infant.
4. Nuna Pipa Urbn
The Nuna Pipa Urbn infant car seat is unique and incredibly safe, without compromising on the comfort. Consumer Reports, a world-renowned independent safety company, helped design it. It has the highest crash protection rating due to Aeroflex, an EPP foam that is flexible and reduces and disperses energy in the event of collision. It comes with side impact protection to ensure the safety of your infant.
The pipaFIX latches are integrated into the car seat and can be fitted without any base. Parents can secure the car seat in seconds by using useful indicators that show the success of the installation. It can also be installed using a standard seat belt using the European-style method of installation.
In addition to its speedy and easy installation it is also easy to install. Pipa Urbn is also incredibly light. It weighs just 7 pounds, making it easy to carry in and out of your car, as well as on the stroller. It is also compatible with the sleek Nuna MIXX Next stroller to create a complete travel system for all your daily adventures.
The Pipa Urbn also comes with the advantage of being compatible with a wide variety of vehicles. This means you won't need to buy a brand new seat if you change cars. It can be used in conjunction with the Nuna TRVL, TRIV Next, or MIXX Next stroller, and it's also part of a travel set-up with the Doona+.
Unlike other cheap infant car seats that are heavy and difficult to move, the Nuna Pipa Urbn has been designed to be comfortable and easy-to-use, with comfy lower and shoulder buckles. It is equipped with a UPF50+ canopy to protect your child from harmful sun rays. It comes with a flip-out eye shade and a large window for peekaboo and the famous Dream drape which silently attaches to the back of the seat, allowing uninterrupted naps.
best car seat for newborn Push Chairs & Prams can be used with any vehicle, even if it doesn't have ISOFIX or LATCH connector. PipaFIX rigid locks are placed towards the rear of the car from where you sit. Then, locate the latches in your vehicle, align them, and click to secure. Then, take them off with a single hand when you're ready to transfer your child to a different vehicle.