The Most Inexpensive
Infant Car Seat CheapMany retailers recognize that purchasing a car seat can be an expense for certain families and offer payment plans.
Experts recommend that you look for seats with features such as machine-washable fabrics (since babies are messy) and GREENGUARD Gold Certification. They also suggest focusing on things that will help you save down the road, like the rear-facing weight limiter that can extend and a belt path that allows for use 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 comes with a light carrier and base that is easy to put together, especially with LATCH. The harness is easy to use and adjusts and the canopy offers adequate sun protection. It does not have a reclining function but it does have a leveling indicator at the base.
Graco is a name that is known for its high-quality products. This rear-facing infant car seat is an exception. This seat is built with sturdy materials and undergoes rigorous safety testing to make sure that it meets or exceeds the standards that are required. It is backed by a generous guarantee to provide parents with peace of.
In our reviews of car seats we look for a number of different things in an infant seat to see how well it performs. We consider things like comfort, safety and how easy it is to use on a regular basis. We also test the seat for wear and tear. We use a variety of different methods to test each seat such as side-by-side comparisons, tests of crash and ergonomic tests. The Graco SnugRide is a good seat in all categories, however it isn't as good in certain areas, particularly in terms of padding and fabric. The padding for the head isn't very comfortable and doesn't move along with the shoulder straps. It's not a major issue however it could be improved.
This seat is among the tiniest available, weighing only 7.5 pounds. It's an excellent choice for those looking for a compact seat that will fit 3 across. It can be installed with either standard or American European belt routing, which is a nice alternative. The buckle has an oval-shaped center button that's more nimble than the round buttons on many other seats. It's also easy to tighten or loosen, even if you need to do it with a baby in your arms.
2. Evenflo LiteMax DLX
The LiteMax is a good option for parents looking for an infant seat that is suitable for small newborns and preemies. It has a lower height for the harness than many infant seats and can be used rear-facing for infants as small as 4 pounds. Evenflo created this car seat with a variety of features that make it easy to use. For instance, it has buckle tongue holders and an automatic lock-off feature that keeps the buckle out of the way while you put your baby in and take them out. It has a base which reclines in multiple positions.
The lower anchor connectors of the seat snap onto the bar that is beneath the rim of the base. They're easy to install and take off, but they're not as convenient as the LATCH anchors that are found in the majority of other seats. The manual for the user of the seat is tucked under the fabric on the side of the seat shell which can be messy should your child get sick or spills something in it. We are also not a fan of the way the latch straps are tucked into the bottom of the seat when they are not in use.
Despite its low price, the LiteMax is well-made and comes with a hefty warranty. The customer service is top-notch. It is accessible via email, phone, or live chat. staff members are available 24 hours a day to answer your questions. Video chat is also accessible for those who require assistance in installing the car seat.
This car seat is simple to install, which is why parents love it. It is easy to install and the directions are clear. It has a stay in-car convenience base that is perfect for parents who have to pick up and drop off their children from school or at other places. It also comes with a canopy that protects your child from damaging weather conditions and sunrays. It also is compliant with all safety standards set by the federal government. It is also affordable and easy to maintain which makes it an ideal choice for new parents. The warranty extends the warranty for a period of 10 years. This gives parents peace of mind that they will have their
car seat inserts for newborns seat for a long time.
3. Safety 1st Jive
Safety 1st Jive Convertible 2-in-1 Car Seat ensures your child's safety from birth until the time they are ready to use a booster. It easily transforms from a rear-facing
infant carrier seat seat for children who weigh 5-40 pounds and an forward-facing toddler or young child seat for children with a weight range of 22-65 pounds. This makes it an excellent choice for families who want to save money but do not need to switch seats between stages.
Parents love the 5-point system harness that distributes force across five contact points (shoulders hips and between legs) to keep kids secure in their seats. The Jive also has built-in Side Impact Protection as well as a harness height adjuster with five different positions to help your child find a the perfect fit.
If you're in search of an
infant car seat cheap that can rear-face your baby until they're three or four years old, or you require a light travel seat such as the Jive is a great option for a lot of families. It is compact when reclined and can be used with lower anchors and seat belts. The "inside-out trick" makes it easy to set up. The lightweight design is convenient for families who often use ride-sharing services or need a car seat for multiple kids.
The Jive is approved for use on airplanes and its compact size makes it easy to transport in airports. The fabric is machine washable and dryer-safe, so you can easily clean up any spills during your travels.
While the Jive has a low harness slot, it's still too high for newborns. The harness will be 2+ inches higher than their shoulders in the case of a torso of 7" or less. This is a problem that occurs frequently with convertible seats, and we recommend not using them for infants.
The Jive is a little bulky when installed with the recline line that is higher, however it's quite easy to install using the inside-out trick, and by tightening from the bottom of the seat belt route. It is also relatively light for a convertible chair, and can be bungee attached to the handle of your stroller using a ratchet cord or bungee strap.
4. Safety 1st Jive Booster
The Jive is one of the most inexpensive convertible car seats on the market. It is light and can be used to rear-face kids up to age three and forward-face them until around five years old. It has two reclines to allow rear-facing and can be installed with lower anchors, or the vehicle seatbelt.
This seat is a wonderful combination of affordability and long-lasting use. It's not recommended for newborns because of its high harness height, but it will last until kids are ready to be the next stage of their lives: a booster. It's an excellent choice for families that travel frequently via taxi, ride-sharing service or plane. It's one of the lightest boosters available and weighs only 10 pounds. It can be bungee affixed to the handle of a stroller or strapped using a car seatbelt strap or ratchet.
There are some issues with this however. The smallest harness slot is 9" high which is more than the average height of torsos for babies at birth. And the headrest isn't as impressive as our top picks. It's wide and flat with a placeholder look that resembles an actual car seat cushion than a headrest.
The Jive is also simple to use, and has a good crash test rating. It's also a great choice for children who aren't ready to sit in the high-back seat of a booster, because it can be used until they're over 40 pounds and 59 inches tall.
It's a great choice for older children who have outgrown their infant car seat. It can be transformed into a forward-facing harness booster, then a backless boost and finally a belt positioning booster. The cup holder as well as the padded armrests make the booster mode a relaxing one for children. It's a good option because it is lower in weight and height limit than the Safety 1st Grow and Go. This makes it more realistic for many children.