The Most Inexpensive Infant Car Seat Cheap
Many retailers realize that buying a car seat can be a financial challenge for some families, and offer payment plan options.
Experts suggest looking for seats with features such as machine-washable fabric (since babies are messy) and GreenGuard Gold certification. They also suggest choosing features that will aid you in saving money down the road, such as the rear-facing weight limiter that can extend and 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 light base and a carrier that are easy to install, especially when using LATCH. The harness is simple to use and adjust, and the canopy offers excellent sun protection. It doesn't have a reclining feature, however it does have a leveling indicator on the base.
Graco is a name that is known for its high-quality products. This rear-facing infant car seat is an exception. The seat is constructed of robust materials and is subject to rigorous safety testing to meet or exceed the standard requirements. It is also covered by a long warranty that provides peace of mind for new parents.
In our car seat tests we look at a variety of factors to determine how well an infant seat performs. We look at factors like safety, comfort and how easy the seat is to use. We also test the seat for wear and tear. We test every car seat using a variety of different methods, including side by side comparisons as well as crash testing and ergonomic tests. The Graco SnugRide is a great seat for all categories, but it falls short when it comes to padding and fabric. The padding for the head isn't extremely soft and it isn't able to move with the shoulder straps. It's not a major issue but it could be improved.
This seat is among the tiniest available, weighing only 7.5 pounds. It's a great option for those who want a compact seat that will accommodate 3 people. It can be installed without a base using either standard belt routing or European belt routing which is a nice feature. The buckle features an elongated button that is easier to grasp than most other buckles with round buttons. It's also easy to tighten or loosen with a baby in the arms.
2. Evenflo LiteMax DLX
The LiteMax is a great option for parents who are looking for a seat that can accommodate preemies as well as newborns. It has a lower harness than the majority of infant seats and is able to be used with rear-facing infants as little as 4 pounds. Evenflo designed this car seat with a range of features that make it easy to use. For example, it has tongue holders for the buckle and the lock-off feature keeps the buckle out of the way while you put your child in and take them out. It also features a base that is able to recline to a variety of positions.
The seat's lower anchor connectors are secured to a bar underneath the base rim. The anchors are simple to remove and install, but they're not as convenient as those on most other seats. The user's manual is hidden into the fabric of the seat shell to the side. This could cause an accident in the case that your child becomes sick or spills something. 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 cost, the LiteMax is well-made and comes with a hefty warranty. The company's customer service is excellent. You can reach them via live chat, email, or phone. The customer service representatives are available 24 hours per day to assist you with your inquiries. Video chat is also accessible for those who require assistance installing the car seat.
The car seat is simple to set up which is why parents are so happy with it. It's easy to install and the directions are easy to follow. It comes with a stay-in-car convenience base that is perfect for parents who have to pick up and drop off their children at school or other activities. It also has a canopy that protects your child from the harmful effects of weather and sunrays. It also is compliant with all safety standards set by the federal government. It is also simple to maintain and affordable, making it an excellent option for parents who are just starting out. The warranty extends the warranty for 10 years. This gives parents peace of mind knowing that they will have the car seat for a long period of time.
3. Safety 1st Jive
Safety 1st Jive Convertible 2-in-1 Car Seat ensures your child's safety right from birth until the time they're ready to use a booster. It effortlessly transforms from a rear-facing infant car seat for children who weigh 5-40 pounds, to a forward-facing toddler or young child seat for kids weighing 22-65 pounds. car seat inserts for newborns makes it a perfect choice for families that want to save money, but don't want to swap seats in between each stage.
Parents are awed by 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 comes with Side Impact Protection as well as a harness height adjuster with five different positions to ensure your child gets an ideal fit.
The Jive is the best option for many families, whether they're looking for a cheap infant car seat that will rear-face their baby until three or four years of age, or a lightweight travel chair. It is compact when reclined and is able to be used with lower anchors and seat belts. The "inside-out trick" makes it simple to set up. The light-weight construction makes it suitable for families that use ride-sharing or need to have a car seat that is suitable for multiple children.
If you're worried about security at the airport when you travel you should consider the Jive is certified to be used on airplanes and its compact design makes it easier to handle in airports. The fabric is machine washable and dryer safe which means you can easily clean up any mess during your travels.
The Jive's harness slot is low however it's too high for 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 known for this, so we recommend that you stay clear of these models for your child who is newborn.
The Jive is also quite bulky when installed in the higher recline position, however, it can be utilized by employing the inside-out method. Also tightening the seatbelt from the bottom makes it more comfortable to use. It's also fairly light for a convertible chair, and can be bungee attached to the handle of your stroller with either a ratchet cord or bungee strap.
4. Safety 1st Jive Booster
The Jive is among the most affordable convertible car seats available. It is lightweight and can be used to rear-face children up to age three and to forward-face them until they are approximately five years old. It also has two permitted reclines 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 provides a fantastic balance between affordability and long-lasting. It's not recommended for newborns because of its high harness height, but it can last until the majority of children are ready for an adult booster. It's an excellent choice for families who frequently travel via taxi, ride-sharing services or plane. It's among the lightest strollers you can purchase and weighs only 10 pounds. It can be bungee attached to the handle of a stroller, or strapped using the strap of a car seatbelt, or the ratchet.
There are a few problems with it however. The lowest harness slot measures 9" high which is more than the torso height of most babies when they are born. The headrest isn't quite as impressive as our top choices. It's wide and flat, with a placeholder look that looks more like an actual car seat cushion rather than a headrest.
Other than that it's also a great choice for kids. Jive is a breeze to use and has good crash test results. 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 40 pounds and 59 inches tall.
It's an excellent option for older children who have outgrown their infant car seats. It can be made into a forward facing harness booster, followed by a backless boost and finally, a belt positioning booster. The booster mode is particularly comfortable for children due to the padded armrests and cup holders. It's also a good option because it has the same weight and height limit than Safety 1st Grow and Go which makes it more realistic for the majority of kids.