Cheap Infant Car Seats
Car seat experts recommend seeking out safety features such as a load leg that braces the base and side impact protection and the ability to use the seat without a base (which is great for those taking taxis). Also, think about 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 great choice for parents traveling. It is designed for infants with a weight range of 4 to 35 lbs. It is lightweight and easy to carry. However, it is still equipped with the most recent safety standards and features.
Parents appreciate the light design and easy to use. Parents also love that the seat can be installed with or without an base. This makes it a great alternative for many preemies. This is a great choice for families on an extremely tight budget. The LiteMax is a secure rear facing, budget-friendly car seat that comes with top features, including soft harness pads as well as an extended canopy. The seat is easy to clean because it has a smooth exterior shell with few nooks or crannies which could conceal gunk.
Some customers are worried about the longevity and durability of the LiteMax. The plastic construction is fragile and may not inspire confidence in high-impact situations as a more durable car seat. If durability and safety are important, it could be worth looking at higher-tier alternatives.
This car seat for babies at a reasonable price comes with a removable infant insert that helps keep baby snug throughout the first few months. While some parents find it a useful feature however, some consider the insert too bulky and occupies too much space in the car. The user's manual is hidden under the fabric of the side shell of the seat making it difficult to reach in case there is a mess.
While the LiteMax is a great value car seat, it doesn't come with a handle built-in for carrying. It is therefore essential to invest in a stroller that is able to accommodate this car seat, such as the Mountain Buggy Nano. On the site of the manufacturer you can look up compatibility lists for this car seat and other strollers. You can also request an expert technician to conduct a fit assessment.
2. Safety 1st Onboard 35
Safety 1st OnBoard infant car seats are a great option for parents who want to avoid the aches that come with some of the more expensive models. It comes with a variety of inserts that can be used for newborns and preemies. It also comes with four height positions for harnesses and the base can be adjusted to suit different vehicle seat heights.
The OnBoard received three stars out of five in our crash tests. This is a good score for a seat that is priced lower. It also scored highly in our tests of user-friendliness, which measure the difficulty of installing and using the seat. The OnBoard buckle system is particularly user-friendly and the user manual includes clear instructions that make it easier to adjust. It also has an tether strap that is easy to use and runs through the belt's path. This makes it easier to attach to vehicles with lower LATCH anchors.
While the OnBoard is a great value choice for families, it's not without its flaws. It doesn't have an indicator like most rear-facing seats, which informs you whether 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 its base, can also be a problem for infants of less than 35 pounds. It can be a challenge to get the bubble indicators to be in the correct direction at the same time.
On the positive side On the plus side, the OnBoard is among the lightest carrier options for rear facing seats with a slim 7.9 pounds. It also has an 8 year plus lifespan and can be used rear facing until the child is 32 inches tall or 35 pounds. It comes with a handy one handed release handle that is machine washable and safe for the dryer.
The OnBoard can be connected to strollers with Safety 1st's QuickClick mechanism, so you can easily utilize it as a travel system when you have to go out and about. best car seats for infants can also be easily attached to strollers using LATCH connectors that are standard.
3. Century Carry on 35
The Century Carry On 35 Infant Car Seat provides safety and convenience, with thoughtful features that are geared towards the well-being of your baby. Its user-friendly design makes it simple to put in and secure and the canopy built-in offers protection from the elements. Additionally, the included infant insert makes it an ideal fit for infants.
The seat includes a level indicator to ensure proper rear-facing placement. This feature eliminates guesswork and reduces the chance that your child will be placed incorrectly and provides maximum safety. The indicator is clear and simple, making it easy for parents to see when the seat is properly installed.
In contrast to some of its competitors, unlike some competitors, the Century Carry On 35 Infant Car Seat has multiple harness positions and adjustment slots, which makes it easy to customize the fit for your baby. The harness release lever and buckle adjustment provide added convenience. The carrier comes with harness covers to add security and comfort.
Another thing to consider is whether the carrier has an LATCH system. The Carry On 35 has a standard LATCH, which is easy for you to install using the lower anchors of your car. However certain families prefer seats with simpler locking systems such as the Chicco KeyFit 35 Infant Car Seat, which boasts a SuperCinch center pull strap and better crash test results.
The base and the carrier of the Century Carry On 35 Infant Car Seat are light and easy to travel with your baby. It is also FAA certified for use in aircrafts.
The carrier can be used with any stroller which has an integrated snap-in connector. This feature is beneficial for parents who frequently switch vehicles and want to cut down on time while traveling.
The Century Carry On 35 Infant Car Seat comes with an infant-friendly insert cushioned that guarantees a snug fit. This feature lets your baby to sleep comfortably while traveling and improves their comfort. The insert is washable, allowing for easy maintenance and hygiene. It also works with the optional head support pad, promoting optimal lateral support for your infant.
4. Nuna Pipa Urbn
The Nuna Pipa Urbn is a one-of-a-kind infant car seat that's extremely secure without sacrificing the convenience. Consumer Reports, a world-renowned independent safety firm, was the one to design it. It has a top-rated crash protection rating because of Aeroflex, an EPP foam that is flexible and reduces and disperses energy in the event of an accident. It comes with side impact protection to ensure the safety of your baby.
It can be installed in the vehicle without a base with the steel-reinforced PipaFIX rigid latches integrated into the car seat, allowing parents to secure it in seconds with helpful indicators that signal an effective installation. It can be installed using a standard vehicle's seatbelt by following the European style of installation.
Pipa Urbn's simple and quick installation is accompanied by its super light weight. It is easy to transport inside and out of your car and also with strollers. It also integrates seamlessly and easily with the sleek Nuna MIXX Next Stroller to create an ideal travel system ideal for everyday use.
The Pipa Urbn also comes with the advantage of being compatible with a wide range of vehicles. This means that you won't need to buy a new seat if you change cars. It can be used with the Nuna TRVL, TRIV Next, or MIXX Next stroller, and it's also available as part of a travel system with the Doona+.
The Nuna Pipa URBN was made to be comfortable and simple of use. It has an ergonomic shoulder and a lower buckle covers. It also has a full-coverage UPF 50+ canopy that protects your baby from harmful sunrays. It has a flip-out eyeshade, a large peek-aboo window, and the iconic Dream drape that silently attaches to the bottom of the seat for uninterrupted napping.
The most appealing thing about the Pipa Urbn is that it can be used in any vehicle, even those without ISOFIX or LATCH connectors. Simply pivot the pipaFIX latches forward from under the seat, find the latches in your vehicle and line them up and click to join them. Then, take them off using one hand when you're ready to transfer your child to a different vehicle.