The Most Inexpensive Infant Car Seat Cheap
Many retailers offer payment plans because they know that purchasing a car seat can be an expense for some families.
Experts suggest looking for seats with features such as machine-washable fabric (since children make mess) and GREENGUARD Gold certification. They also recommend focusing on things that will aid you in saving money down the road, such as a rear-facing weight limiter that can be extended and a belt path that allows the use of the need for a base when using Ubers and taxis.
1. Graco SnugRide 35 LX
The Graco SnugRide35 LX infant seat is designed to be affordable. It has a light-weight carrier and base that is easy to set up correctly, especially with LATCH. The harness is simple to use and adjust and the canopy offers good coverage from the sun. It doesn't have a reclining feature but does include a level 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. It is constructed with robust materials and is subject to rigorous safety testing to ensure that it meets or exceeds the standards that are required. It also comes with a generous warranty to give peace of mind to new parents.
In our reviews of car seats we look for several different aspects in a baby seat to assess how it performs. We take into account things like comfort, safety, and how easy it is to use on a daily basis. We also test the seat for wear and tear. We use a variety of different methods to test each car seat, including side-by-side comparisons, tests of crash as well as ergonomic tests. The Graco SnugRide has a decent seat for all categories however, it falls short when it comes to fabric and padding. The head padding isn't the most comfortable and does not move with the shoulder straps as you adjust them. It's not a big deal but it could be improved.
This seat is among the tiniest on the market and weighs only 7.5 pounds. It is a great option for those who need the smallest seat. It can be able to fit three people. It can be fitted baseless with either American/standard belt routing or European belt routing, which is a great feature. The buckle features a square center button that's more nimble than the round buttons found on most other seats. It's also simple to tighten or loosen, even with a baby in arms.
2. Evenflo LiteMax DLX
The LiteMax is a great option to parents looking for a seat that will fit preemies as well as newborns. It has a lower height harness than the majority of infant seats and can be used in a rear-facing position for babies as small as 4 pounds. Evenflo created this car seat with a range of features that make it easy to use. It has a buckle tongue holder, and the lock-off feature stops the buckle from obstructing your view when you put your baby in the seat or taking them out. It also has a base that can be reclined in various positions.
The lower anchor connectors of the seat snap onto an anchor bar underneath the base rim. The anchors are easy to remove and put in place, however they are not as easy to remove like those found on many other seats. The seat's user manual tucks under the fabric on the sides of the seat shell, which could become messy when your child is sick or spills something into it. We don't like how the straps for latching are tucked into the seat's bottom when not being used.
Despite its price, the LiteMax has a top-quality construction and a long-lasting warranty. The company's customer service is exceptional. It is available via email, phone or live chat, and staff members are available 24/7 to answer any questions. They also offer a video chat service for those who need help installing the car seat.
This car seat is simple to install which is why parents love it. It is simple to set up and comes with simple-to-read instructions. It comes with a stay-in-car convenience base that is ideal for parents who need to pick up and drop off their children from school or other activities. It also has an umbrella that shields 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 easy to maintain and cost-effective making it a great choice for new parents. The warranty covers the seat for 10 years. This gives parents peace of mind they will be able to use their car seat for many years.
3. Safety 1st Jive
Safety 1st Jive Convertible 2-in-1 car seat ensures your child's safety from birth until the time they're ready to use a booster. It seamlessly can be converted 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 with a weight range of 22-65 pounds. This durability makes it a great option for families that want to save money but don't want to swap seats between different stages.
Parents appreciate the 5-point 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 and a harness height adjuster with five different positions to help your child get an ideal fit.
The Jive is the ideal choice for many families, whether they're looking for a cheap infant car seat that will rear-face their child until three or four years of age or a compact 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 easy to install. The lightweight construction makes it suitable for families who use ride-sharing or require an appropriate car seat for several children.
The Jive is approved for use on planes and its compact size makes it easier to transport 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 but it's high to fit most newborns. Most have torsos that are 7" or less, and the lowest harness slot will put the harness about 2 inches higher than their shoulders, which isn't the best fit for. Convertible seats are notorious for this problem We recommend you stay clear of these models if your child is a newborn.
The Jive is also quite heavy when used in the higher recline position, but it can be easily used with the inside-out method. Also tightening the belt from the bottom makes it much easier to use. It's also relatively lightweight for a convertible chair, and can be bungee-attached to the handle of your stroller with the help of a ratchet strap or bungee cord.
4. Safety 1st Jive Booster
The Jive is among the most affordable convertible car seats on the market. It can rear-face children up to age three and forward-face until around five and is very light. It also has 2 allowed reclines for rear-facing, and you can install it with lower anchors or the vehicle seat belt (using the inside-out method of installation).
This seat is a great combination of low-cost and long-lasting use. This seat is not recommended for infants because of its harness's high height. However, it will last for most kids until they are ready to move on to booster seats. It's also a great option for families who frequently travel via ride-sharing services, taxis or airplanes. It's among the lightest boosters you can buy with a weight of just 10 pounds. It can be bungee affixed to the handle of a stroller or secured using the strap of a car seatbelt, or ratchet.
There are a few issues with it, however. The lowest harness slot measures 9" high, which is above the height of torsos of many babies at birth. The headrest isn't as impressive as some of our top picks. It's wide and flat, with a placeholder look that resembles an actual car seat cushion rather than the headrest.
The Jive is also easy to use and has good crash test ratings. It's an excellent choice for children who aren't yet at the weight and height requirements to use a high-back booster.
It's an excellent option for older children who have outgrown their infant car seat. car seat newborn insert can be made into a forward facing harness booster, an unidirectional boost and finally, a belt positioning booster. The booster mode is especially comfortable for kids thanks to the padded armrests and cup holder. It's a great option since it is lower in weight and height limit than the Safety 1st Grow and Go. This makes it more realistic for many kids.