Cheap Infant Car Seats
Car seat experts recommend seeking out safety features such as the load leg that braces the base and side impact protection and the ability to use the seat without the base (which is ideal if you're taking taxis). Also, consider the recline options.
Dilts suggests that premium features like adjustable harnesses that do not require rethreading or fabric that is easy to clean could be worth it.
1. Evenflo LiteMax 35
A little comfort is a great help during the beginning of the first few months of life, and the Evenflo LiteMax 35 is one of the top infant car seats that can assist parents on their journey. It is designed for babies weighing 4 to 35 lbs, it is ultra-lightweight and easy to carry, but still offers the latest safety standards and features that protect baby during the busy car journey.
Parents love the design's lightweight and user-friendly. Parents also like that the seat can be put in with or without a base. This makes it an alternative for many preemies. It is also a good option for families with a budget. The LiteMax is a rear-facing only car seat that comes with top features, like soft harness pads as well as a canopy that extends. The seat is easy to clean as it has an outer shell that is smooth and has small crannies and nooks which could conceal gunk.
Some users are concerned about the durability and longevity of the LiteMax. The plastic construction is fragile and may not inspire confidence in situations with high impact as an even more durable car seat. If longevity and security are important to you, it might be worth exploring higher-tier alternatives.
This cheap infant car seats has an insert that is removable and helps keep baby warm during the first few months. While some parents consider it useful but others consider the insert too heavy and takes up too much space in the car. Also, the user manual tucks under the fabric on the side of the seat shell, which isn't easy to access when a mess occurs.
The LiteMax is a great car seat for a reasonable price, however it does not come with handles. It is therefore essential to buy a stroller that is able to accommodate this car seat, like the Mountain Buggy Nano. On the manufacturer's site you can look up compatibility lists for this car seat as well as other strollers. You can also ask a certified technician to perform a fit assessment.
2. Safety 1st Onboard 35
Safety 1st OnBoard infant car seats are a great choice for parents who want to avoid the hassles that come with some of the more expensive models. It has a nice assortment of inserts that help fit infants and newborns, four harness height positions, and a base that adjusts to accommodate different seat heights in vehicles.
The OnBoard scored three stars out of five in our crash tests, which is a decent score for a budget model. It also earned a good score in our user-friendliness tests, which measures the difficultness of installing and using the seat. In particular the buckle system is easy to use and it has a clear manual that includes clear illustrations to make adjustments easier to understand. It also comes with an easy to use tether anchor strap that routes through the belt's path which makes it easier to attach to vehicles that do not have lower LATCH anchors.
While the OnBoard is a great value option for families, it's not without its issues. It does not have an indicator like most rear-facing only seats, and informs you whether the angle is correct. It is also difficult to install if there's no base. Additionally, the OnBoard's recline indicator -- which is located on the carrier and not the base -- is a challenge to use with infants who weigh less than 35 pounds, as it can be tricky to get both bubble indicators to fall in the proper zone at the same time.
On the positive side, the OnBoard has one of the lightest options for rear facing only seats with a slim 7.9 pounds. It has a lifespan of 8 years and beyond, and can be used in the rear-facing position until the child reaches 32 inches or 35 pounds. It comes with a handy release handle that can be used one-handed that is machine washable and safe for drying.
OnBoard can be easily attached to strollers with Safety 1st QuickClick. This allows you to use it as a traveling solution when you are out and out and about. It can also be attached to strollers using the standard LATCH connections.
3. Century Carry on 35
The Century Carry On 35 Infant Car Seat offers security and comfort with thoughtful features that prioritize your baby's well-being. Its user-friendly design makes it easy to put in and secure and the canopy built-in offers protection from the elements. In addition, the infant insert helps achieve an ideal fit for infants.
The seat comes with an indicator for level to ensure proper rear-facing installation. This feature removes the guesswork and reduces the chance of incorrect positioning, ensuring optimal safety for your child. The indicator is clear and simple and makes it easy for parents to know when the seat is correctly installed.
The Century Carry On 35 Infant Car Seat, unlike some competitors, has different harness positions, as well as adjustment slots. This makes it easy to personalize your baby's fit. The lever for harness release and buckle adjustment provide added convenience. The harness is fitted with covers for added comfort and security.
A LATCH system is another important factor to consider. car seat newborn On 35 has a standard LATCH that is simple to install by using the lower anchors of your vehicle. Some families prefer seats that have easier-to-use locking mechanisms like the Chicco KeyFit Infant Car Seat. It has a SuperCinch middle pull strap and more reliable test results.
The base and carrier of this Century Carry On 35 Infant Car Seat is lightweight, so it's easy to travel with your child. It is also FAA certified for use in aircrafts.
Additionally it can be used with any stroller that have the snap-in connector. This feature is beneficial for parents who change vehicles frequently and want to cut down on travel time.
The Century Carry On 35 Infant Car Seat includes a padded insert for babies that ensures a snug fit. This feature lets your baby to sleep comfortably while traveling, increasing their comfort. The insert is washable and allows to be cleaned easily and maintain hygiene. It also works with the head support pad, promoting optimal support for your infant's laterals.
4. Nuna Pipa Urbn
The Nuna Pipa Urbn is an exclusive infant car seat that's extremely safe, yet it doesn't sacrifice comfort. It's designed with the help of the world-renowned, independent safety company, Consumer Reports. Aeroflex is an EPP foam that compresses and distributes impact energy during a collision, has been awarded the top crash protection rating. It has side impact protection to ensure the safety of your infant.
The pipaFIX latches are integrated into the car seat and are installed without any base. Parents can secure the car seat in seconds, with the help of useful indicators that show an effective installation. It can also be fitted using a standard seat belt using the European-style installation method.
In addition to its quick and simple installation, the Pipa Urbn is also super light. It is simple to move into and out of cars and also with strollers. It also pairs effortlessly and seamlessly with the sleek Nuna MIXX Next Stroller to create a travel system ideal for everyday use.
Another bonus of the Pipa Urbn is that it's compatible with a variety of different vehicles, which means you don't have to buy a new car seat if you decide to change your vehicle. It can be used alongside the Nuna TRVL, TRIV Next, or MIXX Next stroller, and it's also a part of a travel system that includes the Doona+.
The Nuna Pipa URBN is designed to be comfortable and easy of use. It comes with an ergonomic shoulder strap and a lower buckle covers. It also includes a UPF 50+ canopy that protects your baby from harmful sunlight rays. It has a flip-out eyes shade as well as a large peekaboo window and the iconic Dream drape which silently attaches to the back of the seat, allowing uninterrupted napping.
Pipa Urbn can be used with any vehicle regardless of whether it does not have ISOFIX or LATCH connector. Simply pull the pipaFIX rigid latches from under the seat, locate the latches inside your vehicle, line them up, and click to join them. Once you're done, you can remove them using just one hand.