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 option of using the seat without having a base (which is great if you're taking taxis). Also, consider the recline options.
Dilts suggests that premium features such as adjustable harnesses that do not require rethreading or easy-to-clean fabrics could be worth it.
1. Evenflo LiteMax 35
Evenflo LiteMax 35 infant car seat is a fantastic choice for parents traveling. Designed for infants from 4 to 35 lbs, it is ultra-lightweight and easy to carry however, it still has the latest safety standards and features to protect baby during the busy car ride.
Parents appreciate the design's light weight and easy to use. They also love that they can install the seat with or without the base making it a feasible choice for a lot of preemies. This is a great choice for families on a tight budget. The LiteMax is a rear-facing only car seat that has premium features such as soft harness pads and an extended canopy. It is also easy to clean as it has a smooth shell and few nooks and crannies where gunk can hide.
While most users like the LiteMax, some are concerned about its longevity and durability. The plastic construction is weak and might not inspire confidence in high-impact situations as the more robust car seat. If durability and safety are important, it could be worth looking at higher-tier options.
This car seat for babies at a low price includes a removable insert that helps keep the baby warm during the first few months. While some parents consider it beneficial but others 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 access in the event of there is a mess.
While the LiteMax is a great value car seat, it does not come with a built-in handle for carrying. It is therefore essential to invest in a stroller that can accommodate this car seat, such as the Mountain Buggy Nano. You can look up the compatibility list of this car seat and other strollers on the manufacturer's website or ask an expert certified car seat technician to provide a personalized fit assessment.
2. Safety 1st onboard 35
Safety 1st OnBoard infant car seats are a great choice for parents who want to avoid the aches that are associated with the more expensive models. It comes with a range of inserts that can be used for newborns and preemies. It also comes with four height positions for harnesses as well as an adjustable base that can be adjusted to suit different heights of car seats.
The OnBoard received three stars out of five in our crash tests. car seats newborn is a good score for a seat that costs less. It also scored well in our tests of ease-of-use which assess the difficulty of installing and utilizing the seat. The OnBoard buckle system is particularly easy to use and the manual is filled with clear illustrations that make it easy to adjust. It also comes with an easy to use tether anchor strap that runs 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 fantastic and affordable choice for families, it's not without its problems. It does not have an indicator on the base like the majority of rear-facing only seats that lets you know that the angle is right and it's difficult to install without a base. Additionally, the recline indicator -- which is situated on the carrier and not the base -- is a challenge to use for infants less than 35 pounds as it can be difficult to get both indicators to be in the right zone at the same time.
On the positive side, it is one of the lightest rear-facing seats. It weighs just 7.9 pounds. It also has an 8 year plus life span and can be used rear facing up to the point that the child is 32 inches tall or 35 pounds. It also has a convenient release handle that is machine washable and dryer safe.
OnBoard is able to be easily connected to strollers with Safety 1st QuickClick. This lets you make use of it as a travel solution when you're out and out and about. It can also be connected to strollers with traditional LATCH connections.
3. Century Carry on 35
The Century Carry On 35 Infant Car Seat provides convenience and safety with thoughtful features that prioritize your baby's wellbeing. The easy-to-use design is simple to set up and secure. The built-in canopy provides protection from the elements. In addition, the infant insert makes it a comfortable fit for newborns.
The seat comes with a level indicator that ensures the correct installation rear-facing. This feature eliminates any guesswork and reduces the chance of improper positioning, ensuring maximum safety for your child. The indicator is easy and clear which makes it easy to check whether the seat has been installed correctly.
The Century Carry On 35 Infant Car Seat, unlike some competitors, comes with multiple harness positions, and adjustable slots. This makes it simple to customize your baby's fit. It also features an adjustable harness release lever as well as a buckle adjuster, which adds ease of use. The harness is fitted with covers to add security and comfort.
Another crucial aspect to consider is whether the vehicle has a LATCH system. The Carry On 35 does have a standard LATCH system, that is easy to install with the lower anchors of the vehicle. However, some families prefer seats with simpler locking systems, such as the Chicco KeyFit 35 Infant Car Seat, which boasts a SuperCinch center pull strap as well as better crash test results.
The base and carrier of this Century Carry On 35 Infant Car Seat is extremely light, so it's easy to transport your child. It's also FAA-approved for aircraft use, which means that it can be used on planes.
The carrier can also be used with any stroller which has an attachment that snaps into. This feature is great for parents who change vehicles often and want to save travel time.
The Century Carry On 35 Infant Car Seat has a padded infant insert that provides a comfortable and cozy fit for newborns. This feature increases the comfort of your baby while traveling which allows them to rest in a comfortable position during rides. The insert can be washed, making it easy to maintain and keep clean. It also integrates with the head support pad to provide optimal support for your infant's laterals.
4. Nuna Pipa Urbn
The Nuna Pipa Urbn is a one-of-a-kind infant car seat that's extremely safe, yet it doesn't sacrifice convenience. Consumer Reports, a world-renowned independent safety company, helped create it. Aeroflex is an EPP foam that compresses and distributes impact energy during a collision has been awarded the top crash protection rating. It also comes with side impact protection to ensure the ultimate in baby safety.
The pipaFIX latches are built into the car seat and can be installed without any base. Parents can secure the car seat in just a few seconds with the help of useful indicators that show a successful installation. It can also be installed with a regular vehicle seatbelt using the European-style method of installation.
Pipa Urbn's quick and easy installation is accompanied by its incredibly light weight. It is easy to transport into and out of cars and also with strollers. It also pairs effortlessly and easily with the sleek Nuna MIXX Next Stroller to create an ideal travel system perfect for your everyday adventures.
Another benefit of the Pipa Urbn is that it's compatible with a variety of different vehicles, which means you don't need to buy a new car seat if you decide to change your vehicle. It can be used with the Nuna TRVL, TRIV Next, or MIXX Next stroller, and it's also part of a travel set-up with the Doona+.
The Nuna Pipa URBN is designed to be comfortable and easy of use. It has an ergonomic shoulder strap and a lower buckle covers. It also comes with a full-coverage UPF 50+ canopy that protects your baby from harmful sunrays. It also has a flip-out sunshade, a large peek-aboo window and the famous Dream drape that slacks to the end of the seat for unrestricted naps.
The most appealing thing about the Pipa Urbn is that you can use it in any vehicle, even ones that do not have ISOFIX or LATCH connectors. PipaFIX rigid locks can be placed towards the rear of the car from where you sit. Then, find the latches in your vehicle, align them, and click to secure. Remove them using one hand when you're ready to transport your child to a different vehicle.