Cheap Infant Car Seats
Car seat experts suggest 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 having a base (which is ideal if you're taking taxis). Also, think about recline options.
Premium features such as adjustable, harnesses with no rethreads and easy-to-clean materials could also be worth the extra cost, Dilts says.
1. Evenflo LiteMax 35
Evenflo LiteMax 35 infant car seat is a fantastic choice for parents who are on the go. It is designed for babies who weigh between 4 and 35 lbs. It is light and easy to carry. It still has the most recent safety standards and features.
Parents love the lightweight design and the ease of use. Parents also love that the seat can be installed with or without an base. This makes it a great option for many preemies. This is a great choice for families who are on the tightest budget. The LiteMax is a safe, affordable rear facing only car seat that is packed with premium features like soft harness pads as well as an extended canopy. The seat is easy to clean as it has a smooth exterior shell with some nooks and crannies which could conceal gunk.
Some users are concerned about the longevity and durability of the LiteMax. The plastic construction is fragile and could not be a source of confidence in high-impact environments as a more durable car seat. If durability and safety are a priority it's worth exploring higher-tier alternatives.
The car seat for infants comes with an insert that can be removed to help keep baby warm during the first few months. Some parents find the insert useful but others feel it's heavy and takes up a lot of space in the car. The user's manual is tucked under the fabric of the side shell of the seat making it difficult to reach in case an accident occurs.
While the LiteMax is a great inexpensive car seat, it doesn't come with a built-in handle to carry. It is therefore essential to invest in a stroller that can accommodate the car seat, like the Mountain Buggy Nano. On the site of the manufacturer you can find 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 time onboard 35
Safety 1st OnBoard infant car seats are a great choice for parents looking to avoid the hassles that come with some of the more expensive models. It comes with a variety of inserts to fit newborns and preemies. It also comes with four height positions for harnesses as well as the base can be adjusted to accommodate different seat heights for vehicles.
The OnBoard scored three stars out of five in our crash tests, a good score for a low-cost model. It also received a great score in our user-friendliness tests, which measure the difficulty of installing and using the seat. Particularly, the OnBoard's buckle system is easy to use and it has a clearly written manual with clear illustrations to make adjustments easier to understand. It also has an easy to use anchor strap for tethering that runs through the belt's path, making it simpler to connect to vehicles that don't have lower LATCH anchors.
The OnBoard is an affordable option for families, but it's not without its flaws. It doesn't have an indicator on the base like the majority of rear-facing only seats that informs you when the angle is correct, and it can be difficult to install without a base. Additionally, the OnBoard's recline indicator located on the carrier, not on the base is a challenge to use for infants less than 35 pounds, as it can be tricky to get both indicators to be in the proper zone at the same time.
On the plus side the OnBoard has one of the lightest carrier options for rear facing only seats, weighing just 7.9 pounds. It also has an 8 year plus lifespan and can be used rear facing up to the point that the child is 32 inches tall or 35 pounds. It comes with a handy one handed release handle and is machine washable and safe for the dryer.
The OnBoard can be attached to strollers with Safety 1st's QuickClick mechanism, which means you can utilize it as a travel system when you have to go out and about. It 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 offers safety and convenience with thoughtful features that are geared towards the well-being of your baby. The easy-to-use design is simple to set up and secure. The canopy built-in provides protection from the elements. Additionally, the included infant insert provides a comfortable fit for newborns.
The seat comes with an indicator for level to ensure proper rear-facing installation. travel infant car seat Pushchairs & Prams removes the guesswork and reduces the risk of improper positioning, ensuring optimal safety for your child. The indicator is simple and clear and makes it easy to determine whether the seat is placed correctly.
Contrary to other brands unlike other models, unlike other car seats, the Century Carry On 35 Infant Car Seat comes with multiple harness positions and adjustable slots, which makes it easy to adjust the seat to fit your baby. The lever for harness release and buckle adjustment provide added convenience. The harness comes with covers to add comfort and security.
Another thing to consider is whether the vehicle has an LATCH system. The Carry On 35 has a standard LATCH that is simple to install using the lower anchors of your car. Some families prefer seats with easier-to-use locking mechanisms, such as the Chicco KeyFit Infant Car Seat. It has a SuperCinch middle pull strap, and better test results.
The base and the carrier of the Century Carry On 35 Infant Car Seat are lightweight and easy to travel with your child. It is also FAA certified for use in aircrafts.
The carrier can also be used with any stroller that has a snap-in connection. This feature is great for parents who often switch vehicles and want to cut down on time while traveling.
The Century Carry On 35 Infant Car Seat is equipped with an infant-friendly insert cushioned that ensures a comfortable fit. This feature increases the comfort of your infant while traveling and allows them to sleep in a comfortable position during rides. The insert can be cleaned in a matter of minutes, making it simple to clean and maintain. It also works with the head support pad, which provides optimal support to your infant's laterals.
4. Nuna Pipa Urbn
The Nuna Pipa Urbn infant car seat is unique and incredibly safe, yet doesn't compromise on the comfort. Consumer Reports, a world-renowned independent safety company, helped create it. It has a top-rated crash protection rating thanks to Aeroflex, an EPP foam with a flexible structure that reduces and disperses energy in the event of collision. It also has side impact protection to ensure the ultimate baby safety.
The pipaFIX latches fit into the car seat and can be fitted without any base. Parents can secure the car seat in just a few seconds by using helpful indicators that signify a successful installation. It can also be fitted using a standard seat belt using the European-style installation method.
In addition to its speedy and simple installation it is also easy to install. Pipa Urbn is also super light. It is easy to transport in and out of your car and also with a stroller. It can also be used in conjunction with the sleek Nuna MIXX Next stroller to create an entire travel system for all your adventures in the day.
Another benefit of the Pipa Urbn is that it's compatible with many different vehicles, meaning you don't need to buy a new car seat if you decide to change your vehicle. It can be used in conjunction with the Nuna TRVL or TRIV Next stroller.
The Nuna Pipa URBN was designed to be comfortable and easy of use. It features an ergonomic shoulder and a lower buckle cover. It includes a UPF 50+ canopy that protects your child from harmful sun rays. It has a flip-out eyes shade and a large window for peekaboo and the famous Dream drape which silently attaches at the end of the seat to allow uninterrupted naps.
The most appealing thing about the Pipa Urbn is that you can use it in any vehicle, including ones that do not have ISOFIX or LATCH connectors. PipaFIX rigid locks are positioned towards the rear of the car from where you sit. Then, locate the latches on your vehicle, align them and click to secure. Remove them by hand when you're ready to transfer your child to another vehicle.