Cheap Infant Car Seats

Car seat experts recommend looking for safety features like a 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, consider recline options.

Premium features like adjustable no-rethread harnesses and easy-to-clean fabrics could also be worth the extra cost, Dilts says.

1. Evenflo LiteMax 35

Evenflo LiteMax 35 infant car seat is a great option for parents who are traveling. It is designed for babies weighing 4 to 35 lbs It is light and easy to carry yet still meets the most recent safety standards and features that protect baby during the busy car seats by age ride.

Parents love the lightweight design and the ease of use. They also appreciate that they can use the seat with or without the base which makes it an ideal option for a lot of babies who are preemies. This is a great option for families on the tightest budget. The LiteMax is a secure, affordable rear facing only car seat that is packed with top features, including soft harness pads and an extended canopy. The seat is easy to clean as it has a smooth outer shell with some nooks and crannies that could hide gunk.

Some customers are worried about the durability and long-term viability of the LiteMax. The plastic construction is thin and might not inspire the same confidence as a more durable car seat in high-impact situations. If security and longevity are your top priorities, it might be worth looking into higher-end alternatives.

This cheap infant car seats comes with an insert that is removable and helps keep baby warm for the first few months. Some parents appreciate the insert but others feel it's bulky and takes up a lot of space in the car. The user manual is also 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 does not come with a handle built-in to carry. It is essential to buy a stroller which can accommodate the car, like Mountain Buggy Nano. You can check the compatibility list of this car seat and other strollers on the manufacturer's website or consult an experienced car seat technician to provide a personalized fit assessment.

2. Safety 1st Onboard 35

Safety 1st OnBoard infant car seat best car seats are a great option for parents looking to avoid the hassles 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 has four height positions for harnesses as well as an adjustable base that can be adjusted to suit different heights of car seats.

The OnBoard scored three stars out of five in our crash tests, a decent score for a budget model. It also scored highly in our tests of user-friendliness which test the difficulty of installing and using the seat. The OnBoard buckle system is user-friendly 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 routes through the belt's path which makes it easier to attach to vehicles that do not have lower LATCH anchors.

The OnBoard is a great value for families, but it's not without its flaws. It does not have an indicator like the majority of rear-facing only seats, which lets you know if the angle is correct. It is also difficult to install if there's no base. Additionally, the recline indicator -- which is located on the carrier and not the base -- can be a hassle to use with infants who weigh less than 35 pounds, as it can be difficult to get both bubble indicators to be in the right zone at the same time.

On the positive side it is among the lightest rear-facing seats. It weighs only 7.9 pounds. It also has a hefty 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 release handle that can be used one-handed that is machine washable and safe for dryers.

OnBoard can easily be attached to strollers by using Safety 1st QuickClick. This lets you use it as a traveling solution while you are 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 provides safety and convenience, with thoughtful features that focus on the well-being of your baby. The easy-to-use design is simple to set up and secure. The built-in canopy provides protection from the elements. The infant insert included in the kit helps to achieve a comfortable fit.

The seat comes with a level indicator to ensure that the rear-facing seat is properly installed. This feature eliminates guesswork and reduces the chance of incorrect positioning, providing maximum safety for your child. The indicator is simple and easy to read, making it easy to see whether the seat has been installed correctly.

Unlike some competitors, the Century Carry On 35 Infant Car Seat has different harness positions and adjustable slots, making it easy to tailor the fit for your baby. It also features a harness release lever and buckle adjuster that provides convenience. The carrier comes with harness covers for extra security and comfort.

A LATCH system is a further important consideration. The Carry On 35 has a standard LATCH system, which is easy for you to install using the lower anchors of your vehicle. Some families prefer seats that have more user-friendly 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 this Century Carry On 35 Infant Car Seat is extremely light and easy to take your child on a trip. It's also FAA-approved for airplane use, meaning it can be put on planes.

The carrier can also be used with any stroller that has an integrated snap-in connector. This feature is useful for parents who have to switch vehicles frequently and wish to save travel time.

The Century Carry On 35 infant car seats cheap Car Seat comes with an infant insert that is padded and ensures a comfortable and snug fit for newborns. This feature enhances the comfort of your baby while traveling, allowing them to nap comfortably during rides. The insert is washable and allows to be cleaned easily and maintain hygiene. It can be combined with the head pad that is available to provide optimal support to your baby.

4. Nuna Pipa Urbn

The Nuna Pipa Urbn is a one-of-a-kind infant car seat that is incredibly secure without sacrificing the convenience. Consumer Reports, a world-renowned independent safety firm, was the one to design it. Aeroflex, an EPP foam flexible that compresses and distributes impact energy in a collision, has been awarded the top crash protection rating. It also comes with side impact protection for the ultimate in baby safety.

It is installed into the vehicle without a base and features the steel-reinforced pipaFIX stiff latches built right into the car seat that allow parents to secure the seat in just a few seconds with helpful indicators that ensure an effective installation. It can also be installed with a regular vehicle seatbelt using the European-style installation method.

Pipa Urbn's simple and quick installation is accompanied by its light weight. It weighs just 7 pounds, which makes it easy to carry into and out of your car as well as on strollers. It can also be used in conjunction with the sleek Nuna MIXX Next stroller to create an all-in-one travel system for all your adventures in the day.

Another benefit of the Pipa Urbn is that it's compatible with different types of vehicles, so you don't have to purchase an entirely new car seat should you decide to change vehicles. It can be used with the Nuna TRVL, TRIV Next, or MIXX Next stroller, and it's also a part of a travel set-up with the Doona+.

Contrary to other infant car seats that are bulky and hard to maneuver and difficult to maneuver, the Nuna Pipa Urbn is designed to be comfortable and easy-to-use, with comfy lower and shoulder buckle covers. It comes with a UPF 50+ canopy that protects your child from harmful sunrays. It comes with a flip-out eye shade and a large window for peek-a-boo and the fabled Dream drape that is silently attached to the bottom of the seat for uninterrupted naps.

The best infant car seat 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 set up forward from the seat. Then, find the latches on your vehicle, align them, and click to secure. Once you're all set to take them off, you can do so using just one hand.