Many retailers offer payment plans as they realize that purchasing a car seat can be a financial burden for some families.
Experts suggest looking for seats that feature features like machine-washable fabrics (since babies are messy) and the GREENGUARD Gold certification. They also recommend looking for features that can help you save down the road, such as an rear-facing weight limiter that can extend, as well as a belt path that allows the use of an underlying vehicle in Ubers and taxis.
1. Graco SnugRide 35 LX
The Graco SnugRide 35LX is a rear-facing, only infant seat that is built to be affordable. It features a lightweight base and a carrier that is easy to put together and is especially compatible with LATCH. The harness is simple to adjust and use and the canopy gives good coverage from the sun. It doesn't have a reclining function but it does have a leveling indicator at the base.
Graco is a well-known company that produces high-quality products and this rear-facing only infant car seat is no different. The seat is made of sturdy materials and undergoes rigorous safety testing to make sure that it meets or exceeds the standards that are required. It is also covered by a long warranty to provide peace of mind to new parents.
In our car seat reviews, we look for several different aspects in an infant car seat for travel car seat to determine how it does. We take into account things such as safety, comfort and how easy it is to use on a regular basis. In addition, we also test the seat to determine how it holds against wear and tear. We test each car seat using a variety different methods that include side-by-side comparisons, crash testing, and ergonomic tests. The Graco SnugRide is a good seat in most categories but falls short in some areas, specifically in the area of fabric and padding. The head padding on this seat isn't the most comfortable and does not move with the shoulder straps when adjusting the straps. It's not a major issue but it could be improved.
This seat is one of the lightest available and weighs only 7.5 pounds. It is a great option for those who need a small seat. It can fit three across. It can be installed baseless using either standard or American belt routing or European belt routing, which is a great feature. The buckle features an oval-shaped middle button that's easier to grasp than the round buttons found on the majority of seats. It's also easy to tighten or loosen, even with a baby in arms.
2. Evenflo LiteMax DLX
The LiteMax is a good option for parents looking for a seat that can accommodate small newborns and preemies. It is lower in height than other infant seats and can be used with rear-facing infants as small as 4 pounds. Evenflo created this car seat inserts for newborns seat with a range of features that make it easy to use. For instance, it has buckle tongue holders and the lock-off feature keeps the buckle from getting in the way while you put your child in and take them out. It also features a base that is able to recline into a variety of positions.
The lower anchor connectors on the seat snap onto the bar that is beneath the base rim. The anchors are simple to remove and install, however they are not as easy to remove as the anchors on other seats. The user manual is tucked into the fabric of the seat shell to the side. This can create a mess in the event that your child gets sick or spills anything. We don't like how the latch straps are sewn into the seat's bottom when not being used.
Despite its price, the LiteMax is well-constructed and comes with a hefty warranty. The customer service is excellent. You can contact them via email, live chat, or phone. They are available 24 hours per day to assist you with your inquiries. Video chat is also available to those who require assistance with installing the car seat.
This car seat is simple to install and that is the reason parents are so happy with it. It is easy to set up and comes with easy-to-read directions. It has a stay in-car convenience base that is ideal for parents who have to pick up and drop off their children at school or other activities. It also comes with a canopy which shields children from harmful UV rays and weather conditions. It also conforms to the safety standards of the federal government. It is also easy to maintain and affordable, making it an excellent choice for new parents. Its warranty also extends the warranty to ten years. This gives parents peace of mind knowing that they will have the car seat for a long time.
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 can be converted seamlessly from an infant car seat that faces rearward for children weighing 5-40lbs to a forward facing toddler or small child car seat that is suitable for children weighing between 22 and 65 pounds. This makes it an excellent option for families looking to save money but don't need to switch seats between different stages.
Parents appreciate the 5-point harness that distributes force across five contact points (shoulders and hips as well as between legs) to keep children firmly in their seat. The Jive has Side Impact Protection inbuilt and a harness that can be adjusted to five different height positions. This will allow your child to find the ideal fit.
If you're looking for an infant car seat cheap that can rear-face your baby until they reach three or four years old, or you require a light travel seat that isn't heavy, the Jive is the best choice for many families. It's compact when reclined and can be used with lower anchors or vehicle seat belts. The "inside-out trick" makes it simple to install. The lightweight construction is ideal for families that use ride-sharing services or require an appropriate car seat for multiple children.
If you're worried about airline security when traveling, the Jive is approved to be used on planes and its compact design makes it easier to manage in airports. The fabric is machine washable and dryer safe which means you can easily clean up any spills on the way.
The Jive's harness slot has a low but it's high to accommodate newborns. Most have torsos that are 7" or less, and the smallest harness slot can place the harness 2+ inches above their shoulders, which isn't a great fit. Convertible seats are known for this issue and we suggest that you avoid these models for your child who is newborn.
The Jive is also quite bulky when used in the higher recline position, however it can be used with the inside-out method. Also, tightening the seatbelt from the bottom makes it more comfortable to use. It's also relatively lightweight for a convertible seat and is able to be bungee-attached the handle of your stroller using either a ratchet strap, or cord that bungees.
4. Safety 1st Jive Booster
The Jive is one of the cheapest convertible car seats available. It is able to rear-face kids up from three years old and forward-face up to five years old, and it's very lightweight. It has two reclines to allow rear-facing and can be installed with lower anchors or a seatbelt for the vehicle.
This seat provides a fantastic combination of affordability and durability. This seat is not recommended for infants because of its high harness height. However, it should last for most kids until they are ready for booster seats. It's also a good option for families that frequently travel infant car seat via ride-sharing services, taxis or even airplanes. With a weight of only 10 pounds, it's among the most lightweight booster seats you'll find. It can be bungee affixed to the handle of a stroller, or connected to a car seatbelt strap or the ratchet.It does have some issues that make it far from perfect, however. The lowest harness slot measures 9" high which is more than the torso height of most babies at birth. And the headrest isn't as impressive as some of our top rated infant car seats choices. It's wide and flat with a placeholder look which resembles an actual car seat cushion rather than the headrest.
Other than that it's also a great choice for kids. Jive is a breeze to use and has great crash test results. It's a great option for kids who don't meet the height and weight requirements to use the high-back booster.
It's also a great choice for older kids who are growing out of an infant carrier seat car seat, since it transitions to a forward-facing harness booster with a backless booster and finally an adjustable belt booster. The cup holder and padded armrests make the booster mode a relaxing one for children. It's a great choice because it is lower in weight and height limit than the Safety 1st Grow and Go. This makes it more realistic for many kids.