How to Buy Infant Car Seats Cheap

There are many aspects to consider when choosing a baby car seat, including price, special features and stroller compatibility. Babylist gear editor Jennifer LaBracio recommends the Evenflo LiteMax DLX that is a low-cost option that receives praise from CPSTs because of its load leg (a fancy term for an adjustable base leg).

Other highlights include the ease of installation, the bubble indicators on the base and GREENGUARD Certification.

Size

The car seat for your infant is one of the first major purchases for your baby. There are many options that can meet your family's budget as well as needs. From all-in-one variants to convertible seats, you can find a great option for your growing family. If you're buying new or used, you need to select a seat that offers great safety features and convenience.

The type of car seats you select will determine the amount they cost and the time it takes for your child to use them. Certain infant car seats, like they have a higher weight limit than others. This could allow your child to use the seat for a longer amount of time. However, you'll want ensure that the seat will be suitable for your child as they grow.

Also think about how simple it is to use the seat. This is particularly crucial if you plan on changing cars and transferring the seat from one vehicle to another frequently. Go through the user's manual to see how easy it is to set up and remove the seat. Also look out for features such as straps with padding for the shoulder harness and a seat that's comfortable for your little one.

The weight of the car seat should be considered. You'll be lifting it in and out of your vehicle and transporting it around the city a lot. It must be as light as possible. It's important to choose a light car seat that comes with plenty of padding for your baby's comfort.

Then, you should look for a convertible car seat that can be turned into a booster seat. This will save you money in the long run and let your child ride in the seat until they're ready to move to a adult seat belt.

The best place to shop for an affordable infant car seat is Strolleria. Strolleria has a broad range of car seats at reduced prices, including popular models made by CYBEX or Chicco. They provide a variety of payment plans to help families pay for the car seats they want without breaking the bank. To keep their collection current, they regularly update it with new car seats and other items.

Weight

Car seats can be heavy, especially if they are filled with infants. The heavier a seat, the more difficult it will be to install or remove it from a car. It's important to weigh a car seat with care before purchasing it.

The way a car-seat is fitted in a motor vehicle may also affect its safety and comfort. If a car seat can't be properly secured using a lower anchor system or seat belt, for example, it won't safeguard your child from a crash. Experts suggest selecting a car seat that can be installed correctly using both methods.

The capacity of a car seat to be used for a long time is another thing to consider. Some infant car seats are only designed to be used until your child is big enough to be a booster, while others can be used through toddlerhood and to the age of preschool. If you select an infant car seat that has a higher weight and height limit, it will be able to accommodate your child the longest.

It is also important to be aware of the additional features that infant car seats offer. Certain car seats can be linked up with strollers which makes it easier to carry the baby into and out of the vehicle. These extra features can raise the price of a baby seat. It's important to consider what is important to you before you make a purchase.

Experts suggest that you purchase an infant car seat that is affordable and reliable. "There are plenty of decent options that are reputable, safe and easy to use," says Carseat Helper writer and Babylist gear editor Jennifer LaBracio. She especially recommends the Evenflo LiteMax DLX, which is not expensive and comes with lots of features typically reserved for much more expensive seats. These include an extra load leg that can help ensure the safety of the seat in an accident, as well as easy-to-use features such as bubble indicator on the base to inform parents that they're installing it properly and securely.

Convenience

Car seats are designed to protect infants and children in cars. While all car seats sold in the US must pass strict safety regulations, there are some characteristics that make a car seat more comfortable to use and is particularly important when traveling with a baby or require the car seat in an alternative vehicle.

For example, a seat that allows you to click into and out of the base without removing the seat from the car is easier to maneuver when switching vehicles, whereas seats with LATCH connections that are rigid (which are directly connected to the lower anchors of metal in your vehicle) tend to provide the most secure connection. This technology is used by the Nuna Pipa Rx which has been named one of the top infant car seats.

A seat's ability to recline is another important factor. This will affect the way the newborn car seat seat fits into the vehicle. It is also crucial for parents who plan to take their baby seat in public transport, such as taxis. Seats that offer a broad variety of reclining positions are more likely to fit in more vehicles than seats that have less options.

The weight of a baby car seat is also a key aspect to consider. A seat that is lighter is easier to carry if are planning to use it for frequent travel or as a carrier on a stroller. A car seat that comes with an integrated system of leveling and indicators to confirm the correct installation is easier to use.

Finally, if you're considering an all-in-one infant car seat that swivels car seats, ensure that it has a narrower width to maximize your vehicle's rear facing infant car seat headrest space. Also, ensure that it comes with a lockoff feature to ensure the seat remains in the proper position for your child's safety. The Chicco Keyfit 35 has this feature and scored a high score in our crash test tests.

Safety

Even a cheap car seat can come with all the features you need to ensure the safety of your child. It should have five-point harnesses that is well-padded, and a headrest that can withstand the force of a speedy crash, according to Saxton. It should also include an additional load leg to keep the seat stable during a rollover accident. It's also important to look for a recline adjustment and safety indicators, like bubble levels on the base or built-in levelers that are on the seat itself. A no-rethread harness is also helpful, since you won't have to reroute and remove the straps as your child grows.

Experts recommend checking the weight and height restrictions on each seat in order to ensure that it can accommodate your baby for as long as is possible. Find seats that have EPS foam. It is extremely light and very effective at dispersing the energy of an impact. Check if the seat comes with a side impact protection system which can shield your child from injuries that come from the side rather than from the front. Certain seats have alert systems that warn the driver when the child is not in their care or if any other dangerous circumstances occur.

Experts recommend that you avoid seats that were sold second-hand and look at the reputation of the manufacturer. They could be dated or have been in an accident that weakened their safety. They could also be made of low-quality materials. You could consider buying a new seat at a retailer or department store that is unbiased.

Start with a high-rated car seat that has been through rigorous crash testing. Evenflo LiteMax DLX is a good example. It was a top pick for car seat technicians, and Babylist gear editors Jennifer LaBracio. It has great reviews, a large maximum weight and extra features like a load leg which are usually only available on higher-end models. Other safety features include a durable fabric that can be machine washed and GreenGuard Gold Certification, which means the car seat base and the car seat itself were manufactured without hazardous chemicals.