Cheap Infant Car Seats
Car seat experts recommend looking for safety features like a load leg that braces the base, side impact protection, and the ability to use the seat without having a base (which is great if you're taking taxis). Also, consider the recline options.
Premium features such as adjustable, harnesses that do not need rethreading and easy-to-clean fabrics might also be worth the extra cost, Dilts says.
1. Evenflo LiteMax 35
Evenflo LiteMax 35 infant car seat is a fantastic choice for parents on the go. It is designed for babies weighing 4 to 35 pounds It is light and easy to carry however, it still has the latest safety standards and features to protect baby during the busy car journey.
Parents appreciate the design's light weight and user-friendly. They also appreciate that they can use the seat with or without the base making it a feasible option for a lot of babies who are preemies. This is a great option for families on an extremely tight budget. The LiteMax is a rear-facing car seat that has premium features such as soft harness pads and an extended canopy. The seat is also simple to clean as it is a soft shell with a few nooks and crannies where gunk could be hidden.
Some people are worried about the longevity and durability of the LiteMax. The plastic construction is fragile and could not be a source of confidence in high-impact situations as an even more durable car seat. If durability and safety are important to you, it might be worth looking into higher-end alternatives.
This cheap infant car seats comes with an insert that is removable and helps keep your baby warm during the first few months. While some parents find it useful however, some find the insert too heavy and takes up too much space in the car. The user manual folds down on the inside of the seat shell which isn't easy to reach in the event of a spill.
While the LiteMax is a great value car seat, it does not have a built-in handle to carry. It is crucial to buy a stroller that can be used with the car, like Mountain Buggy Nano. You can find the compatibility list of this car seat and other strollers on the website of the manufacturer or contact an expert certified car seat technician for an assessment of the fit.
2. Safety 1st Onboard 35
Safety 1st OnBoard infant car seats are a great option for parents looking to avoid the aches that are associated with the more expensive models. It has a nice assortment of inserts to accommodate small newborns and preemies, four harness height positions, and a base that adjusts to accommodate different seat heights in vehicles.
The OnBoard scored three stars out of five in our crash tests. This is a solid score for an inexpensive model. It also scored well in our ease-of-use tests which test the difficultness of installing and using the seat. Particularly, the OnBoard's buckle system is easy to use and it has an easy-to-read manual with clear illustrations to make adjustments easier to understand. It also comes with a tether strap that is easy to use and flows through the belt's route. This makes it simpler to attach to vehicles without lower LATCH anchors.
The OnBoard is a great value for families, however it does have some issues. It doesn't have an indicator like the majority of rear-facing only seats, and informs you whether the angle is correct. It could also be difficult to install if there is no base. Additionally, the recline indicator -- which is located on the carrier, not the base -- is a challenge to use with infants who weigh less than 35 pounds as it can be tricky to get both indicators to fall 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 comes with a substantial 8-year lifespan and can be used rear facing up to the point that the child is 32 inches tall or 35 pounds. It also comes with a handy release handle that is machine washable and dryer safe.
OnBoard is able to be easily connected to strollers using Safety 1st QuickClick. This lets you use it as a traveling solution when you're out and out and. It can also be attached to strollers with standard LATCH connections.
3. Century Carry On 35
The Century Carry On 35 Infant Car Seat provides safety and convenience, with thoughtful features that prioritize the health and safety of your child. Its user-friendly design makes it simple to set up and secure and the canopy built-in provides protection from the elements. In addition, the infant insert helps achieve a comfortable fit for newborns.
The seat comes with an indicator for level to ensure that the rear-facing seat is properly installed. This feature removes the guesswork and reduces the chance that your child will be improperly positioned and ensures maximum safety. The indicator is clear and simple which makes it easy for parents to know when the seat is correctly installed.
The Century Carry On 35 Infant Car Seat This car seat, unlike competitors, has different harness positions, as well as adjustable slots. This makes it easy to personalize your baby's fit. It also comes with a harness release lever and buckle adjuster, providing added convenience. The carrier also comes with harness covers to provide added comfort and security.
Another thing to consider is whether the carrier has a LATCH system. The Carry On 35 has a standard LATCH, which is easy for you to install using the lower anchors of your car. Some families prefer seats that have easier-to-use locking mechanisms like the Chicco KeyFit Infant Car Seat. It comes with a SuperCinch middle pull strap, and better test results.
The base and carrier of this Century Carry On 35 Infant Car Seat is light which makes it easy to travel with your child. It's also FAA approved for aircraft use, which means that it can be installed on planes.
Additionally The carrier can be used with all strollers that have a snap-in connector. This feature is beneficial for parents who have to switch vehicles frequently and wish to cut down on travel time.
The Century Carry On 35 Infant Car Seat comes with a padded infant insert that promotes a snug and comfortable fit for infants. This feature enhances the comfort of your infant while traveling which allows them to rest in a comfortable position during rides. The insert can be cleaned, making it easy to maintain and keep clean. It can also be used in conjunction with the head pad that is available to provide optimal lateral support to your baby.
4. Nuna Pipa Urbn

The Nuna Pipa Urbn is an original infant car seat that's incredibly secure without sacrificing the convenience. It's designed with the help of the world-renowned, independent safety firm, Consumer Reports. It has a top-rated crash protection rating because of Aeroflex, an EPP foam with a flexible structure that reduces and disperses energy in the event of collision. newborn car seat has side impact protection to ensure the ultimate baby safety.
It installs into the vehicle without a base, and is fitted with the steel-reinforced pipaFIX stiff latches that are built into the car seat itself that allow parents to secure it in a matter of seconds with helpful indicators that signal the successful installation. It can also be fitted using a standard seat belt using the European-style installation method.
In addition to its speedy and easy installation it is also easy to install. Pipa Urbn is also super light. It is easy to carry in and out of your car as well as with strollers. It can also be used in conjunction with the sleek Nuna MIXX Next stroller to create an entire travel system for all your everyday adventures.
The Pipa Urbn also comes with the advantage of being compatible with a large variety of vehicles. This means that you don't have to purchase a new seat when you switch cars. It can be used with the Nuna TRVL, TRIV Next, or MIXX Next stroller, and it's also available as part of a travel system that includes the Doona+.
The Nuna Pipa URB is designed for comfort and ease of use. It has an ergonomic shoulder strap and a lower buckle cover. It is equipped with a UPF50+ canopy to protect your child from harmful sun rays. It features a flip-out eye shade, a large peekaboo window and the famous Dream drape that is silently attached at the bottom of the seat, allowing uninterrupted napping.
The most appealing thing about the Pipa Urbn is that it can be used in any vehicle, including ones without ISOFIX or LATCH connectors. Simply hinge the pipaFIX rigid latches forward from underneath the seat, find the latches inside your vehicle and align them, and click to join them. Remove them using one hand when you're ready to transfer your child into a different vehicle.