How to Buy Infant Car Seats Cheap
There are a myriad of things to take into consideration when selecting a new infant car seat, such as the cost, special features and stroller compatibility. Babylist's gear editor Jennifer LaBracio recommends the Evenflo LiteMax DLX, an affordable option that has received top marks from CPSTs because of its load leg (a fancy name for the telescoping base leg).
Other features that stand out include the ease of installation, the bubble indicators on the base and GREENGUARD Certification.
Size
The infant car seat will be one of your first major purchases for your baby. There are a variety of choices that will meet your family's budget as well as needs. From all-in-one models to convertible seats, you'll be able to find a great option for your growing family. It's important that you choose a seat with great safety features as well as convenience, regardless of whether you're buying an old or new model.
The type of car seat you select will determine the amount they cost and the length of time it will take for your child to use them. For instance, certain infant car seats have a higher weight limit than others. This may allow your child to use the seat for a longer duration of time. You'll need to make sure the seat will be suitable for your child as they develop.
Also, think about how simple the seat is to use. This is crucial, especially when you are planning to switch cars and transfer the seat from one vehicle to the next frequently. You can refer to the manual of the manufacturer to see how simple it is to install or take the seat off. Also look for features such as padded straps for the shoulder harness, and the seat that is comfortable for your little one.
The weight of the car seat should be taken into consideration. You'll be moving it around and lifting it into and out of the vehicle frequently so you'll need it to be as light as you can. You should choose an easy-to-use seat that has ample padding to ensure your baby's ease of use.
Find a convertible seat that can also serve as an additional booster. This can save you money in the long run and allow your child to use the car seat until they're ready to a adult seat belt.
Strolleria is the best place to search for a cheap infant car seats. Strolleria has a wide variety of car seats for sale at bargain costs, including popular models from CYBEX or Chicco. They offer a variety of payment plans to help families afford the car seats they require without breaking the bank. They also frequently refresh their collection with new car seats and accessories to keep it fresh.
Weight
Car seats are heavy, especially when they're filled with infants or newborns. The heavier a seat is, the more difficult it will be to install or remove it from a vehicle. It's important to weigh a car seat thoroughly before buying it.
The way in which a car seat is fitted in a motor vehicle can also affect its safety and comfort. For example the car seat can't be properly secured using the lower anchor system or a seat belt, it's not going to ensure your child's safety in the event of a collision. Experts suggest selecting a seat that can be correctly installed using both methods.
Another thing to consider is whether the car seat can be used for a long period of time. Some infant car seats are designed to be used until your child is at the age of a booster seat, while others are designed to last through the age of toddlerhood, or even preschool. If you opt for an infant car seat that is designed with greater weight and height limit, it will accommodate your child the longest.
It's also important to consider the extra features some infant car seats have. For instance, some seats can be combined with strollers to make it easier to get your baby out and into the car. Those extra features can add to the total price of a car seat, so it's crucial to think about what is most important to you prior to purchasing a product.
In general, experts recommend buying a car seat for infants that is affordable and reliable. "There are many good options that are reputable and safe to use," says Carseat Helper writer and Babylist gear editor Jennifer LaBracio. She recommends the Evenflo LiteMax DLX because it is affordable and has a variety of features normally reserved for seats costing much more. The seat comes with an extra load leg to help stabilize it during a crash. It also comes with easy-to use features such as a bubble indicator on the base, which will let parents know whether they have installed the seat correctly.
Convenience
Car seats are designed to protect infants and children in cars. While all car seats sold in the US must pass strict safety standards However, there are some features that make a seat more comfortable to use, which is especially important when you're traveling with a newborn or need to install the car seat in another vehicle.
Seats that have LATCH connections that are rigid that are directly connected to your vehicle's lower anchors, are likely to be the most secure. The Nuna Pipa Rx, for example, uses this technology and has been awarded the top score in our ease of use tests and is among the top infant car seats to travel with.
Another thing to consider is whether a seat offers a wide range of recline options. This affects how well the car seat will fit in the vehicle. This is a key factor for anyone planning to use their child's car seat often in public transportation such as taxis. Fortunately, seats that offer a wider range of recline positions can be placed in more vehicles than seats with smaller options for reclining.
The weight of an infant car seat is also a key aspect to consider. A lighter seat is easier to carry if plan to use it frequently for travel or as a carry on the stroller. Similarly, a car seat that has a built-in indicator and leveling system to help you confirm the proper installation of the car seat is more convenient to use and more likely to be installed correctly.
If you're looking for a complete infant car seat, pick one with a narrower size to maximize the space within the headrest of your vehicle. Also, make sure it has a lockoff feature to ensure the seat remains in the right place for your child's safety. This feature is available in the Chicco Keyfit 35, which received a high rating in our crash tests.
Safety
A cheap car seat will still offer the features you require to ensure the safety of your child. Saxton says it should have a five point harness, be well padded, and have a headrest that is capable of withstanding the force of a high speed crash. It should also have an additional load leg to ensure that the seat is stable in an accident that causes a rollover. Look for safety indicators like a bubble level at the base of the seat, or built-in levelers. It's also important to look for a safety harness that doesn't have a rethread to avoid having to take and move straps around as your child gets older.
Experts recommend checking the weight and height limits on each seat to ensure that it can accommodate your child for as long as is possible. Find an infant seat with EPS foam. It is light and extremely effective in dispersing the energy of an impact. Consider whether the seat has a side impact protection system that will protect your child from accidents that occur from the side, rather than from the front. Some seats come with alert systems that warn the driver when children are not being watched or if any other dangerous conditions occur.
forward facing infant car seat advise against seats that are sold second-hand, and also look into the reputation of the manufacturer. They could be dated or were involved in an accident that weakened their safety. They might also be made from low-quality materials. Think about buying a new chair at a department or retailer store that is unbiased.
Start with a highly-rated car seat that has passed rigorous crash testing. A good example is the Evenflo LiteMax DLX, which was a top pick among car seat experts and Babylist gear editor 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. Be sure to look for other important safety features, including a sturdy fabric that can be washed in the machine, and the GREENGUARD Gold certification, which signifies the car seat and the base were both manufactured without hazardous chemicals.