How to Buy Infant Car Seats Cheap
There are plenty of aspects to consider when selecting a new infant car seat, such as the cost, special features and stroller compatibility. Babylist 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 an adjustable base leg).
Other noteworthy features include easy installation, with clear instructions and bubble indicators on the base as well as GREENGUARD certification.
Size
A car seat for an infant is among the first big purchases you will make for your baby. There are a variety of choices that will meet your family's budget as well as needs. There are plenty of options for your growing family, from all-in one models to convertible seats. It's important that you choose an item that has excellent safety features as well as convenience, whether you're purchasing a new or used model.
The type of car seat you choose will determine how much they cost and the time it takes for your child to use them. For instance, certain infant car seats have a higher weight limit than other. This could allow your child to use the seat for a longer amount of time. You'll need to make sure the seat is suitable for your child, even as they grow.
Also think about how simple it is to use the seat. This is crucial, especially when you are planning to switch cars and move the seat from one vehicle to the next frequently. You can check the manual provided by the manufacturer to determine how easy it is install or take the seat off. Look for features such as straps for the shoulder that are padded and a comfortable seat for your child.
Another thing to consider is how light the car seat is. You'll be lifting it into and out of your vehicle and carrying it around a lot. It must be as light as possible. It's important to choose a light car seat with plenty of padding to ensure your baby's comfort.
Find an adjustable seat that can also serve as an additional booster. This can save you money over the long term and let your child use the seat until they're ready to switch to an adult seat belt.
The most reliable place to purchase an affordable infant car seat is Strolleria. Strolleria offers a large selection of car seats at reduced costs, including popular models made by CYBEX or Chicco. They provide a variety of payment options to help families pay for the car seats they require without breaking their budget. To ensure that their collection is always fresh, they regularly update it with new car seat newborn seats as well as other accessories.
Weight
Car seats are heavy, particularly when they're filled with a newborn or infant. The more a seat weighs the more difficult it will be to remove and install in a vehicle. This is why it's crucial to think about the weight of a car seat prior to you purchase it.
The way in which a car seat is installed in a motor vehicle may affect its safety and comfort. For example the car seat isn't properly secured using the lower anchor system or seat belt isn't secure enough, it won't safeguard your child in the event of a crash. Experts advise selecting a seat that can be properly used using both methods of installation.
A car seat's ability to last longer is a different aspect to take into consideration. Some infant car seats are intended to be used until your child grows enough for a booster, while others can be used through toddlerhood and to the age of preschool. The choice of a car seat for babies with an increased height and weight limit will ensure that it will fit your child for the longest possible period of time.
It's also important to consider the extra features some infant car seats have. For instance, some car seats can be used with strollers, making it easier to get your baby out and into the car. These additional features can add to the cost of a baby seat. It's important to consider the features that matter to you before you make the purchase.
In general, experts recommend buying a car seat for infants that is affordable and reliable. Jennifer LaBracio, Babylist's gear editor and Carseat Helper author she says there are many options which are safe, reliable and simple to use. She recommends the Evenflo LiteMax DLX because it is affordable and has many features normally reserved for seats that cost more. They include a load leg that helps ensure the safety of the seat in an accident, as well being user-friendly features like a bubble indicator on the base to let parents know they're installing it level and securely.
Convenience
Car seats are designed to provide optimal protection for infants and young children on car journeys. While all car seats by age seats sold in the US must pass strict safety regulations, there are some characteristics that make a car seat more user-friendly that are particularly beneficial when you're traveling with a baby or need to install the car seat in a different vehicle.
For example, a seat that lets you click into and out of the base without removing the seat from the car is more convenient to maneuver when switching vehicles, while seats with LATCH connections that are rigid (which are directly connected to the metal lower anchors in your vehicle) tend to offer the most secure connection. The Nuna Pipa Rx, for example, uses this technology and was awarded a top rating in our ease of use tests which makes it one of the top infant car seat inserts for newborns seats to travel with.
Another thing to consider is whether a seat offers a wide range of recline options. This determines the degree to which the car seat will fit in the vehicle. It is an important consideration for anyone who plans to use their baby car seat on public transportation, like taxis. Fortunately, car seats that offer a wider range of recline positions can be placed in more vehicles than seats with smaller recline options.
The weight is another aspect to consider when selecting an forward facing infant car seat car seat. A seat that is lighter is easier to carry if you intend to use it frequently for transport or to use as a carrier on strollers. Also, a car seat that comes with a leveling system and indicators to help you confirm the proper installation of the car seat is simpler to use and more likely to be correctly installed.
Finally, if you're considering an all-in-one infant car seat ensure that it has a narrower width to maximize the rear headrest space. Also, make sure that it has a lockoff feature to ensure the seat remains in the correct position for your child's safety. The Chicco Keyfit 35 has this feature and received a high score in our crash test tests.
Safety
A low-cost car seat should still have the features you require to ensure your child's safety. Saxton suggests that it should come with five points of harness and be well-padded and have a headrest that is capable of withstanding the force of a high speed crash. It should also include load legs, which helps to keep the seat in place in the event of a rollover. Look for safety indicators such as bubble level at the base of the seat or built-in levelers. It's also important to look for a no-rethread safety harness that doesn't require you to take and move straps around as your child grows.
In terms of safety features, experts suggest checking the weight and height restrictions on each seat to be sure that it is suitable for your child for as long as it is possible. Consider a seat made of EPS foam, which is extremely light and highly efficient at dispersing the energy of an impact. Also, consider if it comes with a side impact protection system, which will protect your baby from crashes that originate from the sides rather than from the front. Some seats also have alert systems that inform the driver if a child is left unattended in the car or other unsafe circumstances are taking place.
Finally, experts suggest looking at the manufacturer's reputation and staying clear of seats being sold secondhand. They could be dated or have been involved in an accident that weakened their safety. It could also be because they are made from low-quality materials. Instead, consider a new seat from an unbiased source such as a department store or online retailer.
Start with a highly-rated car seat that has undergone rigorous crash testing. Evenflo LiteMax DLX is a excellent example. It was a top pick for car seat technicians and Babylist gear editors Jennifer LaBracio. It has excellent reviews, a generous weight limit and additional features like a load-leg that are typically only available on higher-priced models. Also, look out for other safety-related features, like a strong fabric that's machine-washable, and GREENGUARD Gold certification, which indicates that the car seat and the base were made without harmful chemicals.