How to Buy Infant Car Seats Cheap
There are a myriad of things to take into consideration when choosing a baby car seat, including the price, features that are unique and stroller compatibility. Babylist's gear editor Jennifer LaBracio recommends the Evenflo LiteMax DLX which is a budget option that receives praise from CPSTs because of its load leg (a fancy name for an adjustable base leg).
Other standout features include easy installation with clear directions and bubble indicators on the base as well as GREENGUARD certification.
Size
The car seat for your infant is one of the first major purchases for your baby. There are many options out there that can fit your budget and family's needs. From all-in-one models to convertible seats, you'll be able to find the ideal 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 new or used models.
The type of car seat you choose will determine how much 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 could allow your child to use the seat for a longer amount of time. It is important to ensure the seat will be suitable for your child even as they develop.
Also, think about how easy it is to use the seat. This is crucial, especially in the event that you intend to change cars and transfer the seat from one vehicle to the next frequently. You can check the manual provided by the manufacturer to determine how easy it is to install or take the seat off. Also, look for features like straps with padding for the shoulder harness, and the seat that is comfortable for your child.
Another thing to think about 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 you can. It's worth looking for a lightweight car seat that has plenty of padding to ensure your baby's safety.
Then, you should look for a convertible car seat that can be converted into a booster seat. This will save you money and allow your child to sit in the car seat until they are ready to move over to an adult seatbelt.
The best place to shop for a cheap infant car seat is Strolleria. They have a wide range of premium car seats on sale, including popular models from CYBEX and Chicco. They also feature a range of payment plans that can allow families to purchase the car seat they want without straining their budget. They frequently update their inventory with new car seats and accessories to ensure it is always fresh.
Weight
Car seats can be very heavy especially when they are filled with babies. The heavier a car seat is and the more difficult it is to remove or install it from a car. That's why it's important to consider the weight of a car seat before you buy it.
In addition, the method by which the car seat is set up in a vehicle can also impact its safety and comfort. If a car seat cannot be tightened properly with a lower anchor system or seat belt, for instance it will not protect your child from the possibility of a crash. Experts recommend choosing a car seat which can be correctly installed using both methods.
The capacity of a car seat to last an extended period of time is another aspect to take into consideration. Some infant car seats can be used until your child is at the age of a booster seat while others are designed to last until the age of toddlerhood, or even preschool. The choice of a car seat for babies with a higher height and weight limit ensures that it will be suitable for your child for the longest possible period of time.
It is also important to be aware of the extra features that some infant car seats offer. For instance, some seats can be used with strollers to make it easier to get your baby out and into the car. These additional features can add to the cost of an infant seat. It is crucial to consider the features that matter to you prior to making the purchase.
In general, experts suggest purchasing a baby car seat that is affordable and reliable. "There are plenty of decent options that are reputable and safe to use," says Carseat Helper writer and Babylist gear editor Jennifer LaBracio. She particularly recommends the Evenflo LiteMax DLX, which is inexpensive and has lots of features that are usually reserved for much more expensive seats. They include the load leg, which helps ensure the safety of the seat in the event of a crash, as being user-friendly features like a bubble indicators on the base to inform parents that they're installing the seat level and securely.
Convenience
Car seats are carefully designed to provide optimal security for infants and children on car rides. While all car seats sold in the US must pass strict safety regulations, there are some characteristics that make a car seat more convenient to use that are particularly beneficial when you're traveling with a newborn or have to install the car seat in an alternative vehicle.
For instance, a car seat that lets you click into and out of the base without having to remove the seat from the car is easier to maneuver when switching vehicles, while seats with rigid LATCH connections (which connect directly to the metal lower anchors in your vehicle) tend to provide the most secure connection. The Nuna Pipa Rx, for example, uses this technology and earned a top rating in our user-friendliness tests and is among the top infant car seats available for travel.
A seat's ability to recline is another crucial aspect. This determines the degree to which a car seat can fit into the vehicle and is an important factor for anyone planning to use their child's car seat frequently in public transportation such as taxis. Fortunately, car seats that offer a wider range of recline positions are more likely to fit in more vehicles than those with smaller options for reclining.
The weight of a car seat for infants is another major aspect to consider. A lighter seat is easier to carry if you intend to use it for frequent travel or as a carry on the stroller. A car seat that has an integrated system of leveling and indicators to verify proper installation is more user-friendly.
Finally, if you're considering an all-in-one infant car seat look for one that has an elongated width to maximize your vehicle's rear headrest space. Also, ensure that it comes with a lockoff feature to keep the seat in the proper place for your child's safety. The Chicco Keyfit 35 has this feature and received a high score in our crash test evaluations.
Safety
Even a basic car seat can have all the features that you require to ensure your child's safety. It should come with a five-point harness that is well-padded, and a headrest that can stand up to the force of a high-speed crash, according to Saxton. It should also have an additional load leg to keep the seat stable during the event of a rollover. Look for safety indicators such as bubble levels on the bottom of the seat, or built-in levelers. car seats newborn 's also essential to look for a harness that is not rethread to avoid having to take and change straps as your child grows.
Experts suggest that you look up the weight and height limitations on each seat in order to ensure that it is suitable for your baby as long as possible. Consider a seat made of EPS foam, which is lightweight and highly efficient at dispersing the energy of an collision. Also, consider if it comes with a side-impact protection system that can protect your baby from crashes coming from the sides, rather than the front. Some seats come with alert systems that warn the driver if the child is not in their care or if any other dangerous conditions occur.
Experts advise you to stay clear of seats that are used for sale and check the reputation of the manufacturer. They may be expired or were involved in a crash that could affect their safety. They could also be made of low-quality materials. Instead, you should consider buying a brand new seat from an unbiased source, such as a department store or online retailer.
The best place to start is a top-rated car seat from an accredited manufacturer that has passed vigorous crash testing. One good example is the Evenflo LiteMax DLX, which was a top pick of car seat experts and Babylist gear editor Jennifer LaBracio. It has great reviews, a large maximum weight, and other features such as a load leg which are typically only available on higher-priced 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 made without hazardous chemicals.