It’s no secret that preparing for your baby’s arrival isn’t cheap, but finding a car seat that is safe and affordable is possible. There are infant and convertible car seats for every budget. Here are our top picks for affordable and safe car seats.
Infant Car Seats
Baby Trend Flex-Loc, $89, is a great option for a first car seat. You have the ease of an infant carrier without a huge price tag. There's a five-point harness that can be adjusted with one hand; a four-position height-adjustable base; and top-of-the-line safety features. As a rear-facing car seat for children 5 to 30 pounds, the Flex-Loc could presumably last through the first 18 months of your child's life. Its sizable canopy provides plenty of sun protection, and the harness height adjusts up with the twist of a knob.
The Graco SnugRide Classic Connect 30 is another great infant car seat option. It’s priced at $99.98 and is perfect for smaller cars. Its design is loved by moms because the latch system is simple to use and the base is very easy to install. It's a cheap, functional, and safe car seat.
Convertible Car Seats
The Evenflo SureRide DLX, $85, can carry a child facing the front of the car all the way up to 65 pounds or 54 inches tall. This car seat has six harness heights and two buckle positions to help achieve a proper fit. A machine-washable seat pad makes for easy cleaning, and parents say it keeps their kids comfortable.
Another great cheap, convertible car seat option is the Safety 1st OnSide Air, $72, and it comes highly recommended by consumers and experts who have put it through independent crash testing. The name OnSide Air refers to a design intended to protect the head in a side-impact collision. This car seat provides four harness heights and three buckle positions to accommodate kids up to 43 inches or 40 pounds.
What to Avoid
It is recommended that you do not purchase used car seats. Car seats should not be used after a car accident, even it's a minor accident. It's hard to tell how much a car seat has been damaged in a wreck so it is best to avoid them, even if you feel like it will save money. Used seats typically do not come with the manufacturer's instructions, which are necessary to install and use a car seat properly. If you choose to use a previously used seat from a friend or family member, make sure you check the expiration date, which should be stamped on the car seat. Plastic ages and can compromise the safety of the seat.
