Experts in car seat design recommend that you look for safety features like the use of a load leg to support the base, side-impact protection, and the option to use the seat with or without a base. This is especially helpful when taking a taxi. Also, consider recline options.
Dilts suggests that premium features like no-rethread adjustable harnesses or easy-to-clean fabric may also be worth the investment.
1. Evenflo LiteMax 35
A little ease is a great help during the beginning of the first few months of life, and the Evenflo LiteMax 35 is one of the top infant car seats that can assist parents along their journey. It was designed for infants who weigh between 4 and 35 pounds. It is light and easy to carry. However, it is still equipped with the most current safety standards and features.
Parents love the lightweight design and ease of use. Parents also appreciate that the seat can be put in with or without an base. This makes it a great option for many preemies. This is a great option for families with an extremely tight budget. The LiteMax is a rear-facing car seat that has premium features, like soft harness pads and the canopy extends. The seat is also easy to clean since it has a smooth shell as well as several nooks and crevices where gunk could hide.
While the majority of people like the LiteMax, some are worried about its durability and longevity. Plastic construction is flimsy and may not inspire confidence in high-impact situations as an even more durable car seat. If safety and durability are important, it may be worthwhile looking at more expensive options.
This cheap infant car seat (http://wuyuebanzou.com/home.php?mod=space&uid=843759) includes an infant insert that is removable, which helps to keep your baby warm throughout the first few months. Some parents appreciate the insert, while others think it’s bulky and takes up too much space in the car. The user manual tucks under the fabric on the back of the seat shell which can be difficult to reach when a mess occurs.
While the LiteMax is a great value car seat, it does not come with a built-in handle to carry. It is essential to buy a stroller which can accommodate the car, like Mountain Buggy Nano. On the site of the manufacturer, you can check compatibility lists for this car seat as well as other strollers. You can also request an expert technician to conduct an assessment of the fit.
2. Safety 1st onboard 35
The Safety 1st OnBoard is a excellent, low-cost infant car seat option for parents looking to avoid the headaches associated with some expensive models. It comes with a range of inserts for infants and preemies. It also comes with four height positions for harnesses and a base which can be adjusted for different heights of car seats.
The OnBoard scored three stars out of five in our crash tests, which is a decent score for a budget model. It also scored highly in our tests of ease-of-use which test the difficultness of installing and using the seat. In particular, the OnBoard’s buckle system is easy to use, and comes with a clear manual that includes clear illustrations to make adjustments less confusing. It also has a tether strap which is simple to use and flows through the belt route. This makes it easier to attach to vehicles without lower LATCH anchors.
While the OnBoard is a fantastic and affordable choice for families, it does have its problems. It does not come with an indicator on the base like most rear facing only seats that lets you know that the angle is right and it’s difficult to install without a base. The OnBoard’s reclining indicator which is situated on the carrier, not on its base, can be frustrating for infants weighing less than 35 pounds. It can be a challenge to get the bubble indicators to be in the right zone simultaneously.
On the positive side, it is one of the lightest rear-facing seats. It weighs only 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 has a convenient one-handed release handle that is machine washable and dryer safe.
OnBoard is able to be easily connected to strollers by using Safety 1st QuickClick. This lets you make use of it as a travel solution when you are out and about. It can also be attached to strollers with the standard LATCH connections.
3. Century Carry On 35
The Century Carry On 35 Infant Car Seat offers safety and convenience with thoughtful features that focus on your baby’s wellbeing. Its user-friendly design makes it simple to put in and secure, while the built-in canopy provides protection from the elements. The infant car seat that swivels insert included helps to achieve a comfortable fit.
The seat comes with an indicator for level to ensure that the rear-forward facing infant car seat seat is properly installed. This feature eliminates any guesswork and minimizes the risk that your child will be positioned incorrectly and ensures optimal safety. The indicator is simple and easy to read, making it easy to determine if the seat is installed correctly.
Contrary to other brands unlike other models, the Century Carry On 35 Infant Car Seat features various harness positions and adjustment slots, making it easy to customize the fit for your baby. It also features an adjustable harness release lever as well as a buckle adjuster that provides ease of use. The carrier comes with harness covers for added comfort and security.
A LATCH system is a further important factor to consider. The Carry On 35 does have an LATCH system that is standard, which is easy to connect with the lower anchors on the vehicle. However, some families prefer seats with more user-friendly locking systems such as the Chicco KeyFit 35 Infant Car Seat, which comes with a SuperCinch center pull strap as well as better crash test results.
Both the base and the carrier of the Century Carry On 35 Infant Car Seat are light and easy to travel with your little one. It is also FAA certified for use in aircrafts.
The carrier can also be used with any stroller that accepts an integrated snap-in connector. This feature is great for parents who switch vehicles often and want to save travel time.
The Century Carry On 35 Infant Car Seat has an infant insert that is padded and provides a comfortable and cozy fit for newborns. This feature lets your baby to nap comfortably while traveling, increasing their comfort. The insert can be washed and dried, making it easy to clean and maintain. It can also be used with the head pad that is available to provide optimal lateral support to your baby.
4. Nuna Pipa Urbn
The Nuna Pipa Urbn is a one-of-a-kind infant car seat that’s incredibly safe without compromising on convenience. It’s designed with the help of the world-renowned, independent safety firm, Consumer Reports. Aeroflex, an EPP foam that compresses and disperses impact energy during a collision, has been awarded a top crash protection rating. It also has side impact protection to ensure the safety of your child.
It installs into the vehicle without a base, and is fitted with the steel-reinforced pipaFIX rigid latches that are built into the car seat and allows parents to secure the seat in just a few seconds with helpful indicators that ensure a successful installation. It can also be installed using a standard seat belt using the European-style installation method.
Pipa Urbn’s fast and simple installation is accompanied by its super light weight. It is simple to move inside and out of your car as well as with a stroller. It also connects effortlessly and easily with the sleek Nuna MIXX Next Stroller to create a travel system that is ideal for everyday use.
Another bonus of the Pipa Urbn is that it’s compatible with many different vehicles, meaning you don’t have to buy an entirely new car seat should you decide to change your vehicle. It can be used in combination with the Nuna TRVL or TRIV Next stroller.
In contrast to other infant car seats that are bulky and hard to move and difficult to maneuver, the Nuna Pipa Urbn is engineered to provide comfort and ease of use with comfy shoulder and lower buckle covers. It also has a full-coverage UPF 50+ canopy that protects your baby from harmful sun rays. It comes with a flip-out eye shade as well as a large peek-aboo window and the famous Dream drape that slacks to the back of the seat for unrestricted napping.
The most appealing thing about the Pipa Urbn is that you can use it in any vehicle, including ones without ISOFIX or LATCH connectors. Simply pivot the pipaFIX latches from under the seat, locate the latches in your car and align them, and click to secure. When you’re ready to remove them, you can do it by hand.