Experts in car seat design recommend that you look for safety features like a load leg to brace the base, side-impact protection and the option of using the seat with or without a base. This is especially helpful if you are taking taxis. Also consider recline options.
Dilts suggests that features with premium quality, such as adjustable harnesses that do not require rethreading or easy-to-clean fabric may also be worth the investment.
1. Evenflo LiteMax 35
A little ease is a great help during the hectic beginning of the first few months of life and the Evenflo LiteMax 35 is one of the best car seat infant infant car seats that can assist parents on their journey. It was designed for infants who weigh between 4 and 35 lbs. It is lightweight and easy to carry. It still has the most recent safety standards and features.
Parents are impressed by the design’s lightweight and ease of use. Parents also like that the seat can be installed with or without the 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 safe rear facing, budget-friendly car seat that is packed with premium features such as soft harness pads as well as an extended canopy. The seat is also easy to clean, as it has a smooth shell and several nooks and crevices where gunk could hide.
Some customers are worried about the durability and longevity of the LiteMax. The plastic construction is thin and may not provide the same level of confidence as a more durable car seat in high-impact situations. If security and longevity are your top priorities it’s worth considering higher-end options.
This cheap infant car seats (Read the Full Guide) has a removable insert that helps keep baby warm throughout the first few months. Some parents find the insert useful, while others think it’s bulky and takes up a lot of space in the car. The user’s manual is tucked under the fabric of the side shell of the seat which makes it difficult to access in the event of an accident occurs.
While the LiteMax is a great value car seat, it doesn’t come with a built-in handle for carrying. It is therefore essential to invest in a stroller that can accommodate the car seat, like the Mountain Buggy Nano. On the site of the manufacturer you can find compatibility lists for this car seat and other strollers. You can also request an expert technician to conduct an assessment of the fit.
2. Safety 1st on board 35
Safety 1st OnBoard infant car seats are a great option for parents who wish to avoid the aches that can be associated with the more expensive models. It comes with a variety of inserts for infants and preemies. It also comes with four height positions for harnesses as well as an adjustable base that can be adjusted to accommodate different vehicle seat heights.
The OnBoard received three stars out of five in our crash tests. This is a great score for a seat that costs less. It also scored well in our tests of user-friendliness which test the difficultness of installing and using the seat. In particular the buckle system is easy to use and comes with a clear manual that includes clear illustrations to make adjustments easier to understand. It also has an tether strap that is simple to use and is able to run through the belt path. This makes it simpler to attach to vehicles without lower LATCH anchors.
While the OnBoard is a great affordable choice for families, it’s not without its flaws. It doesn’t have an indicator like most rear-facing only seats, and lets you know whether the angle is correct. It is also difficult to install if there’s no base. The OnBoard’s recline indicator, which is located on its carrier and not on the base, can be frustrating for infants weighing less than 35 pounds. It isn’t easy to get the bubble indicators to be in the right direction simultaneously.
On the positive side it is one of the lightest options for rear-facing only seats. It weighs only 7.9 pounds. It also has a hefty 8 year lifespan and can be used rear facing up to the point that the child is 32 inches tall or 35 pounds. It comes with a handy release handle that can be used one-handed, which is machine washable and safe for the dryer.
OnBoard is able to be easily connected to strollers with Safety 1st QuickClick. This lets you use it as a traveling solution when you are out and about. It can also be easily attached to strollers using standard LATCH connections.
3. Century Carry On 35
The Century Carry On 35 Infant Car Seat offers security and comfort with thoughtful features that prioritize your baby’s wellbeing. The user-friendly design is simple to set up and secure. The canopy that is built-in offers protection from the elements. The infant car seats that swivel insert is included to help to ensure a snug fit.
The seat has an indicator for level to ensure proper rear-facing placement. This feature eliminates guesswork and reduces the risk of improper positioning, ensuring maximum safety for your child. The indicator is clear and simple which makes it easy for parents to see when the seat is properly installed.
In contrast to some of its competitors, the Century Carry On 35 Infant Car Seat features various harness positions and adjustable slots, making it simple to customize the fit for your baby. The lever for harness release and buckle adjustment add convenience. The carrier comes with harness covers for added security and comfort.
Another important consideration is whether the vehicle has an LATCH system. The Carry On 35 does have the standard LATCH system that is easy to connect with the lower anchors on the vehicle. Some families prefer seats that have locks that are easier to use like the Chicco KeyFit Infant Car Seat. It has a SuperCinch middle pull strap and better test results.
The base and the car seat of this Century Carry On 35 Infant Car Seat is extremely light, so it’s easy to travel with your child. It’s also FAA approved for aircraft use, meaning it can be installed on the plane.
In addition it can be used with any stroller that accept the snap-in connector. This feature is great for parents who change vehicles frequently and want to save travel time.
The Century Carry On 35 Infant Car Seat is equipped with an infant-friendly insert cushioned that ensures a snug fit. This feature improves the comfort of your baby on their travels and allows them to sleep comfortably during rides. The insert can be cleaned, making it easy to maintain and keep clean. It can also be used with the optional head pad to provide optimal support for your infant.
4. Nuna Pipa Urbn
The Nuna Pipa Urbn infant car seat is unique and incredibly secure, yet it doesn’t sacrifice the comfort. Consumer Reports, a world-renowned independent safety company, has helped create it. It has a top-rated crash protection rating because of Aeroflex, an EPP foam that is flexible and reduces and disperses energy in the event of collision. It has side impact protection to ensure the safety of your infant.
The pipaFIX latches are built into the car seat and can be installed without a base. Parents can secure the car seat in just a few seconds by using useful indicators that show a successful installation. It can be secured using a regular vehicle’s seatbelt by following the European style of installation.
In addition to its quick and easy installation it is also easy to install. Pipa Urbn is also super light. It is easy to carry in and out of your car as well as with strollers. It is also compatible with the sleek Nuna MIXX Next stroller to create an entire travel system for all your everyday adventures.
The Pipa Urbn also comes with the advantage of being compatible with a wide variety of vehicles. This means you won’t need to buy a brand new seat if you change cars. It can be used in conjunction with the Nuna TRVL, TRIV Next or MIXX Next stroller, and it’s also part of a travel set-up with the Doona+.
Contrary to other infant car seats that are heavy and difficult to maneuver, the Nuna Pipa Urbn is designed to provide comfort and ease of use with comfortable lower and shoulder buckle covers. It also includes a UPF 50+ canopy that protects your baby from harmful sunlight rays. It has a flip-out eyes shade as well as a large peekaboo window and the renowned Dream drape which silently attaches at the bottom of the seat to allow uninterrupted naps.
The greatest benefit of the Pipa Urbn is that you can use it in any vehicle, even ones that do not have ISOFIX or LATCH connectors. PipaFIX rigid locks are placed towards the rear of the car seat for newborn from where you sit. Then, locate the latches on your vehicle, align them, and click to secure. When you’re ready to take them off, you can do so with just one hand.