Safest And Affordable Infant Car Seats in 2023

Finding the safest and most affordable car seat for infants and toddlers can be overwhelming especially if you’re a first-time mother. As a mother of three, I had the same challenge when my firstborn came along. It’s easier to get overwhelmed given the different infant car seat models available on the market today- from lightweight, convertible, car seat stroller combo, baby car seats for small cars and the list is endless.

It is also important to note that there is legislation that varies state by state on what is legally required to restrain your baby, toddler, or child in a vehicle. See this article from the American Automobile Association (AAA) for comprehensive information

Check out our How to Buy Car Seats For Baby Guide if this is your first time buying a car seat.

I know you might be thinking – any seat would be perfect for my newborn – but the answer is no. Different seats are designed for kids of different ages. For example, there are seats for newborns, seats for toddlers, and car seats or boosters for bigger kids.

That’s why I decided to carry the burden on your behalf and spent over 24 hours researching and sorting the best from the rest to help you make a wise decision in your quest to find the best infant car seat.

 

When To Buy An Infant Car Seat

An infant seat has a weight limit of 35 to 40 pounds and a height limitation of up to 32 to 35 inches tall. This means that an infant seat cannot be used by children that exceed these limitations and are only used facing the rear of the car.

 Car Seat For Infants Comparison Chart

ImageNameBest for:
best infant car seatChicco KeyFit 30 MagicBest Infant Car Seat 2021
best infant car seatCombi Coccoro Convertible Car SeatBest Infant Car Seat for Small Cars
best infant car seatGraco SnugRide Click Connect Lightest Infant Car Seat
best infant car seatEvenflo Nurture Car SeatBest Inexpensive Infant Car Seat
best infant car seatChicco KeyFit 30Best Infant Car Seats for Twins and Preemies

What To Consider When Buying An Infant Car Seat

Just like buying your first vehicle, there are factors that you need to consider before purchasing an infant car seat. Below are some questions that you should ask before making the decision.

The size of your vehicle: You should buy an infant seat that fits in your vehicle. If you have a small or large vehicle, you need to consider this.

How often will you be moving the seat in and out of the vehicle? When shopping for an infant seat, first consider whether you will need to take the seat in and out of the car frequently. If so portability is a key consideration.

Comfort: the infant seat should be comfortable for your baby. Check to see if the seat is padded and offers sufficient head support. Place your baby in the seat so that you are satisfied that it is suitable

Brand and Models: Make sure that the seat has not been recalled. There are two websites to check this out. The NHTSA website is an excellent resource to check, as is verywellfamily.com to also check seat brands and models that have been recalled.

Cleaning: The truth is, babies can be messy. When shopping for a car seat, it’s important to buy one that’s easy to clean. Also, check if the seat cover comes off to make that task easier.

Best Affordable Infant Car Seat Reviews

1. Chicco KeyFit 30 Magic

best infant car seat

(Check Latest Price on Amazon)

The best infant seat should have all features associated with safety, reliability, and affordability. If you’re looking for a seat with such features, I would recommend Chicco KeyFit 30 Magic.

Chicco KeyFit is easy to install, fitted with premium and comfy fabric for the safety of your little one. You can use the seat from birth right up until your child weighs 30 lbs. The reason why I love and recommend this seat is that it’s compatible with most Chicco strollers and other well-known brands on the market.

Compatible strollers:

  • Chicco Bravo
  • Activ3
  • Cortina
  • Neuvo
  • TRE
  • Cortina Together
  • Liteway Plus
  • KeyFit Caddy strollers

2. Combi Coccoro Convertible Seat

best infant car seat

(Check Prices & Deals)

How big is your vehicle? The size will determine what will fit and what will not. Small cars will need a small compact seat. One of the best seats for small cars is the Combi Coccoro Convertible Seat.

It is lightweight and compact and designed to fit small cars. This means your vehicle can accommodate up to three seats across the rear seat. The convertible seat is equipped with a layer of energy-absorbing foam that absorbs energy during a crash protecting your baby’s head, neck, and spine.

It comes with a five-point harness, an easy-to-remove cover, an infant insert pillow, and harness pads to keep your child comfortable. The weight limits for this seat range from 3 lbs to 33 lbs with the child rear-facing and from 20 to 40 lbs with the child forward-facing.

3. Graco SnugRide Click Connect

best infant car seat

(Check Prices & Deals)

If you want to buy a booster  seat or a convertible  seat, then the weight is not going to be a concern since they are designed to be used in your car most of the time. However, if you’re looking to buy the best seat then weight should be a major factor to consider.

Infant seats are designed to be carried around, and their most significant selling point is the fact that they easily click in and out of the base of your seat.

If you’re looking to buy a child’s seat that is lightweight the Graco SnugRide Click Connect Seat is an excellent choice. You will be able to transport your baby from home, around town and run errands without any hassles. It is a rear-facing seat that helps protect kids weighing from 4 to 35 pounds and up to 32 inches, making it the best first seat for your baby.

The seat comes with a 5-point harness that can be adjusted from the front making it easier for you to get your little one in and out of the seat. The seat has been crash tested and meets United States safety standards.

4. Evenflo Nurture

best infant car seat

(See User Reviews and Photos)

If you’re looking for a cheaper seat that doesn’t compromise on quality, you will love the Evenflo Nurture Infant Car Seat.  It comes with a 5-point harness with a two-crotch buckle and a three-shoulder harness for better fit and durability.

As a mother, what I love about this seat is the fact that it comes with a separate stay in the base that allows for easy movement in and out of the car.

It is equipped with an energy-absorbing foam liner that helps provide added safety and comfort for your baby. The seat can only be used rear-facing and only for babies weighing between 5 to 22 pounds.

The Shortcoming

There’s a saying that goes, “you get what you pay for,” and this applies when it comes to purchasing an infant seat. You will probably be getting the minimum safety standard.

5. Chicco KeyFit 30

best infant car seat

(Check Price & Deals)

There are two main features that you should look for before buying the best seats for preemies (or smaller twins). Low harness slots and minimum weight rating.

The rule of rear-facing infant seats is that the baby’s shoulders should be at or above the nearest harness slot. So it is important that the seat you choose has harness slots that are low for smaller babies. If the lowest harness slot on the seat is too high, the baby will not be able to be strapped in correctly.

Chicco KeyFit 30 Infant Seat is America’s number one seat. It’s easy to install, comes with a five-point harness that easily adjusts with one hand and it’s ideal for newborns weighing 4 to 11 pounds.

The car seat comes with level indicators that will help you accurately verify the base angle when installing it in your vehicle. It’s also equipped with a removable body and head support for newborns and smaller infants. It is also compatible with all Chicco strollers for on-the-go travel convenience.

In Conclusion

The infant car seats described will ensure that your little one is safely secured in your car when traveling. They are not only designed for safety but also comfort as well.

You can also read this article about 27 baby items list with pictures for first-time parents or reviews about the best car seat for babies with reflux in the market.

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Hi, I'm Tanya Madsen, a stay at home mother of 3 and a full time blogger. I participate in Amazon affiliate programs and earn a commission when you click over from our site. It won't cost you an extra dime (in fact you'll usually get a discount), so it's a win-win.

Tanya Madsen
 

Hi, I'm Tanya Madsen, a stay at home mother of 3 and a full time blogger. I participate in Amazon affiliate programs and earn a commission when you click over from our site. It won't cost you an extra dime (in fact you'll usually get a discount), so it's a win-win.

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