"cheap" car seats

mrshudson618

Anyone know much about the cheaper car seat brands? We are looking to get a second convertable for DH's car, and it won't get used a huge amount,so we would like to spend as little as is reasonable. 

Everything I google just says to get a Britax or radian, but I am looking more in the Cosco, Safety 1st, Evenflo price range.

Anything to definitly avoid? I have heard bad things about cosco- buckles/ straps really difficult to adjust etc. 

This is the one I am looking at, any thoughts?

https://smile.amazon.com/Safety-1st-Alpha-Convertible-Bromley/dp/B00GEF7CD8/ref=sr_1_1?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=undefined&sr=1-1&keywords=car+seat

Kitten80

We have 2 Cosco seats we got when we flew. We could never get it to rear face correctly in 2 of 4 cars we tried it in.for this reason, it became DS's seat when DD went into convertible seat and was still RF. He didn't complain about comfort too much, and I didn't think adjusting was too hard BUT the straps constantly, continually, I swear even if we hadn't touched them were twisted. It stunk big time. I'm so glad we are done with it because having to pull it from the middle seat to untwist (edit) was terrible. GL!

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mrshudson618

mermomo5 said:

Found this one for $89 https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B005WHQKG4?pc_redir=1408191104&robot_redir=1 Scratch That. Says rear facing till 30lbs. Not sure how big your lo is?

yeah, I looked at that one, but the weight restrictions are pretty limiting. 

The certified tech on my local group recommended this one brcause it is less limiting: 

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00ISS2KVI/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=1NUX9R9FE4WLZ&coliid=IGAKAG2YHH5TQ&psc=1

Its even cheaper, but I don't know much about evenflo. Anyone with experience?

mrshudson618

iandloveandyou1 said:

I have read good things about Cosco, and we were planning on getting the $55 one at Wal-mart for traveling.   They all meet the same safety requirements.

It seems to come down to ease of use (since they are all safe) which is extremely difficult to research without experiened users to recommend!

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redhead610

That one seems to have a smaller range for rear facing (if you plan to rear face for awhile). Reviews of the cosco seats are also that they don't allow for erf.

My mom has an Evenflo Sureride dlx 65 for her car. She ordered it from kohls with 30% off, and it was just under $100. It has great reviews, is really comfy, and has decent height/weight ranges. It wasn't as easy to install as our graco, but it wasn't too bad. I would really recommend it as a decently priced alternative.

mrshudson618

mermomo5 said:

https://www.diapers.com/p/graco-my-ride-65-dlx-convertible-car-seat-matrix-831014

This is the one I have in my van for everyday use, I was hoping to stay under $100 for the second one

mrshudson618

N0702 said:

If you're looking into Graco, they have a $25 dollar mail in rebate with Target. Must be purchased by Oct 31st though. Not sure about your budget, but there's convertible one that's up to 70 lbs, which costs $159.99 and then minus the rebate, so not that bad + free shipping.

If you want cheaper, I've read good reviews about the Cosco Scenera, which is up to 40 lbs and it's anywhere from $40-50.

The scenera is recommended a lot for a cheap seat, but my sister had a cosco as a second seat and hated it. I've buckled her daughter in it and its a PITA, so I think I want to stay away from cosco. I think at $50 you get what you pay for.

[Deleted User]

The Baby Bargains book recommends the Evenflo Titan Elite.  We got an Evenflo for my mom's car (I don't remember the type) and I had no trouble getting DS in and out.  In fact it seemed to work a little easier than my Britax. 

Pink724

I've heard good things about the Safety 1st Guide 65. It is good for ERF and is around $100. I think we'll be getting it when we get a second car.

ETA: Here is the review from CSTFL

https://csftl.org/safety-1st-guide-65-mini-review/

opheliainwaders

I am actually JUST figuring this out - we're heading to CA in the fall to visit my dad, and I was thinking of getting one of the Evenflo ones. I imagine it won't be as comfy as the Chicco we have, but for 2 weeks I think she can deal?

mrshudson618

@Silv3rlining could you be a bit more specific? what didn't you like about it?

theuntaggablek

We got an evenflo for DH's car. It was good enough that when it was time to buy 2 new harnessed boosters we got evenflo cheapies. Not as nice as britax but fine.

mrshudson618

@LauraC122 and @Ladyblue07 After reading the CSFTL review, the Safety 1st one is definitely out.

https://csftl.org/the-alpha-omega-why-its-neither-the-first-nor-the-last-nor-the-elite-car-seat/

rondosa

@mrshudson618‌ I have a Snugli all in one, but it's made by Evenflo....it's basically an Evenflo Symphony DLX but with nicer fabrics and a few nicer touches. 

I've been really happy with mine. No issues, did my research on safety and it rated really well, excellent side impact protection etc. I'm not as familiar with the Sureride but we are happy with the brand overall.

@missymr you gotta message me next time, I got my seat for $205 w/taxes shipped within Canada...I'm the queen of Internet deals, it's my blood sport. 

Lelo2006

I hate the evenflo tribute.

emandia

I'm glad you posted this! I hate my Britax. It's so bulky and so hard to get him in and out. The cover keeps coming off at the top too. Drives me nuts. Shopping for a less bulky one.