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Car Seat Weight Limits, Car Seat Size
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Mid-range
High end
$50
$100
$200...+In this review:
- Best Cheap Car Seats, Cheap Convertible Car Seats Review
- Car Seat Harness, LATCH System
- Car Seat Weight Limits, Car Seat Size
- Car Seat Reviews
- Best Car Seats
- Discount Car Seats Features Comparison Table
Car Seats Features (continued)
Car Seat Weight Limits.
Car seat weight limits determine how long a child can ride in the safer, rear-facing position.Children between 22 and 40 pounds can also ride facing forward in the Safety 1st OnSide Air Convertible Car Seat and the Eddie Bauer Deluxe. At that point, the Eddie Bauer seat can convert to a booster seat for children up to 80 pounds, making it the most versatile car seat on our list. The forward-facing weight range on the Graco ComfortSport is 20 to 40 pounds. In the Evenflo Titan Elite, children can ride facing forward from 20 to 50 pounds, a definite selling point for consumers posting reviews on Buzzillions.
Car Seat Materials.
The fabric on inexpensive car seats affects perceptions of durability. Inexpensive car seats come in a variety of fabrics and colors and are often made of nylon or a similar easy-to-wipe material. The consensus among experienced parents is that material quality trumps pattern when deciding which car seat to buy. Because a convertible car seat should accommodate a child for several years, be sure to choose one that suits your lifestyle. If you expect to dine in your vehicle, remember that lighter-colored materials show stains and spills more readily. Features such as additional seat covers and seat pads that are easy to remove and wash will increase a car seat's longevity and improve its appearance. All the inexpensive car seats on our list are made with washable fabric and all except the Safety 1st OnSide Air Convertible Car Seat have removable seat pads that are machine-washable.Car Seat Size.
Overall car seat size can vary tremendously depending on the model and features. Activity trays, cup holders, and extra padding add to a car seat's size, but many consumers seem willing to shoehorn a large seat into the car if it means more comfort for the passenger. Just make sure the convertible car seat you choose fits into your car. Most stores will let you leave a drivers license with them in order to take a seat out to your car to test for fit.Consider car seat weight as well. A car seat's advertised weight includes the seat unit with the attachments and padding. Parents seem to prefer a car seat that feels strong enough to support and protect a child but light enough to carry into an airport or transfer from one car to another. One user of the nine-pound Cosco Scenera writes on the Toys R Us website that the seat seems flimsy and bends easily, whereas the Graco ComfortSport and Evenflo Titan Elite, which weigh in at 12 pounds and 12.7 pounds respectively, are described as sturdy in user reviews on Buzzillions and Walmart. The Safety 1st OnSide Air Convertible Car Seat tips the scale at 12.1 pounds, while Eddie Bauer Deluxe Convertible Car Seat is on the heavy side, weighing in at nearly 14 pounds.
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Read user comments below
Best Cheap Car Seats
Evenflo Titan Elite
Consumers say the Evenflo Titan Elite is very secure and provides a comfortable ride. It can hold a child up to 50 pounds, exceeding the weight limits of other low-cost convertible car seats by 10 pounds or more. The seat itself weighs 12.7 pounds, comes with a removable and machine-washable seat pad, and uses the LATCH system. The five-point harness offers four shoulder-strap positions and two buckle positions. Read more »Car Seats Deals
Safety 1st OnSide Air Convertible Car Seat
The Safety 1st OnSide Air Convertible Car Seat allows children to remain rear-facing up to 40 pounds, the highest weight limit of any convertible car seat we researched. Kids can also face forward from 22 to 40 pounds. The five-point harness is highly adjustable, with four shoulder-strap positions and three buckle positions. This car seat uses the LATCH system, features washable fabric, and weighs 12.1 pounds. Read more »Car Seats Deals
Good Cheap Car Seat
Graco ComfortSport
The Graco ComfortSport impresses parents with its easy installation and perceived comfort. Weighing in at 12 pounds, it seats children rear-facing up to only 30 pounds and forward-facing from 20 to 40 pounds. It uses a five-point harness with three shoulder-strap positions and the LATCH system for installation. The seat pad is removable and machine washable. Read more »Car Seats Deals
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Don't Bother Cheap Convertible Car Seat
Eddie Bauer Deluxe Convertible Car Seat
Installation seems to be a major problem with the Eddie Bauer Deluxe. Consumers gripe that the instructions are complicated and the seat doesn't seem tightly secured. There are also complaints about comfort, with poor head positioning and straps that dig into tiny legs. The five-point harness system is adjustable, although the manufacturer doesn't say how exactly. The seat is equipped with the LATCH system and a removable, washable pad. It's on the heavy side, at 13.8 pounds, but can accommodate rear-facing riders up to 35 pounds, forward-facing passengers from 22 to 40 pounds, and booster-seat riders from 40 to 80 pounds. Read more »
Products Mentioned in This Review
Cosco Scenera Convertible Car SeatEddie Bauer Deluxe Convertible Car Seat
Graco ComfortSport
Evenflo Titan Elite
Safety 1st OnSide Air Convertible Car Seat
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