Looking for an Inexpensive Car Seat

Updated on December 26, 2010
V.T. asks from McKinney, TX
7 answers

My husband and I are traveling to San Francisco in late January and it will be cheaper for us to buy a car seat that is around $50 than to rent one from Hertz and I would feel better not renting one any way. I don't mind traveling with a car seat, I've done it in the past. Actually we have the Evenflo Tribute, which is great, but we left it in Maryland at my parents house when we visited last. With coupons I can get another Tribute at Babies R Us for around $50, but I was wondering if there is a website or a store where I can get a cheaper one. I know Wal-Mart has Cosco brand for around $39, but I don't like how it doesn't have any head cushions and when I borrowed my sister's Cosco it was difficult to install. Does anyone have any recommendations of where I can get a inexpensive car seat or is the $50 car seat the best I can do? Thanks.

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Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

E.C.

answers from San Francisco on

what age and size is your child? The Cosco scenera *is* pretty well regarded as an affordable and safe option whose light weight makes it travel-friendly - see this carseatblog.com entry from a certified child passenger safety tech: http://carseatblog.com/2813/dorel-cosco-scenera-review-a-...

the same tech also has some YouTube installation videos featuring the Scenera that might be helpful

Rear-facing with seatbelt: http://www.youtube.com/user/CarSeatSite#p/u/13/1QVlTKBIb70

Rear-facing with LATCH:
http://www.youtube.com/user/CarSeatSite#p/u/14/V5HnuYzFtWM

Forward facing with seat belt:
http://www.youtube.com/user/CarSeatSite#p/u/8/orwlrrlRI8A

Forward facing with LATCH:
http://www.youtube.com/user/CarSeatSite#p/u/9/12nBiM0mudU

Also, the following carseatblog entries have some helpful tips for air travel with children:
http://carseatblog.com/6599/airplanes-carseats-and-kids—w...
http://carseatblog.com/6635/airplanes-carseats-and-kids—w...

hope that helps!

1 mom found this helpful
Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.S.

answers from Lansing on

Idk if its a state recommendation in MI or what, but I've always heard that you're not supposed to use a used car seat. One reason being that you dont know the history, like if it was in an accident. Also, when I had my 3rd baby's installed by our Twp Fire Dept (some places, like hospitals too, will install professionally) they told me the same thing. They even give parents a gift certificate toward the purchase of a new one.

I have 4 kids and have used 2 used car seats, but wanted to pass that info along in case you'd like to know.

Oh, and its recommended it shouldn't be more than 10 years old. If previosuly used and then sat around, that could be possible.

Good luck finding what you want. Merry Christmas! :)

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.L.

answers from Philadelphia on

For what it worth, when I was researching, the Costo one was top rated (with Britax) in the top 5 for safety (which for me is the most important thing, especially if you are on a budget)-- I got one, and it has been great.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.S.

answers from San Francisco on

Garage sales , children's consignment stores or walmart/target for a different carseat. If you could cushin the cosco brand, would you like it better? I just put a snuggly cover to make it more comfy. HTH.

M

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

A.C.

answers from Houston on

I use the Cosco seat and don't find it any more difficult to install than another. It is a stripped down version, but still meets minimum safety standards...and it is for temporary use right?

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

C.B.

answers from Boston on

Try consignment shops. Ours in Massachusetts sells used carseats and many people buy their extra ones for grandma's car, etc. there.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

P.K.

answers from New York on

Consignment shops here will not sell used car seats. The Cosco is
great for your purpose. It worked for me. I would go with Cosco.
Meets all safety requirements, just without the bells and whistles.

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