Looking for an Inexpensive Car Seat

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

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.

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?

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

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.

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

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! :)