I currently have an Evenflo carseat that I got at Walmart for $60.00. When I bought it I though it would be ok because it had good crash test ratings, but the problem with it is it is TERRIBLY DIFFICULT to adjust the straps and it seems to be very uncomfortable for my son. I would like to get a new seat and though I know at this point you get what you pay for (hence the reason my $60.00 carseat is junk), I still am on a budget. Can anyone recommend a safe and fairly inexpensive carseat?
Thank you for your responses; I was able to look into a lot of different seats and though I have not purchase one yet; I know what I am leaning towards.
we bought the Cosco Scenera, which was on sale for $39 at K-Mart. I think it's usually $45-50. It seems to be comfortable for the kiddo, and the straps are easy to adjust. So anyway, so far it seems to be okay even though it was cheap. We've only been using it for a couple of months, though.
Look up your local Drive Smart chapter (call the police station or a fire station) and you can go get a car seat at one of their safety checks for around $25. You can ask them about ease of adjustments, etc...
J., what we do is go to Craigslist and buy from there. We recently got 2 Britax Marathon car seats (the best, in my opinion) for $50 each, and they are $280 new. They were clean and in great shape. You might want to give it a try.
My son is turning 1 next week and we're in the market for a new seat. We're going to go to Big Lots and get the Safety 1st Vantage....it's $60 and $90 in BRU! I would check out Big Lots if you have one near you. They have reputable brands and you can look at reviews on BRU and Target.
Jen
Consumer reports says that the Cosco Scenara is one of the safest car seats and lucky us, it's one of the most inexpensive!
I have had 2 graco car seats and they have been my favorite. I think I paid around a 100 to 120 but not positive since I've had it for a few years. I bought my first one at Toys R Us and the second one at Target. I've bought other inexpensive carseats that I have not liked (one from the health department that was supposed to be easy to adjust I didn't like.) That carseat is in the truck that is only driven occasionally. I believe the Graco one I have is a custom sport model it doesn't convert to a booster but will work both front and rear facing. It seems to be fairly comfortable and the straps are easily adjusted.
Good Luck
We love the Graco Nautilus. I little pricey (wegot ours for $125 on Amazon after alot of price searching), but it's totally worth it. Our 4 1/2 year old loves it and it will harnass him until he's 80 lbs. If it's for your little one though, the Nautilus doesn't work until you babe is ready to be forward facing). Good luck
Hey J.,
I agree with Kathy M, we found a gently used Britax Marathon on Craigslist for $75 to use as our second car seat. It is actually newer than my other one which I paid $320 for. Britax last forever and are usually in good cond. Be watchful for signs of being in an accident but other than that, I would highly suggest it. Brilliant car seat for the price of an inexpensive one!! Oh and they are very easy to use and have lots of additional features.
The Cosco Scenera is a great option for an inexpensive car seat. It is about the same price as the Evenflo one you purchased and is very easy to instal and adjust. We are currently using ours rear facing for our 14mo old (she is on the small side), but have installed it and checked it out forward facing as well and it's even easier to do that way. I worried about strap adjustment with rear facing b/c of wear the adjuster is located, but with the way it sits, it's no problem at all! If you have a Babies R Us near you, they are very good about letting you try seats in your car to see how they fit. Take an afternoon and go try out a few and see what works best for your son in your car!
I also recommend the Cosco Scenera. I was worried it wouldn't be comfortable because it doesn't seem to have much padding, but my son likes it just fine. Straps aren't too hard to adjust either.
