Find the car seat that gives you the best of everything: top NHTSA safety ratings 🏆, affordability, ease of installation, and comfort.
Features To Look For In The Best Budget Car Seats
Safety first: Look for car seats that have been approved by the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) for proper use and installation.
Comfort: Make sure the car seat is well-cushioned and easy to adjust, so your child can stay comfortable during long journeys.
Ease of Installation – Investigate how easy it is to install and uninstall the car seat, including reading user or manufacturer instructions if necessary. If possible try out any models in person before deciding on a purchase.
Maintenance – Check what kind of maintenance is required once you have purchased the car seat, like machine washing covers or changing batteries on electronic parts like built-in sensors or vibration alerts.
Fit Your Budget – While safety should not be compromised by price, it is important to find a model that fits within your budget to ensure you get the most bang for your buck when purchasing a new car seat.
Convertible car seats: These can be used as rear-facing or forward-facing seats and accommodate babies from newborns to toddlers over the age of 3-4 years. Price range: $60-$400
Combination Car Seats: Also known as a “3-in-1” or “all in one” seat, these accommodate children from toddlerhood to about 10–12 years old depending on the seat model. Price range: $90-$500
Booster seats: These are suitable for older kids ranging from 5–12 years old depending on the model and height/weight requirements of the seat manufacturer. Price range: $75-$200
✔ Choose the perfect headrest height from 10 positions to get the safest fit for your growing child;
✔ No-Rethread Simply Safe Adjust Harness System allows the headrest and harness to adjust together in one motion ;
✔ Graco ProtectPlus Engineered: a combination of the most rigorous crash tests that help to protect your child in frontal, side, rear and rollover crashes;
✔ SnugLock Technology - A Hassle-Free 3-Step Installation; ;
✔ Side impact tested for occupant retention solely with the built-in 5-point harness system; ;
✔ Engineered & rigorously crash tested to meet or exceed US standard FMVSS 213;
✔ Graco ProtectPlus Engineered: a combination of the most rigorous crash tests that helps protect your child in frontal, side, rear & rollover crashes; ;
✔ Choose the perfect headrest height from 10 positions to get the safest fit for your growing child;
✔ No-Rethread Simply Safe Adjust Harness System allows the headrest and harness to adjust together in one motion ;
✔ Graco ProtectPlus Engineered: a combination of the most rigorous crash tests that help to protect your child in frontal, side, rear and rollover crashes;
Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 — best inexpensive infant car seat
Safety Ratings (NHTSA.gov)
Rear-Facing Mode:
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Orientation
Rear Facing
Rear-Facing
4-35 pounds / up to 32"
Forward-Facing
Positioning booster
Product Dimensions
18.07 x 14.41 x 27.4 inches (7.2 lb)
Advantage
✔ SnugLock Technology - A Hassle-Free 3-Step Installation; ;
✔ Side impact tested for occupant retention solely with the built-in 5-point harness system; ;
✔ Engineered & rigorously crash tested to meet or exceed US standard FMVSS 213;
✔ Graco ProtectPlus Engineered: a combination of the most rigorous crash tests that helps protect your child in frontal, side, rear & rollover crashes; ;
Chicco KidFit 2-in-1 Belt Positioning Booster — Best cheap car seat for 4 year old
Cosco Finale Dx 2-In-1 — Best budget booster car seat under $100
Britax Skyline — best 2-Stage Belt-Positioning Booster Car Seat
Safety Ratings (NHTSA.gov)
Booster Mode:
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Forward-Facing Mode: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Booster Mode:
⭐⭐⭐
Booster Mode:
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Forward facing with a harness
30-65 pounds / 32" - 49"
Positioning booster
40-110 pounds / 38" - 57"
40-100 pounds / 43" - 52"
40 - 120 pounds / 44" - 63"
Backless belt-positioning booster
Product Dimensions
28 x 19 x 8.5 inches
18.25 x 19 x 29.75 inches
16 x 19.5 x 27.5 inches
Advantage
✔ The DuoZone combined head and shoulder protection with 10 positions for growing children;
✔ ErgoBoost double foam padding and contoured seat design provide support in all the right places;
✔ Removable, machine-washable seat pad armrest covers make this van optimized to care of your kids;
✔ IIHS Best Bet rating for use in booster mode;
✔ ASTM, and JPMA safety standards;
✔ 1 year limited warranty;
✔ Big kid comfort: Plush, foam padding, and built-in armrests;
✔ Removable cover and dishwasher-safe cup holders for easy cleaning between rides;
✔ 2 layers of side impact protection include an energy-absorbing shell & foam-lined headrest ;
Chicco KidFit 2-in-1 Belt Positioning Booster — Best cheap car seat for 4 year old
Safety Ratings (NHTSA.gov)
Booster Mode:
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Forward facing with a harness
Positioning booster
40-110 pounds / 38" - 57"
Backless belt-positioning booster
Product Dimensions
28 x 19 x 8.5 inches
Advantage
✔ The DuoZone combined head and shoulder protection with 10 positions for growing children;
✔ ErgoBoost double foam padding and contoured seat design provide support in all the right places;
✔ Removable, machine-washable seat pad armrest covers make this van optimized to care of your kids;
Britax Skyline — best 2-Stage Belt-Positioning Booster Car Seat
Safety Ratings (NHTSA.gov)
Booster Mode:
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Forward facing with a harness
Positioning booster
40 - 120 pounds / 44" - 63"
Backless belt-positioning booster
Product Dimensions
16 x 19.5 x 27.5 inches
Advantage
✔ Big kid comfort: Plush, foam padding, and built-in armrests;
✔ Removable cover and dishwasher-safe cup holders for easy cleaning between rides;
✔ 2 layers of side impact protection include an energy-absorbing shell & foam-lined headrest ;
Testing car seats is a very important part of ensuring children are safe. We wanted to make sure that the car seats we tested met standards and were affordable. So, here’s how we tested:
We checked the car seat manufacturer’s labels to ensure they met the requirements of their respective countries’ safety regulations.
We ensured that all the hardware and installation were in working order and safely secured when used according to the installation instructions provided with each car seat.
We tested each seat for its ability to withstand crash tests without tipping over or moving more than three inches when loaded with a dummy child.
We looked for comfort features such as adjustable straps, cushioning, padding, and lumbar support when sitting in the seat for extended periods of time.
We also compared the cost of each seat with other models from similar brands to make sure that it was truly affordable for families looking for options within their budget range.
By completing these steps, we were able to ensure that our selection of affordable car seats meets safety regulations and is comfortable for long trips with your family!
Our test results
Comparing the Safety Ratings
The NHTSA’s overall rating for the Graco TriRide 3 in 1 Car Seat is 5 stars out of a 4-star rating system.
The Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 Infant Car Seat has a 4-star rating overall from the NHTSA.
The Chicco KidFit 2-in-1 Belt Positioning Booster Car seat has a rating of 4 stars while the Cosco Finale DX 2-in-1 Booster receives a score of 3.5 stars out of 5 stars by the NHTSA.
Lastly, Britax Skyline 2-Stage Belt Positioning Booster has an overall rating of 4 stars.
Comparing the Comfort Features
The Graco TriRide 3 in 1 has a removable infant head support that helps to provide support for newborns, as well as adjustable straps for maximum comfort.
The Safety 1st Grow and Go All-in-One Convertible Car Seat has contour cushioning which helps to provide superior comfort when driving.
The Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 Infant Car Seat has an extra recline feature that ensures optimal angles even during long drives.
The Chicco KidFit 2-in-1 Belt-Positioning Booster Car Seat includes two integrated cup holders that keep drinks at arm’s reach.
The Cosco Finale DX 2-in-1 Booster Car seat features comfortable seat padding and an adjustable headrest for additional support.
Lastly, the Britax Skyline 2–Stage Belt Positioning Booster car seat is designed to grow with your child, providing more room and comfort as they get older.
Overall, all six car seats offer great comfort features that make them appealing choices when looking for something safe but comfortable for your children or family members.
Comparing the Ease of Installation Features
The Graco TriRide 3 in 1 is designed with LATCH connectors that make it easy to install quickly with minimal effort.
The Safety 1st Grow and Go All-in-One Convertible car seat features an adjustable base that helps ensure a proper fit.
The Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 infant car seat offers push-button LATCH connectors that make installation a breeze.
The Chicco KidFit 2-in-1 belt-positioning booster car seat includes one-touch adjustments to help secure the seat with minimal effort.
The Cosco Finale DX 2–in–1 Booster Car Seat can be installed both forward-facing or rear facing depending on your needs.
Lastly, the Britax Skyline 2–Stage belt-positioning booster car seat comes with an adjustable headrest that helps ensure proper securement in your vehicle with minimal effort.
Overall, all six car seats offer great ease of installation features which makes them ideal choices when looking for something safe but easy to install.
Comparing the Maintenance Features
The Graco TriRide 3 in 1 features adjustable straps that make cleaning easy.
The Safety 1st Grow and Go All-in-One Convertible car seat can be machine washed for quick and easy cleaning.
The Graco snugride snug lock 35 infant car seat offers a removable cover that you can easily clean with just wipes or water.
The Chicco KidFit 2–in–1 belt positioning booster car seat has a cup holder that is dishwasher safe making it easy to keep clean.
The Cosco Finale DX 2–in–1 booster car seat has waterproof fabric that makes it simple to keep looking like new.
Lastly, the Britax Skyline 2–Stage belt-positioning booster car seat offers a recline feature that makes it super easy to adjust according to your preference and keeps it clean for longer periods of time.
Overall, all six car seats offer great maintenance features which make them ideal choices when looking for something safe but also easy to maintain and clean.
Comparison of car seat budgets
The Graco TriRide 3 in 1 is one of the more affordable options with its price range being around $100-$150.
The Safety 1st Grow and Go All–in–One Convertible car seat costs about $150-$200, making it an affordable option as well.
The Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 infant car seat has a budget-friendly price tag of about $100-$150.
The Chicco KidFit 2–in–1 belt positioning booster car seat ranges from about $100 to $200 depending on where you purchase it from.
The Cosco Finale DX 2–in–1 booster car seat has a relatively low price range between $70-$90 which makes it a great cost-effective option.
Lastly, the Britax Skyline 2–Stage belt-positioning booster car seat usually costs around $200 -$250 depending on where you purchase it from.
Overall, all six car seats offer great value for their respective prices and are ideal choices when looking for something safe but also within your budget.
Uncover the Best Car Seats for Your Specific Needs
As a parent and pediatrician, I’m committed to sharing my professional expertise and personal experience to help you choose the best car seat. We understand that each family and each child has unique requirements, and our specialized guides reflect this. Here are some of our focused resources:
Best FAA-Approved Car Seat: Planning to travel by air? Our picks for the best FAA approved car seats will ensure your child’s safety in the skies.
Best Graco Car Seat: Graco is a well-known brand in the realm of car seats. Discover which Graco car seat we rate as the best for safety, convenience, and comfort.
Best Lightweight Car Seat: For the mobile family, a lightweight car seat can be a game changer. Check out our selection of the best lightweight car seats that are easy to move and install.
Best 3-in-1 Car Seat: Looking for a long-term investment? Our top picks for the best 3-in-1 car seats will grow with your child from infancy through their toddler years.
Britax One4Life vs Graco 4Ever DLX: Stuck between these two all-in-one car seats? Visit this comparison to help you make an informed decision.
Our mission is to provide parents with the most up-to-date and comprehensive advice. Visit the pages above to learn more about each category and find the best car seat that fits your family’s needs.
The Graco TriRide 3-in-1 Car Seat triumphantly clinches the title of the best affordable car seat, serving as a testament to Graco's commitment to delivering top-tier safety features without compromising on convenience and comfort.
This model presents a harmonious fusion of security, adaptability, and design, all packaged within a budget-friendly price tag. It’s a dependable choice for parents seeking a car seat that grows with their child, withstanding the test of time and trend.
A child's safety is non-negotiable, and Graco ensures this with its ProtectPlus Engineered system. This amalgamation of the most rigorous crash tests helps protect your little one in frontal, side, rear, and even rollover crashes. The No-Rethread Simply Safe Adjust Harness System and easy-to-read level indicator work in unison to reduce installation guesswork and secure the child comfortably. What truly sets the TriRide apart is its ability to effortlessly transition between its three modes: rear-facing harness, forward-facing harness, and highback booster, catering to your child from infancy to their early school years.
In terms of convenience, this car seat comes armed with user-friendly features such as open-loop belt guides for easy positioning, and a built-in storage compartment to safely store the harness while in booster mode. The inclusion of two easy-to-clean cup holders and machine-washable seat pad reflects the brand's understanding of real-life parenting scenarios. Not to forget, the customer reviews gushing about its easy installation, roomy structure, and added bonuses like cup holders echo the car seat's popularity among parents.
In conclusion, the Graco TriRide 3-in-1 Car Seat represents a wonderful blend of value and functionality. It's a thoughtfully designed product that rises to meet your child's changing needs while offering the peace of mind that every parent craves.
Safety 1st Grow and Go All-in-One this carseat has so many layers, your baby will literally grow with it! As a fresh newborn my son fit amazing in the Safety 1st seat. The best part for me as well was how safe i felt about putting him there – even though he weighed only 7 pounds at birth!. Later on you just take off some of these padding sections if needed And adjust accordingly too-very happy
The Grow and Go car seats from Safety 1st are a great addition to your vehicle. They can be installed using the belt, but you’ll only have access with either LATCH or seatbelt technology – never both!
The Safety 1st Grow and Go car seat is the perfect choice for parents on long road trips. This high back booster has a permanent base that allows it to recline, giving you peace-of mind knowing your little ones are safe while traveling!
The Simply Safe Adjust Harness System makes it easy to find the perfect fit for your car. With one squeeze of its handle, you can adjust both the harness and headrest at once!
The Graco TriRide car seat is a great secondary option to have if you need another vehicle or are taking it on the plane. I wouldn’t recommend this as your primary set because of its lack of soft padding, but it’s still an excellent product for what they offer at such a low cost!
Safety 1st Grow and Go All-in-One this carseat has so many layers, your baby will literally grow with it! As a fresh newborn my son fit amazing in the Safety 1st seat. The best part for me as well was how safe i felt about putting him there – even though he weighed only 7 pounds at birth!. Later on you just take off some of these padding sections if needed And adjust accordingly too-very happy
Safety 1st Grow and Go
Can it be used with a common seat belt from Safety 1st Grow and Go? Or is it only the latch or Isofix system?
The Grow and Go car seats from Safety 1st are a great addition to your vehicle. They can be installed using the belt, but you’ll only have access with either LATCH or seatbelt technology – never both!
Does Safety 1st Grow and Go car seat recline?
The Safety 1st Grow and Go car seat is the perfect choice for parents on long road trips. This high back booster has a permanent base that allows it to recline, giving you peace-of mind knowing your little ones are safe while traveling!
How are the shoulder straps adjusted from Graco TriRide?
The Simply Safe Adjust Harness System makes it easy to find the perfect fit for your car. With one squeeze of its handle, you can adjust both the harness and headrest at once!
The Graco TriRide car seat is a great secondary option to have if you need another vehicle or are taking it on the plane. I wouldn’t recommend this as your primary set because of its lack of soft padding, but it’s still an excellent product for what they offer at such a low cost!
Graco TriRide
Cosco Finale Dx 2-In-1: How wide is this on the bottom and at its widest point?