Sometimes you need a great car seat on a budget. Curated Experts take each shopper's budget into account every time they make recommendations. This list brings together their top recommendations for car seats under $250. Want a more personalized fit for your particular needs and preferences? Don't forget to chat with a Baby & Toddler Expert here on Curated for free advice and recommendations on the best car seat for your needs.
- Maxi-Cosi Pria All-in-One Convertible Car Seat
- Diono Radian 3R Latch All-in-One Convertible Car Seat and Booster
- Maxi-Cosi Mico 30 Infant Car Seat
- Graco Extend2Fit® 3-in-1 Car Seat
- Britax Marathon ClickTight Convertible Car Seat Safewash
- Britax Grow With You ClickTight Harness-2-Booster Car Seat
- Diono Cambria® 2 Latch 2-in-1 Booster Car Seat
- Maxi-Cosi RodiSport Booster Car Seat
- Britax Highpoint 2-Stage Belt-Positioning Booster Seat
Maxi-Cosi Pria All-in-One Convertible Car Seat
Rear facing for 4-40 lbs and 19-40 in. Foward facing for 22-65 lbs and 29-49 in. The booster will go from 40-100 lbs and 43-52 in. This has a 3 position recline and 5 different headrest heights and a quick to adjust shoulder harness. LATCH compatible and airplane certified in the harness mode.
Convertible carseat rated for use from 4 pounds in rear facing up through 100 pounds as a booster seat. Comfortable with features like cupholders and washable cover. This seat is TSA approved for travel and uses the LATCH system for secure attachment in a vehicle.
Diono Radian 3R Latch All-in-One Convertible Car Seat and Booster
Great for using three across a back seat with the slim profile. The rear facing mode is ideal for 5-50 pounds, the forward facing for 22-65 pounds, then the high back booster position for up to 140 pounds! This is one of the most popular and highest revered options not only for safety but for value due to the ten year lifespan that grows with children!
Fits babies from 5 - 50 lb in rear facing, 22 - 65 lb for forward facing, and 40- 120 lb for booster seat and up to 57 in tall. If you are using LATCH it's only good up to 35 lb rear facing and 40 lb forward facing. It's a slim fit so good for smaller spaces.
Slim, low profile and basic model that grows with baby from birth through booster seat. Designed to keep child rear facing longer.
Maxi-Cosi Mico 30 Infant Car Seat
Fits children from 5 - 30 lbs and up to 32" tall. Sun canopy with flip out visor for added shading. LATCH compatible. Easily installs without a base. No fire retardant chemicals. Machine washable.
Rear Facing 5-30 pounds and up to 32 inches. LATCH system, can be belt secured. Weighs 8.11 pounds. UPF 25+ sun shade. Side Impact Protection. Airplane Certified. Flame Retardant Chemical Free.
Features an ergonomic handle, expandable shade canopy and infant pillow for the smallest of passengers.
Graco Extend2Fit® 3-in-1 Car Seat
This is an extended rear-facing car seat with 5 extra inches of leg room. It fits from 4 - 50 lbs rear facing and up to 65 lbs forward facing. It has excellent safety features and also reclines for comfort. The headrest and harness are easy to adjust.
Britax Marathon ClickTight Convertible Car Seat Safewash
Anyone looking for a well-priced, easy-to-use, convertible car seat with breathable mesh and machine-washable fabrics that are free of flame-retardant chemicals. Suitable for babies and toddlers 5-65 lbs (rear-facing 5-40lbs; forward-facing 20-65lbs up to 49" tall). Easy to install with ClickTight (seat-belt lock) or clip-style LATCH anchors (LATCH can be used until child is 40lbs, then ClickTight must be used). 7-position recline, 12-position no-rethread harness, and clear indicator to take the guesswork out of installation.
Fits children from 5 - 40 lbs in rear facing, 20 - 65 lbs and up to 49" in forward facing. 14 position adjustable harness and headrest that you don't need to rethread. EPS energy absorbing foam. Steel frame with SafeCell crumple zone for safety. Machine washable fabric. Flame retardant fabric. Certified for aircraft.
Britax Grow With You ClickTight Harness-2-Booster Car Seat
Forward facing harness for 25 - 65 lbs and 58 in tall and high back booster for 40 - 120 lb and 61 in tall. Quick adjust harness and headrest. Cup holders, snack tray, and reclines for the ultimate ride for your big kid.
Diono Cambria® 2 Latch 2-in-1 Booster Car Seat
Awarded IIHS "Best Bet" Booster Seat recommendation. Turns into a backless booster when your child is ready. Suitable for 40 - 120 lbs. Comes with 2 retractable cup holders. LATCH connectors for safety and stability. Fabric is removable to be machine washable and wipeable. Has a 6 position head rest and fits children from 38" - 63" tall.
Maxi-Cosi RodiSport Booster Car Seat
This is a combo. It's a booster seat that has a back but that can be removed depending on the fit of the child. It's rated for kids from 40 to 100 lbs and up to 57" tall.
Britax Highpoint 2-Stage Belt-Positioning Booster Seat
Fits kids from 40 - 120 lbs and converts from a high-back booster seat to a backless booster seat. There is an energy absorbing shell and side impact protection for the head and torso. The headrest has 10 different positions to grow with your child. For cleaning, the cup holders are dishwasher safe and the fabric is hand wash only.
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