Most Recommended Car Seats under $300
Updated
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 $300. Want a more personalized fit for your particular needs and preferences? Don't forget to chat with a Baby & Toddler Expert here on Curated to receive advice and recommendations on the best car seat for your needs.



By Booster Car Seat ExpertsKristina, Wendy, Alex and others
Maxi-Cosi Pria All-in-One Convertible Car Seat
$215.99
$269.99
20% off
The Maxi-Cosi Pria All-in-One Convertible Car Seat is a mid-priced, stylish, and comfortable car seat designed to grow with your child from birth to 10 years. It's perfect for those seeking a 'one-and-done' car seat with LATCH connectors, superior padding, and cupholders. It can easily be adjusted from rear-facing to forward-facing and comes with two removable/dishwasher-safe cupholders and one-click LATCH connectors. However, it lacks the magnetic chest clip found in the premium model.

by Curated experts Kristina Spencer, Mariah Wear, Alex K.
Ideal for
- Parents seeking a long-term car seat solution from birth to 10 years
- Those who value comfort and style in a car seat
- Parents who prefer easy-to-clean car seats with removable and dishwasher-safe cupholders
- Travelers, as the seat is TSA approved for travel
- Parents who prefer car seats with LATCH connectors for secure attachment
Not ideal for
- Those looking for premium features like a magnetic chest clip



The Diono Radian® 3RX All-in-One Convertible Car Seat is a versatile choice for parents seeking longevity and safety. Its unique design accommodates children from birth up to 120 lbs, transitioning from rear-facing to forward-facing to booster seat. It boasts a Safe Stop energy absorbing harness, reinforced steel frame, and EPS energy absorbing foam for side impact collisions. The slim design fits three across, making it perfect for growing families. However, it's not an infant bucket seat and remains in the car.
by Curated experts Kristina Spencer, Mariah Wear
Ideal for
- Parents seeking a long-lasting car seat
- Families with multiple children
- Those prioritizing safety features
- Parents wanting a machine washable fabric
Not ideal for
- Those looking for an infant bucket seat


The Graco TriRide™ 3-in-1 Car Seat is a versatile choice for parents, accommodating children from 5 to 100 lbs. It's easy to use, with features like a reclining seat, adjustable headrest, and harness straps that stay out of the way. It's also LATCH compatible and has side impact protection. The machine washable fabric and level indicator add to its convenience.
by Curated expert Kristina Spencer
Ideal for
- Parents seeking a versatile car seat that grows with their child
- Those who value ease of use and comfort for their child
- Parents who prefer car seats with safety features such as side impact protection
- Those who appreciate easy cleaning with machine washable fabric

What are you shopping for today?
The Graco Extend2Fit® 3-in-1 Car Seat is a versatile, long-lasting car seat that grows with your child. It's perfect for parents who want their child to sit rear-facing longer, as it accommodates up to 50 lbs in this position. It also offers 5 extra inches of legroom, ensuring comfort as your child grows. The car seat is easy to adjust and reclines for added comfort. It's a safe, comfortable, and practical choice for parents.
by Curated experts Alex K., Kristina Spencer
Ideal for
- Parents who want their child to sit rear-facing longer
- Parents looking for a car seat that grows with their child
- Parents who prioritize safety features
- Parents who value comfort and adjustability in a car seat


The Maxi-Cosi Mico 30 Infant Car Seat is a top pick for parents seeking a mid-priced, safety-conscious, and cozy infant car seat. Its lightweight design, ergonomic handle, and compatibility with various strollers make it a versatile choice. The seat is packed with features like extra side impact protection, an extended canopy for shade, and a machine-washable seat pad. However, it may not be the best choice for those seeking a compact design or a European belt path.

by Curated experts Alex K., Kristina Spencer, Mariah Wear
Ideal for
- Parents looking for a mid-priced, safety-conscious, and cozy infant car seat
- Parents who value ease of use and installation
- Parents who prefer a machine-washable seat pad
- Parents who need a car seat that can click into a variety of strollers
Not ideal for
- Parents looking for a compact car seat
- Parents who prefer a European belt path



The Graco SnugRide® SnugFit 35 DLX Infant Car Seat is a top pick for parents seeking a stylish, safe, and convenient car seat without a hefty price tag. It's designed with side impact protection and an anti-rebound bar for added safety. The seat is comfortable, reclines, and features a no-rethread harness for easy adjustments. The extra-large, quiet canopy is perfect for protecting your child from the elements. Plus, it's easy to install with the LATCH system and the seat pad is removable for quick cleaning.
by Curated experts Wendy Murillo, Kristina Spencer
Ideal for
- Parents seeking a safe and stylish car seat
- Those who need a car seat that's easy to adjust and install
- Parents who frequently travel with their sleeping baby
- Those looking for a car seat with a large canopy for protection against the elements
Not ideal for
- Those who need a fabric that's easy to clean


Clek Liing Infant Car Seat
$299.99
The Clek Liing Infant Car Seat is a top-tier choice for safety-conscious parents. Its unique features like the hardpoint LATCH system, load leg support, and side impact protection ensure maximum safety for babies. It's also designed for comfort with 7 recline positions and an SPF 100+ sun canopy. Plus, its narrow and lightweight design allows it to fit 3 across in most standard vehicles, making it perfect for families with multiple young children.

by Curated experts Alex K., Mariah Wear, Kristina Spencer
Ideal for
- Safety-conscious parents
- Parents of infants weighing between 4-35 lbs and up to 32" tall
- Parents seeking a car seat with maximum safety features
- Parents looking for a car seat that can fit 3 across in most standard vehicles
- Parents wanting a car seat with comfort features like multiple recline positions and a sun canopy



The Britax Marathon ClickTight Convertible Car Seat Safewash is a top pick for parents seeking a safe, comfortable, and easy-to-install car seat. It's perfect for babies and toddlers weighing between 5-65 lbs, with its breathable mesh, machine-washable fabrics, and flame-retardant chemical-free design. The seat features a 7-position recline, a 12-position no-rethread harness, and a clear indicator for hassle-free installation. However, it may not be suitable for taller babies due to the shoulder height limit.
by Curated experts Alex K., Kristina Spencer
Ideal for
- Parents seeking a safe and comfortable car seat
- Those who prefer easy-to-install car seats
- Parents of babies and toddlers weighing between 5-65 lbs
- Those who prefer car seats with machine-washable and flame-retardant chemical-free fabrics
Not ideal for
- Parents of especially tall babies
- Those who prefer car seats with additional side-impact-protection head restraints
- Those who need a car seat that converts to a booster seat


Maxi-Cosi Magellan LiftFit All-in-One Convertible Car Seat
$279.99
$399.99
30% off
The Maxi-Cosi Magellan LiftFit All-in-One Convertible Car Seat is a top-notch choice for parents seeking comfort, safety, and longevity in a car seat. The seat's upgraded fabric, multiple recline options, and adjustable headrest ensure a cozy ride for your little one. Plus, its enhanced side impact protection provides peace of mind. As your child grows, so does the seat, making it a cost-effective option under $300.
by Curated expert Allie L.
Ideal for
- Parents seeking a comfortable car seat
- Those prioritizing safety with side impact protection
- Parents looking for a car seat that grows with their child
- Those seeking a cost-effective car seat option

The Maxi-Cosi Pria Sport 2-in-1 Convertible Car Seat is a versatile choice for parents, accommodating children from 4 to 65 lbs and up to 49 inches tall. It's perfect for those who travel frequently, as it's certified for aircraft use. The added side impact protection and included cup holder make it a practical and safe option.
by Curated expert Kristina Spencer
Ideal for
- Parents of children weighing between 4 and 65 lbs
- Parents of children up to 49 inches tall
- Frequent travelers
- Parents who prioritize safety with side impact protection
- Parents seeking convenience with an included cup holder

Other lists to consider

Curated experts can help
Have a question about the article you just read or want personal recommendations? Connect with a Curated expert to find exactly what you are looking for!Result Summary
- Maxi-Cosi Pria All-in-One Convertible Car Seat
- Diono Radian® 3RX All-in-One Convertible Car Seat
- Graco TriRide™ 3-in-1 Car Seat
- Graco Extend2Fit® 3-in-1 Car Seat
- Maxi-Cosi Mico 30 Infant Car Seat
- Graco SnugRide® SnugFit 35 DLX Infant Car Seat
- Clek Liing Infant Car Seat
- Britax Marathon ClickTight Convertible Car Seat Safewash
- Maxi-Cosi Magellan LiftFit All-in-One Convertible Car Seat
- Maxi-Cosi Pria Sport 2-in-1 Convertible Car Seat
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