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 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
- Britax Marathon ClickTight Convertible Car Seat Safewash
- Diono Cambria® 2 Latch 2-in-1 Booster Car Seat
- Britax B-safe Gen2 Flexfit Infant 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.
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.
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.
Britax B-safe Gen2 Flexfit Infant Car Seat
Fits 4 - 35 lbs and up to 32 in tall. Smooth fabric. Multiple harness and buckle positions. Easy to install with LATCH or the seat belt. Recline and extra large UPF 50+ canopy.
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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