Best Budget Infant Car Seats 2025, Tested & Reviewed

These affordable infant car seats are safe and sound without breaking the bank.

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  By: Tali Ditye, Ph.D., Co-founder

  Updated: October 5, 2025

Mommyhood101 independently tests and curates baby gear to help you make informed decisions. If you buy products through links on our site, we may earn a commission.

Finding it hard to justify spending upwards of $200-300 on one of the best infant car seats of the year?

The good news is that there are several great car seats for under about $125 to $150, without totally compromising on features or safety for your little one.

We've been reviewing inexpensive infant car seats for over 10 years, and if we made our own, here are some of the key features it would have:

✔️  35-pound weight limit.
✔️  35-inch height limit.
✔️  Lightweight, under 10 pounds.
✔️  Newborn support (4+ pounds).
✔️  Soft & comfy seating area.
✔️  No-rethread harness.
✔️  Side-impact protection.
✔️  Anti-rebound bar.
✔️  LATCH-equipped base.
✔️  Adjustable incline.
✔️  Large canopy.
✔️  Intuitive installation.
✔️  Machine washable cover.
✔️  FAA certified for air travel.
✔️  Adjustable headrest.

Of course, you will also want the car seat to fit your style (color, patterns) preferences and meet your budget constraints. That's a lot to ask, and very few car seats under $125-150 meet the needs of picky parents!

Full disclosure: Some of these car seats, including the Baby Trend and Evenflo models, were sent to us as free test samples by the manufacturer.

While our recommended budget infant car seats do not make it onto our list of the best infant car seats, they provide impressive capabilities at a relatively inexpensive price.

Note that if you're looking to save even more money, check out the best inexpensive convertible car seats, which help you avoid purchasing yet another car seat when you're ready to transition to forward-facing.

The Top 5 Best Budget Infant Car Seats of 2025

#1. Graco SnugRide SnugFit 35	★★★★★★★★★★ (10/10)	Top-rated affordable infant car seat featuring a no-rethread harness, anti-rebound bar, and LATCH-equipped base. Supports babies 4–35 lbs, includes infant head and body cushions, and offers easy installation with a level indicator and adjustable recline base.
#2. Evenflo LiteMax 35	★★★★★★★★★☆ (9.5/10)	Lightweight and safe car seat rated for 4–35 lbs and 17–32". Features a 4-position recline base, energy-absorbing design that exceeds federal crash standards, and rollover-tested shell. Great for families seeking a balance of safety, value, and simplicity.
#3. Safety 1st Onboard 35 LT	★★★★★★★★★☆ (9.5/10)	Comfortable, lightweight seat for babies 4–35 lbs with soft padding and side-impact protection. Includes a base with recline adjustment, LATCH or belt installation, and FAA certification for air travel. Excellent for safety and portability under $150.
#4. Baby Trend Ally Infant Car Seat	★★★★★★★★☆☆ (8/10)	Budget-friendly infant car seat for babies 5–35 lbs with deep EPS foam-lined shell and 5-point harness. Features washable fabric, easy LATCH installation, and stroller compatibility. Excellent choice for families wanting solid safety at a low cost.
#5. Baby Trend EZ-Lift Plus	★★★★★★★★☆☆ (8/10)	Lightweight car seat (under 8 lbs) with ergonomic EZ-Lift side handle to reduce wrist strain. Supports babies 4–30 lbs, features a Flip-Foot recline base, anti-rebound handle, and GREENGUARD Gold certification. Perfect for travel and secondary vehicles.

In-Depth Reviews of the Best Budget Infant Car Seats

1. Graco SnugRide SnugFit 35.

The Graco SnugRide line includes versions with a 30-pound or 35-pound weight limit, called the SnugRide 30 and 35, respectively. Recently, some SnugRide 35 models have lowered their price to under about $125-150, such as this awesome SnugFit 35 infant car seat. For this price, you are getting an impressive set of specifications and features. For specifications, this infant car seat can support newborns as small as 4 pounds and toddlers up to 35 pounds (or 35" tall, whichever comes first). The seat itself weighs under 9 pounds. For features, SnugFit 35 includes several convenience and safety features you may not expect in a car seat at this price: a no-rethread harness, infant head and body cushions, harness pads, an anti-rebound bar, and LATCH-equipped base (with adjustable incline), a large canopy, and impressive side impact protection. That is a very impressive set of features for any car seat, never mind one at this low price!

For more information about these car seats, see our Graco Snugride comparison tables! In our testing, we loved the SnugRide SnugFit 35! Installation was easy with the included LATCH system, the adjustable base incline to accommodate varied back seats, the pendulum-style level indicator, and the no-rethread adjustable harness. The most important safety features of any car seat are proper installation and use, and Graco makes those a breeze! We were able to get two infants, one 2 months and one 7 months, positioned very comfortably and safely in this car seat. The canopy was very quiet and provided decent coverage, the handlebar was easy to adjust (requires two hands), and the anti-rebound bar and side impact protection made us feel confident that our little one was safe and sound. Graco infant car seats, including this one, click very easily into most Graco strollers, including the popular Modes models. Cons? The canopy could be larger, and we prefer quick-connect LATCH adapters to the traditional hook style. Of course, you'd need to pay substantially more for those features. Overall, it's no surprise that the SnugRide is the all-time most popular and best-selling line of infant car seats, with its superior quality and surprising bang for the buck. Interested? You can check out the Graco SnugRide SnugFit 35 infant car seat here.

2. Evenflo LiteMax 35 Infant Car Seat.

Similar to its predecessor Evenflo Embrace LX, the Evenflo LiteMax 35 infant car seat is an awesome option, with some great features and an even better price. First and foremost, this seat is rated for babies from 4 pounds (using the infant headrest, which is included) all the way up to 35 pounds, and 17-32 inches long! That's an awesome weight and length range for a car seat under 130 bucks! Second, it's really lightweight when taken off the base, around 8 lbs. Getting it into and out of the base was pretty smooth and easy, without any issues. Like the Graco, the shoulder straps can be loosened and tightened using an up-front strap, though it's not as conveniently positioned as with the Graco: it's a bit too far forward, sometimes causing it to be trapped between the car seat and vehicle's seat. There are four shoulder strap positions to adjust for a growing baby, but they require re-threading from the back of the seat.

We also love this car seat’s safety features: it structurally withstands 2 times the federal crash test standard energy (impact) levels, and, in addition to meeting or exceeding all federal side impact standards, was built to withstand a rollover crash. The base has four reclining positions, increasing the likelihood that your baby will be safe and comfortable during long car rides. It also includes belt pockets that store the seat belt buckles when the seat is unoccupied, to prevent them from getting too hot in the sun. While we liked the concept, they don’t work very well - we found that either the buckles weren't all the way into the pockets, or they would simply fall out. Let's talk about some of the other cons, especially relative to Graco. First, the canopy doesn't do quite as good of a job covering your baby from the elements. Second, the fabric is easy to clean and machine washable, but it's not very breathable, which we didn't appreciate. That being said, this is a great car seat option, especially if you're looking for something that's lightweight, safe, and inexpensive, and does a pretty darn good job for the money! Interested? You can check out the Evenflo LiteMax 35 here.

3. Safety 1st Onboard 35 LT Infant Car Seat.

This is another truly awesome car seat for under $150, with some great safety and convenience features, versatility, and comfort. For basic specs, this car seat fits newborns as little as 4 pounds with the included infant insert, and toddlers as heavy as 35 pounds (or as tall as 32"), matching the Evenflo. It includes a base that is installed using the LATCH system or vehicle seat belts, or it can be installed without the base using a European belt path. The harness height adjusts between 4 positions with rethreading from the back, and the crotch buckle between 3 positions. Speaking of adjustments, there is a 2-position adjustable recline foot on the base, and we found the harness length easy to adjust. Installing the car seat was easy enough: it uses a level on the side to help get the recline correct for different ages (4-11 pounds versus 11-35 pounds) and vehicles, and the traditional hook-style LATCH connectors were easy enough to use.

The narrow front recline foot made the seat a little more tippy than we'd like when installed, even after putting a lot of tightening pressure on it. The seat itself was impressively comfortable and soft for this price range, and we liked the infant insert and soft side impact padding. The handlebar was easy to adjust and comfortable enough, and the canopy was decent though certainly smaller than some other options. The car seat attaches to QuickClick strollers, is only about 7 pounds without the base, and it's ready for air travel with its FAA certification. The manual says not to machine wash or dry the seat cover, so we didn't risk it, but it was generally easy to wipe down. One additional quirk worth mentioning is that the lower buckle is pretty big and rubs up uncomfortably on thicker baby thighs. Overall, we think this is a pretty impressive option for under $150, with only a few drawbacks related to getting a secure installation and a potentially uncomfortable crotch buckle. Interested? You can check out the Safety 1st Onboard 35 Infant Car Seat here.

4. Baby Trend Ally Infant Car Seat.

The Baby Trend Ally Infant Car Seat is a solid choice for parents seeking a budget-friendly infant car seat with a focus on safety and practicality, Designed to accommodate infants from 5 to 35 pounds and up to 32 inches tall, the Ally offers excellent value for families on a budget, featuring a deep shell with EPS energy-absorbing foam for enhanced side-impact protection, and a five-point harness with five height positions (with rethreading). Installation is straightforward with the LATCH-equipped base, and the level indicator helps achieve the correct installation angle. One of the standout features is the removable and washable seat pad, which makes it easy to keep the seat clean - an essential for new parents dealing with inevitable spills and messes! The seat’s lightweight design and ergonomic handle make it easy to carry, and it can be paired with several Baby Trend strollers for travel system compatibility. 

Our hands-on review of the Baby Trend Ally revealed that it delivers impressive safety and functionality at a fraction of the cost of premium car seats. Installation was simple and intuitive, and the adjustable harness provided a secure fit for test infants. The seat felt lightweight and easy to handle, making it a great option for parents on the go. The side-impact protection is a reassuring feature, though the seat does feel a bit snug for babies at the higher end of the size range: the seat’s narrower shell may be a tighter fit for larger infants, particularly as they approach the upper weight or height limits. Additionally, while the fabric is comfortable, it is definitely less plush compared to higher-end models. While it lacks some of the bells and whistles found in pricier options, such as a no-rethread harness or premium fabrics, the Ally excels where it counts most - safety, ease of use, and affordability. For parents who want a reliable infant car seat without breaking the bank, we think the Baby Trend Ally is a decent choice that delivers on its promises. Interested? You can check out the Ally car seat here.

5. Baby Trend EZ-Lift Plus Infant Car Seat.

The Baby Trend EZ-Lift Plus is one of the most affordable and user-friendly infant car seats we’ve tested, offering a combination of lightweight, safety, and ergonomic design that makes daily use surprisingly comfortable. Designed for babies from 4 to 30 pounds and up to 29.5 inches tall, it features Baby Trend’s signature EZ-Lift carry grip: a side-handle design that’s intended to reduce wrist and back strain when lifting or carrying the seat. At under 8 pounds for the carrier, it’s noticeably easier to manage than many competing models in this price range. The seat also includes a Flip-Foot recline base with a bubble-level indicator to help achieve the right installation angle, and the handle doubles as an anti-rebound bar when positioned forward in the car. These are features rarely found on car seats under $125, making the EZ-Lift Plus a pleasant surprise in both design and safety value.

In our hands-on testing, the EZ-Lift Plus performed very well for its price class. Installation using the LATCH connectors was straightforward, and the bubble-level made it easy to get the correct recline angle on the first try. The carrier clicked securely into the base with a satisfying snap, and the anti-rebound handle design added a reassuring sense of stability when installed. Carrying it with the side grip was genuinely more comfortable than the traditional top handle method, especially when the baby was in the 15–20-pound range. The seat padding was adequate and easily removable for washing, and the infant insert provided good head and torso support for newborns. We did find that the harness straps could twist easily if not straightened before each use, and the crotch buckle was somewhat stiff until it loosened up with time. While the seat’s 30-pound weight limit means some babies will outgrow it sooner than with 35-pound models, its light weight and convenience make it an ideal option for short trips, grandparents’ cars, or air travel (it’s FAA approved).

We appreciated that Baby Trend included a base with Flip-Foot recline and a bubble-level indicator for accurate setup, features that simplify what can otherwise be a stressful process for new parents. The EZ-Lift Plus is also GREENGUARD Gold certified for low chemical emissions and includes all essential safety elements like a 5-point harness, energy-absorbing EPS foam, and deep sidewalls. It lacks luxury finishes, several convenience features, and advanced load-leg or rigid LATCH systems, but that’s expected at this price point. At around $110, this seat delivers exceptional usability and safety for families on a budget. Overall, the EZ-Lift Plus is a lightweight, reliable, and ergonomically smart infant car seat that makes carrying, installing, and traveling with your little one easier than ever. Interested? You can check out the Baby Trend EZ-Lift Plus Infant Car Seat here.

How to Pick a Cheap Car Seat

Safety

We want to be clear that all of the car seats on this list, and all of the car seats sold legally in the U.S. conform to the very same government (NHTSA) safety standards. Some do have some extra safety features. Realizing that proper installation is the most important safety feature of all, our top-rated Snugride Snuglock car seat includes an awesome belt lock-off base that makes installation easy and successful. Other features, such as anti-rebound bars and load legs, however, are very unlikely to be found in a car seat under $125-150.

To ensure the car seat is safe, never borrow or purchase a used car seat unless you are 100% certain it has not been in an accident and is not close to expiring. Once you pick a car seat, be sure to install it using the manufacturer's recommended configuration, installation methods (seat belt or LATCH), and recline.

If you ever have any doubts, go to your local police or fire department and they will take the time to make sure you've done everything perfectly. Most towns have at least one Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST) on staff.

To learn more about car seat safety and how different safety features are used and what to look for, check out our buying guide for car seats here.

Ease of Use

For most car seats under $150, you will likely need to make some compromises in this area. Some of the features to look for are a handlebar that can be adjusted with one hand, a handlebar grip that is at a 45-degree or 90-degree angle to your body to make carrying easier, multi-position recline, seat belt lock-offs, modern quick-release LATCH buckles, and shoulder straps that can be adjusted to a growing baby without any rethreading from the rear of the seat.

Outside of that, other things are important to keep the seat from being super annoying: you want a chest buckle that doesn't pinch you or take too long to unbuckle, shoulder straps that aren't flimsy and twist around and a base attachment/detachment mechanism that isn't a super pain in the rear!

Baby Size

Infant car seats are typically rated from about 4 or 5 pounds (newborn) up to 30 or 35 pounds. Most seats in the sub-$100 range will top out at 30 pounds, and/or not go down all the way to the 4-pound minimum. Be sure to read the specifications.

If you haven't had your baby yet, but are already well into the third trimester, you're probably safe getting a seat with a 5-pound minimum. In terms of the weight limit of 30 or 35 pounds, we find that usually, the 30-pound limit is sufficient for 80-90% of babies. By the time your baby is tipping over the 30-pound mark, they're usually getting too tall for the infant car seat and ready to transition to a convertible car seat. They should still remain rear-facing at that point, so definitely check out our reviews of the best convertible car seats some of which can support children up to 50 pounds rear-facing!

Comfort

Your baby will be thanking you for finding a comfortable car seat. You want the seat to be plush and comfortable, with a soft fabric that is breathable. The breathable part is one of the most important issues: if it's not breathable, your baby will wake up soaking wet from a nap and probably screaming from all the uncomfortable sweat that has built up his/her body. That's not fun for anyone!