Best Car Seats Under $100

Buying guide for Best car seats under $100

Written by Eliza McGowen

Updated May 2022

Babies may be tiny, but they require some big (and sometimes expensive) gear, including a car seat. If you're on a budget, you can find an excellent car seat for less than $100. These baby necessities come in a wide variety of types and styles. You might be scratching your head as you look at all your options, but you've come to the right place.

Our shopping guide takes you through the basics and provides an in-depth look at the features you’ll want to consider. We've also included our top picks – models that stand out for their ease of use, durability, and safety.

If you want to use a latch system to secure a car seat, make sure both the seat and your car are fully equipped before buying. Not all car seats are designed for use with a latch system.

Key considerations

Not all car seats are the same. The type of seat you need depends on your baby's age, size, and height, as well as your vehicle and general needs. Here's a breakdown of the three main types: infant-only, convertible, and booster.

Infant-only car seats

Infant-only models are rear-facing only. Generally, that means the seat has a maximum weight limit between 22 and 35 pounds. Some babies grow too tall for these car seats long before they reach the maximum weight limit, while others won’t pass those numbers for months.

Infant-only car seats typically have a base that stays strapped in the car, which allows you to remove the car seat and transport your baby from car to house while still in the seat. One of these is a great option if you'll be transporting your baby in two cars because you can buy a second base for one car seat. Infant-only seats are better suited for newborns and infants than the larger convertible car seats. However, you will have to replace it with a larger model once your baby reaches the maximum weight limit or grows too tall.

Price: Infant-only car seats are the most expensive, around $100, because they usually come with a base. These models also have canopies, auto-level indicators, and easy strap-adjustment features.

Convertible car seats

Convertible car seats can be rear- or forward-facing, and some can be used as a booster seat. Most have a minimum weight of 20 to 25 pounds, though there are a few models designed for newborns as small as 5 pounds. However, a convertible car seat won’t fit a newborn as well as an infant-only car seat that's designed for the smaller size and weight. The maximum weight limit varies by model and can be between 50 and 100 pounds. Many of these seats can take your child from infancy through toddlerhood  – and even the early preschool years. These are bulkier than infant-only models, but you can use them longer.

Price: Convertible car seats start at $60 and go up to the $100 mark. They might have cupholders, auto-level indicators, and themed designs.

Booster car seats

Booster car seats are forward-facing only. These seats raise the child so the vehicle’s seat belt is in the correct position. The minimum and maximum weight limits vary by model, but the weight range is typically between 40 and 100 pounds. Children are ready for a booster seat when they reach the maximum weight or height limit of a convertible car seat. If you've noticed your child's ears are above the top of the car seat or shoulders are well above the highest harness position, it's time for a booster seat.

Price: Booster seats are the least expensive option, starting at around $40.

Size

Car seats take up a fair amount of space in your back seat. If you've got a small vehicle and you need to use multiple car seats, the size of those car seats could be an issue. There are models that are one to two inches narrower than the average car seat, giving you enough space to fit two or even three car seats in your vehicle.

Weight/height limits

Children grow quickly, so you want a car seat that will last at least a few months. Take a close look at the weight and height limits of the car seat to make sure your child isn't already at them. Once your child has exceeded either the height or weight limit, for the sake of safety, it's time to look into getting a new car seat.

Car seat features

Harness adjustments

Car seats come with from two to six extra harness slots so you can adjust the height according to your child’s size. Once your child's shoulders reach above the slots, it's time to move up another slot. The more slots the car seat has, the longer your child can use the seat.

Once you've got your baby in the car seat, you have to tighten the harness. Some models have a one-push or one-pull adjustment system that allows you to make adjustments while your child is in the car seat. Others require you to adjust the straps from the back of the car seat, which can be hard to do when you've got a wiggly baby waiting to get in the car.

Cover

It’s no secret that babies make messes. Whether it’s spilled food or a leaky diaper, you’re going to have to clean the car seat cover at some point. Models with removable, machine-washable covers will make your life infinitely easier. You might even want to look into buying a second cover so you always have a clean one available.

Cup/snack holders

Some convertible car seats and many booster seats have cup and/or snack holders. A full tummy helps a toddler endure a long car trip. Cupholders can also be used for toys and books. A model with a cupholder that can be hidden within the body of the car seat is nice if space is limited.

Latch system

A latch system makes installation easier, and most car seats come prepped and ready for them. Check between the cushions of your back seat for two metal anchors to be sure your car has a latch system. Today’s car seats have straps designed to attached to these anchors rather than using the vehicle’s seat belt. A latch system and a seat belt are equally safe, but you might find one or the other makes it easier to install the car seat. Some booster seats are designed to use both the latch system and the seat belt at the same time. However, you should only do so if the manufacturer’s instructions indicate that this is the correct way to install the seat. 

Canopy

A canopy shields your baby from the sun. A properly positioned canopy can keep your baby snoozing for the entire length of the car trip and protect your little one if you take the car seat out while it’s raining.

Installation/removal

Car seats can be notoriously difficult to install properly. Some models are easier than others. Infant-only car seats with a base make removal as easy as pulling a handle. Without a base, you have to either unlatch the straps from the anchors or remove the seat belt from the back of the car seat.

Auto-level indicator: Car seats have to be installed at the correct angle for your child’s safety during regular travel and in case of an accident. Models with an auto-level indicator let you know when you've got the car seat at the correct angle. This takes the guesswork out of installation and gives you peace of mind.

Tips

• Install the car seat carefully and correctly. Car seats can be installed using either the vehicle’s seat belt or a latch system. If you’ll be using the seat belt, make sure the belt can lock in place. Some seat belts remain loose until the tension of a sudden stop causes them to lock. You can lock this type of seat belt by pulling it out all the way and then tightening it. It should then remain stable and in place. If the seat belt doesn’t lock in place, you’ll need to use a belt clip to keep the car seat secure.
• Keep your child in a rear-facing car seat or position for as long as weight and height limits allow.
• Use blankets or towels for a better fit. Many newborns are too small for a standard car seat, even an infant-only model. You can tightly roll receiving blankets or towels and place them at either side of the head and between the crotch strap and your baby to help keep your infant securely in position.

When properly adjusted, there should be no slack in the harness straps, and the chest clip should be mid-chest and even with your baby’s armpits.

FAQ

Q. Can I use a car seat if my car only has lap belts?

A. Lap belts can be used for rear-facing and forward-facing car seats but not booster seats. Booster seats require a shoulder strap to properly protect your child in an accident.

Q. Are there car seats with a narrow base for smaller vehicles?

A. Slim-fit or compact models have a narrower base to fit in smaller cars. If you need to fit more than one car seat in your back seat, a couple of slim-fit models could work.

Q. Are there seats that can be used from the time my baby is born until he no longer needs a car or booster seat?

A. There are models designed for this purpose. Keep in mind that they don’t fit a newborn as well as an infant-only model. Similarly, the booster seat might not be as adjustable as a booster-only model. However, these models will save you money in the long run.