Best Infant Seats Under $100?

[TM2000]

We are expecting our 4th child at the end of October, but it's been 5 years since my twins were born and I feel so out of the loop on what to look for in infant seats. I really would like a bucket seat that's under $100, with a front tightening strap, and in the fairly higher range for weight/height limits. I would like to hear which seats are the easiest to install, and which have the most ease of use. One other note, I have a snap-n-go stroller and would love if the seat is compatible with it!

Also we are planning on buying a van, either an older Odyssey or Sedona. We currently have our 8 year old in a HBB, and the 5 year old twins FF in Radians.

Any advice and help will be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

 

[jordansmom]

Someone posted earlier Graco Snugride 35's are a special on woot.com today for $85 plus $5 shipping. Sounds like it would work perfectly for what you are looking!

 

[aporthole]

Urbini Petal is my favorite for under $100. It has features you would normally see on $200+ seats. Lock off on the base, Euro baseless routing, multiple crotch and hip positions, fits itty bitties well, generous limits.

The only drawback is that it isn't compatible with a snap and go stroller.

 

[Nedra]

Urbini Petal is my favorite for under $100. It has features you would normally see on $200+ seats. Lock off on the base, Euro baseless routing, multiple crotch and hip positions, fits itty bitties well, generous limits. The only drawback is that it isn't compatible with a snap and go stroller.

I agree. I have a Cybex Aton 2 and LOVE Euro routing for installation without the base -- but that seat is far from budget-friendly. The Urbini Petal is kind of awesome. While it isn't compatible with a snap and go, it is sold in travel systems for as little as $125 at Walmart (at least right now, the list price is $149). So for an extra $25 or so, you'd get a stroller to use with it and then afterwards as well. (Or if you already have a stroller you like for after the snap-and-go stage, you could sell the one that comes with the car seat once you were no longer using it with the bucket seat.) I would be all over that!

http://www.walmart.com/ip/34390633?...1.0.1&findingMethod=p13n&productRedirect=true

 

[rin2809]

Walmart has also regularly had the Snugride Click Connect 30s for around $90. We have used the Snugride Classic Connect 30 and liked it a lot. Has everything you mentioned you were looking for.

I would maybe look at the Safety 1st Onboard 35 as well if you have the front to back space in your vehicle. It is rated for 4-35lb and has more leg room than most seats. Amazon has one for $89 with free shipping right now (Amazon.com : Safety 1st onBoard 35 Infant Car Seat, Orion Blue : Rear Facing Child Safety Car Seats : Baby) and for $30 more they have a really nice air protect version. This would have been my choice if I were in your situation, but I tend to have seriously tall kiddos.

This article may help you at least get a starting idea of the recommended seats: http://csftl.org/recommended-seats/#rfo

Not sure about snap and go fit on either, though online forums say the Onboard fits.

 

[TM2000]

Thank you for the suggestions! It really helps me narrow it down!

 

[allmyboyz]

Thread crashing have a similar q but also want something narrow for three across. Is the urbini narrow?

 

[aporthole]

Thread crashing have a similar q but also want something narrow for three across. Is the urbini narrow?

Yes, the Urbini Petal is very slim.

 

[agent220]

I agree. I have a Cybex Aton 2 and LOVE Euro routing for installation without the base -- but that seat is far from budget-friendly. The Urbini Petal is kind of awesome. While it isn't compatible with a snap and go, it is sold in travel systems for as little as $125 at Walmart (at least right now, the list price is $149). So for an extra $25 or so, you'd get a stroller to use with it and then afterwards as well. (Or if you already have a stroller you like for after the snap-and-go stage, you could sell the one that comes with the car seat once you were no longer using it with the bucket seat.) I would be all over that!

http://www.walmart.com/ip/34390633?...1.0.1&findingMethod=p13n&productRedirect=true

Very intrigued here -- can you get a second base for the Urbini easily? Or does it install baseless easily as well? I have 2 vehicles our next baby seat would probably be going into.
(ETA: I saw walmart had for the sonti, not for the petal...unless they are the same base?)

 

[Nedra]

Very intrigued here -- can you get a second base for the Urbini easily? Or does it install baseless easily as well? I have 2 vehicles our next baby seat would probably be going into. (ETA: I saw walmart had for the sonti, not for the petal...unless they are the same base?)

Unlikely that they are the same base. :-(

According to this article, the release mechanisms are different, which probably means they can't be the same base.

http://csftl.org/urbini-sonti-review/

 

[agent220]

Yeah, I just saw that myself.

I like the Sonti better, anyway. It's a little more, but still $140 for a seat with 2 bases is reasonable. I just wish it had a longer expiration.

 

[aporthole]

Very intrigued here -- can you get a second base for the Urbini easily? Or does it install baseless easily as well? I have 2 vehicles our next baby seat would probably be going into.
(ETA: I saw walmart had for the sonti, not for the petal...unless they are the same base?)

You can get extra bases directly from the manufacturer: http://urbinibaby.com/additional-car-seat-bases-urbini-petal-now-available/