Infant Car Seats on Sale
An infant car seat is a must-have piece of baby gear, and a lot of them come with strollers for a convenient travel system. Models with multiple adjustments will accommodate your growing baby.
Some infant seats can be installed with just the seat belt (no base) which is ideal for parents who take public transportation or take taxis.
1. Big Box Retailers
Car seats can be costly however they are a necessity. It's essential to be aware of when the best car seat brands are available for sale. In the world of big box stores Target's annual trade-in event and Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale (held each summer) are some of the best times to find infant car seats on sale. These sales provide a wide selection of car seats, including Graco, Baby Trend, Chicco and Britax. Some even offer discounts up to 50 percent.
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Erin Carnahan is the Editor in Chief of Babylist.
Edited by Emily Morris, Senior Editor
Last updated October 11, 2018 Babylist is an independent guide to the most suitable equipment for your family.
2. Online Shopping
We all know how fast children develop. Their clothing isn't the only thing that they outgrow. Car seats are also big purchase for new parents and are usually replaced when their child is at the weight and height limits for their current seat. To ease the blow on your budget, online retailers are a great resource to find infant car seats for sale.
Amazon is a retailer known for its extensive range of overstock and open-box baby gear. There are a wide range of options on the site, including Graco or Chicco infant car seat sales. The Graco SnugRide SnugFit35 DLX is one to keep an eye on. It's a car seat that's all-in-one that can be used as an infant seat up to 40 pounds in the rear-facing position, and as a booster seat with a high-back or a backless booster for children up to 120 pounds.
It has a number of features such as a foot with a spring that reclines and a bubble indicator on the base. There is also the LockStrong system that secures and tightens the vehicle seatbelt over the buckle. It's also easy to tote around when not in use since its LATCH connectors fold into the base. Another option is the Nuna Pipa Urbn, which is part of a travel set-up and does not require the base. It comes with a few additional features typically reserved for more expensive models, such as an easy-to-remove seat pad to make washing easier and a harness that doesn't need rethread and a movable handle for easier carrying.
Britax ClickTight is yet another high-end car safety seat made by a company known for its luxury. This is a second all-in-one seat that can be used in both the rear-facing position and forward-facing position from birth until 120 pounds. The ClickTight system makes it easy to install. It also has a five-point neck and head support, as well as nine recline positions to ensure comfort.
If you're a parent with an old car seat that needs to be replaced or retired, Target's annual trade-in event is a great time to take advantage of a discount. The company will give two coupons worth 20 percent off car seats and other baby gear in-store or online.
3. infant car seat in front seat tend to feature more premium features than their less expensive counterparts. Some include rotating features to allow you to rotate the seat to face you as you load your baby in and out of it. Other extras, like adjustable no-rethread harnesses and anti-rebound bars, can improve the comfort of your ride, Dilts notes. You might also want to think about the load leg which is a brace that attaches to the base and helps with stability.
Compare prices online and at different retailers before making a final decision. You might be able find a better price by shopping for open boxes or other items that are not in stock. It's important to make sure that the infant car seat meets the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) minimum safety requirements.
Some parents prefer an exclusive brand for their infant car seat because they are confident about the safety and quality standards of that seat. Others prefer to buy an equivalent model at a lower cost. It's up to you to decide which one is the best for your family, but you should consider factors like how easy it will be to install the seat in your car and if you can easily connect it to the frame of a stroller, too.
When you're shopping, be sure you check the site of the manufacturer for installation videos and directions. You can also visit the NHTSA's recalls of car seats page that is a great resource for information on recent and potential safety concerns. Be aware that, while any car seat you buy is safe for your baby The most secure ones have a top rating from Consumer Reports and come with clearly marked installation instructions. Make sure to consider the weight of the base and seat when deciding how easy or difficult it is to transport. Last but not least, take the time to read the instruction manual thoroughly before installing the seat.
4. Special Offers
As a new parent, the car seat you pick for your child is one of the most important purchases. It will also be included on your registry. This is why it's crucial to look for the best deals during Black Friday. From the top-rated infant car seats to convertible and booster car seats, you'll find a wide range of discounts at major retailers like Target, Amazon, and many more.
When you are looking for an infant car seat, make sure to consider the safety features that are most important to you and your family. The best infant car seats are equipped with an array of features, including a quick-release latch system to ensure your child's safety in a snap and a recline feature built-in for babies and a straightforward one-handed harness adjustment. The Graco SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX is a great example of an infant car seat that comes with the full package of quality and user-friendliness and comes with a very high customer rating and a range of additional features you might not find in cheaper models.
Once your baby is ready to leave the infant car seat, you'll have to upgrade to an adult car seat. These typically have higher limits on height and weight than a baby car seat, which means they'll be able to safeguard your child's growing body for longer. Whether you want to start with a convertible car seat or choose an all-in-one model that can take your child through to their preschool years you'll get a variety of Black Friday deals from brands like Chicco, Graco, and Baby Trend.
If you're a veteran parent with an unloved or expired car seat sitting in your garage, consider donating it to your local charity and use the funds to purchase your next baby item. Some major retailers, such as Target, also offer a trade-in event every year where you can exchange your old car seat for two separate 20 percent off coupons that can be used towards any purchase made in-store or online, including an infant or convertible car seat.