Where can I get a cheap baby seat for a car?

Quality does matter. Car seats are to protect your child, not just strap them down! If you’re in the US, infant car seats are all safe and meet the same standards. Walmart and target have good deals. You can buy one used, but you’ll have to make sure it’s not expired or has been in a crash. Finally, don’t buy anything from temu or shein or anything like that. They might not meet the minimum safety standards.

You can easily get one under $100.

Quality should definitely be a concern…

“ relatively strapped down” wtf. Damn, some people should not be able to have children.

**Editing to add - We used to have a couple organizations that loaned out infant seats, which could be an option if this is still done. Given the chance of an accident while someone is using the seat, maybe it's no longer done. Also, we had another family member who bought the same car seat to have for the little one and when they moved, the seat was left with us to give away. I'm not sure how they go about checking the items, but I think Once Upon a Child may have car seats that are gently used, if they are in your area.

As a mother and grandmother this is one area we never scrimped, ever, even on a budget. A good car seat will convert and last a few years, the new ones have expiration dates. Ask family to chip in if need be, but this item should be high quality for your child's safety.

We have two of these now, once my daughter changed careers she bought a second one, one in their car, one in mine, a seat similar to this will last years and keep your little one safe. I know she sifted through reviews and crash test results before making a choice.

https://www.gracobaby.com/car-seats/toddler-car-seats/convertible-car-seats/extend2fit-convertible-car-seat/SAP_1963212.html

Old car seats are EXTREMELY dangerous because all the safety features were used.

It's better to get a fresh car seat.

Also, there may be mold or other nasties that would make your baby sick.

Better to shell out the $$$ for your baby than risk it.

NEVER be "frugal" financially with your kids' safety. NEVER.

You don't have to spend thousands, but do your research and buy a new car seat at someplace like Walmart or Target. The ones there should pass all the required safety requirements.

Likewise with your crib, bassinet, stroller, rocker, walker, etc. Check for recalls. Check for what the rules are for those items (I know cribs used to be that the slats needed to be less than or equal to the width of a soda can and they advised against certain items being used in them). Do NOT use hand-me-downs unless the baby has been born within the past few years. And even then check for recalls.

EDIT: There ARE ways you CAN be frugal with your kids. Never buy clothes that just fit them. Always buy a couple sizes ahead. Buy onesies, which are cheap and easy to wash. Buy diapers in bulk but make sure they're a size you're going to use for a while. Check out modern cloth diaper options, especially if you have your own washer. Unless you have a preemie, I always bought 12months+ for my kids from birth. They size out of stuff so fast! Check out used baby clothes in bulk online. I bought a huge box of clothing for $30 that was size 4-5 when my youngest was 2 and they wore those for three years!