Evenflo LiteMax 35
Looking for a lightweight and budget-friendly infant car seat? Our in-depth review of the Evenflo LiteMax covers everything you need to know about this rear-facing infant seat, including its safety features, ease of installation, comfort, and portability. Find out if it's the right choice for your baby with expert insights and real-world testing!
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Our Review of the
Evenflo LiteMax 35
Looking for a lightweight and budget-friendly infant car seat? Our in-depth review of the Evenflo LiteMax covers everything you need to know about this rear-facing infant seat, including its safety features, ease of installation, comfort, and portability. Find out if it's the right choice for your baby with expert insights and real-world testing!
Our recommendation: From birth until it’s outgrown, around 12 months
An infant car seat
From birth, the fit is great for babies as small as 3 pounds/15.75″ *with approval from Evenflo
Stand Out Features of this Car Seat
Lock-off
This makes it easy to install and you can also use it in vehicles without locking seat belts (prior to 1996 for US/Canada or in most international vehicles).
European Baseless Routing
This seat can be installed baseless with European or American/Standard belt routing. You can find a video showing both of those methods here. The European routing method is preferred! European belt routing means the shoulder belt portion of the seat belt is routed behind the shell of the rear-facing seat, limiting its ability to rotate down in a frontal crash. This routing functions similarly to a load leg. Pretty cool, huh?!
Buckle Holders
This seat has buckle tongue holders, which is a feature that is usually only found on higher-end seats. This feature keeps the buckles out of the way when you’re putting your baby in and taking them out of the car seat. This makes it easier to get your baby in and out of the car seat.
Seat is Good for You If:
You are expecting/have a small baby or preemie.
This car seat is an excellent option if you’re expecting a small newborn or bringing home a preemie. A newborn in the Evenflo Litemax car seat will fit no matter how big or small! The lowest harness height is about 4″, so the shoulder straps are sure to fit in the proper position on the tiniest of babies.
You are looking for a budget-friendly option.
This is one of our favorite seats that can be found for around $150. It has an easy installation and fits babies of all sizes very well.
You want a car seat that’s easy to install.
The lock-off on the base makes for an easy and quick installation with either the seat belt or the lower anchors. If you will be taking the base in and out of the vehicle on a regular basis, you will find the seat belt much easier to use. This seat comes with basic lower anchors that can be more difficult to detach from the vehicle than premium anchors are.
You want a lightweight car seat.
The Evenflo LiteMax is one of the lightest infant car seats on the market, weighing in at just 7.4 pounds.
Use Caution if:
You need a seat that is compact front to back.
This won’t be the best choice for small backseats or for tall front-seat passengers. When installed on an outboard seat, there must be at least 1.5″ between the infant seat and the vehicle seat in front of it.
Quirks to be Aware of:
1.5″ Rule
When installed on an outboard seat, the Evenflo Litemax requires at least 1.5″ between the infant seat and the seat in front of it. If this is a problem in your vehicle, try installing it in the center seating position.
Child Fit Information
Installation Information
Airplane Use
The Evenflo Litemax is an FAA-approved car seat. This is a good option for travel. If traveling internationally without the base, you will need a locking clip. Contact the car seat manufacturer for a free locking clip. We have a video here of how to use a locking clip. If you travel with the base, it does have a seat belt lock-off.
For help with all things airplane travel and car seats, check out our newest resource: Safe in the Sky.
SITS Bottom Line
The Litemax is an excellent option for newborns of any size, including preemies! It’s a budget-friendly seat that has some of the same features you would expect to find on higher-end seats, like a lock-off and buckle tongue holders.
Videos
Specifications
Evenflo
Product Information
Weight: 7.4lbs
Width: 17.5"
Rear Facing Limits
Height: 15.75-32" (with approval)
Weight: 3-35lbs (with approval)
Head Height Rules: at least 1″ below the top of the car seat
Forward-Facing Limits
No Back Booster Limits
Highest Belt Guide Settings
High Back Booster Limits
Other Important Details
Preemie Fit
good bet
Expiration Limit
6 years
Crash Replacement Policy
replace after any crash
Harness
rethread
Lock-off
yes
Handle Positions for the Vehicle
USA: 1 or 3
Vehicle Seat Protector
This brand allows the Evenflo mat or a thin towel.