what is the cheapest convertible out there that is decent? My co-worker doesn't make much more than I do so I can understand her cost concern. Her baby is 6 months old and while the baby bucket should last a while longer, she is searching. I think she has an evenflo infant seat right now.

Cheapest is the Cosco Scenera, usually retails for around 40-50 dollars. It's a pretty bare-bones convertible, no comfort padding, and no EPS foam.

For a little more you have the Safety First Avenue. It's also a 40 lb seat, but it has a taller shell and higher top harness slots, so she should be able to get at least 3 years rear facing unless she has a heavy kid, and the full forty pounds out of the forward facing harness. That retails for 80-90 at Kmart and Sears.

what about the graco comfort sport? I saw that at walmart for $80. She wants two seats so I was thinking about recommending the scenera for a 2nd seat and the more padded graco for the primary.

Ixnay the omforsportcay. It's a horrible seat. It has only a 30 lb maximum for rearfacing, and such short top harness straps that it's outgrown forward facing usually by the second birthday. The Safety First Avenue is a much better product.