It is also very comfortable for the child, with a six-position recline and a ten position headrest. Graco Infant car seats can be used from birth to around two years old. I had some issues at the beginning with getting the correct product. We haven’t used the car seat yet, but looking forward to using it when the baby arrives.
The Snugride Snuglock 35’s base fits easily in tight spots and has an easy-to-use carrier at a lower price point than other car seats with similar features. However, it lacks movement limiting devices on its base. Families looking for a very easy to use, versatile car seat with fantastic safety features and who don’t mind the higher price point. We’ve curated a list of our favorite infant car seats, ones that we highly recommend you consider when shopping.
The newest iteration of thePeg Perego Primo Viaggio delivers on both fronts. The sleek and lightweight seat features a breathable fresco jersey fabric that comes in a wide range of colors (the Italian-based company manufactures 14 different shades!). The seat also has a slim design that not only enhances its aesthetic, but also means it can fit better in small cars. A properly fitted car seat equals a safer car seat, and the three-step installation process on the SnugRide couldn’t be easier. Always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your car safety seat. If you do not have those, write or call the company’s customer service department.
As mentioned above, states may also have specific laws about car seat use. Graco recommends checking with the state you live in to make sure you’re following all regulations. We’ve used the Graco 4Ever 4-in-1 for a little more than two years with our oldest child. When he was ready to transition out of an infant car seat, we wanted something that would grow with him.
An infant car seat can be taken out of the car with the baby still in it, while a convertible car seat is designed to remain in the car. It is best for children to ride in a seat with a harness as long as possible, at least to 4 years of age. If your child outgrows a seat before reaching 4 years of age, consider using a seat with a harness approved for higher weights and heights. But you don’t have to become a Graco expert to find the right car seat for you.
Be prepared to use those muscles and coordination to get this thing clicked out. But my best friend, who is on kid number 2 with this system, assures me that it gets easier and doesn’t get stuck as much as time goes on. There’s a recline feature that allows you to move the base to 4 different heights. Use the included level indicator on the seat to make sure that you have it all just right.
We drive a mid-size SUV and are able to fit two Graco seats and an infant car seat across the back row without any issues. Sometimes, depending on who’s in the car, we leave space in the middle of our backseat for toys, books, and the occasional adult passenger. It isn’t exactly easy for adults to climb into the car around the installed car seats, but because it isn’t a daily occurrence for our family, it rarely presents a challenge. Infant car seats have height and weight limits, and should no longer be used once your child reaches either milestone. In other words, if baby has met the height limit but is under the weight limit, you’ll still have to retire your infant car seat.
Also, the material, while great for cleaning and not absorbing moisture, doesn’t breathe and made my baby hot this summer. When we had our first child six years ago, we purchased our first infant car seat. Over the years we were lucky enough to be able to use the same seat with each child. Fast forward to our fourth child’s arrival and our infant seat was set to expire just weeks after her due date. Car seats suddenly felt so overwhelming and I was constantly looking at different brands to read and compare their features to see what made them better than the next. Having always been a fan of Graco, I fell in love with their SnugRide infant seats and the features that are offered on them.
Seats from infant to booster are discounted, with prices starting under $40 for some models. When you click on links to buy products we may earn money to support our work. Learn why millions of parents trust our reviews on our About page. The SnugLock 35 carrier weighs 8.5 lbs making it one of the lightest carriers in the group and potential graco travel system consideration if you need to move or carry the carrier for longer distances regularly. The release handle on the back of the SnugLock 35 works well to remove the carrier from the base. The base includes both an adjustment foot to ensure that you install the base correctly and a level with an indicator range for correct installation.