Best Reviewed
Infant Car Seats
- Best car seat, more options Graco SnugRide *Est. $80
- Car seat for heavier/taller babies Britax Chaperone *Est. $200
- Best budget car seat for heavier babies Baby Trend Flex-Loc *Est. $100
Get info about new reports and updates
Graco SnugRide
Best car seat, more options
- Lightweight
- Performs well in safety tests
- Many colors and patterns
- Fabric not very breathable
- Mixed reviews for ease of installation
The Graco SnugRide infant car seat is a perennial favorite with reviewers. The SnugRide gets top marks for ease of use and trouble-free installation, fares well in crash tests, has EPS foam for support and comes in a wide array of styles and colors. On the downside, some user reviews say the fabric is not very breathable. Infant car seats double as baby carriers, meaning you can take a sleeping baby out of the car without waking the child. Parents say that, at 7.5 pounds without the base, the Graco SnugRide is easier to carry than most infant seats. One limitation is that the Graco SnugRide accommodates babies only up to 29 inches tall and 22 pounds. The Graco SnugRide 32 (*Est. $150) can accommodate babies weighing up to 32 pounds, but if you prefer a car seat that can be used for babies as heavy as 30 pounds, we found better reviews for the Britax Chaperone (*Est. $200).
For infant car seats, two reviewers are consistent standouts: ConsumerReports.org and the baby gear book "Baby Bargains." ConsumerReports.org rates the Graco SnugRide and 10 other infant seats according to how well they perform in laboratory testing for crash protection, ease of use and fit to vehicle. "Baby Bargains" takes these results into consideration, along with parent feedback and long-term performance history. Babble.com also rates the Graco SnugRide, evaluating it on its features, while taking into consideration crash test ratings from ConsumerReports.org. We also consulted user reviews at ToysRUs.com, Target.com and Amazon.com.
Graco SnugRide 32 Infant Car Seat, Zurich
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| Graco SnugRide Infant Car Seat Base, Silver | |
(101 reviews) In Stock. Eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping |
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Our Sources
1. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe
ConsumerReports.org includes 13 models in its latest report on infant car seats. Each car seat, including the Graco SnugRide, is independently tested for crash protection, ease of use and fit to vehicle.
Review: Infant Car Seats, Editors of ConsumerReports.org
2. Baby BargainsDetails/Subscribe
The popular baby gear book "Baby Bargains" covers a good range of infant car seats, including the Graco SnugRide. Ratings are based mainly on parent feedback, but authors also say they consider independent crash test ratings.
Review: Infant Car Seats, Denise and Alan Fields, Eighth edition
3. Babble.com
Reviewer Kate Bayless personally tests out several different car seats with babies of different ages, weights and builds. She evaluates the seats' features and takes into account crash test ratings from ConsumerReports.org. The Graco SnugRide wins the top spot for the best overall.
Review: Babble Best: Infant Car Seats, Kate Bayless, May/June 2009
The testing cited in this report really focuses on cars -- the car seats are not tested evenly. For instance, the Graco SnugRide is used much more often in crash tests than any other seat. It passed most of the 31 crash tests. The only perfect scores went to seats that were tested only once.
Review: Car Seat Tests Reveal 'Flaws', Patricia Callahan, March 1, 2009
5. Target.com
Most of the reviews on Target.com give the Graco SnugRide an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars. Parents are enthusiastic about the SnugRide's broad selection of fabrics and patterns, as well as its convenience, ease of use and overall value.
Review: Graco SnugRide Infant Car Seat Reviews, Contributors to Target.com
6. Amazon.com
More than 170 parents have posted reviews here for the Graco SnugRide car seat, which receives an average rating of 4 out of 5 stars. Feedback is mainly positive, with some varied complaints about the fabric and handle design.
Review: Graco SnugRide Infant Car Seat, Contributors to Amazon.com
7. ToysRUs.com
ToysRUs.com has more than 100 parent reviews of the Graco SnugRide infant car seat spread among pages for various model colors. Most say they like the SnugRide's comfort and sturdiness and find it easy to install and adjust.
Review: Graco SnugRide, Contributors to ToysRUs.com
8. About.com
While no formal objective testing is apparent, Heather Corley is About.com's guide to baby products and a child-passenger safety technician. Corley rates the Graco SnugRide fourth in this list of top five. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)
Review: Top 5 Infant Car Seats, Heather Corley
Infant Car Seats Runners Up:
11 picks including: About.com, Amazon.com…
4 picks by top review sites.
3 picks including: About.com, Amazon.com…
2 picks including: Amazon.com, Chicago Tribune…
2 picks by top review sites.
2 picks by top review sites.
