Graco SnugRide

*Est. $80 to $150, depending on model
Reviewed
August 2010
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Graco SnugRide

Best car seat, more options

Pros
  • Lightweight
  • Performs well in safety tests
  • Many colors and patterns
Cons
  • 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.

     
 
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Graco SnugRide 32 Infant Car Seat, Zurich
Average Customer Review:  
 
 
 
 
Where To Buy
 
 
Graco SnugRide Infant Car Seat Base, Silver

 (101 reviews)
Buy new: $49.99 $29.54   9 New from $24.80

In Stock. Eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping

 
 
 
 
 
Featured StoresStore RatingNotesTotal Price
AmazonAmazon rated 3.43 (1784 reviews)1,784 store reviewsIn Stock. Free Shipping on qualified orders$135.54
Diapers.comDiapers.com rated 4.72 (4193 reviews)4,193 store reviewsIn Stock. FREE 2-day Shipping!$159.99
eBayeBay rated 3.89 (1218 reviews)1,218 store reviewsIn Stock. Earn 2% eBay Bucks on qualifying purchases! Backed by eBay Buyer Protection Program. Terms and Conditions apply.$169.47
 
 
 

Our Sources

1. ConsumerReports.org

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 Bargains

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

4. Chicago Tribune

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:

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2 picks including: Amazon.com, Chicago Tribune…

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2 picks by top review sites.

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2 picks by top review sites.

     
 
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