Graco SnugRide Infant Car Seat

I was very dissatisfied with my first infant car seat (which was later recalled) so when I was expecting my second child I searched for an infant car seat with extra features. I found that many other moms online really liked the Graco SnugRide and so I went to my local baby store and checked it out.

At first glance, the Graco SnugRide was a beautiful seat. However, I was more concerned about its safety ratngs as well as features that would make it easy to use and install. The Graco SnugRide is a top-rated infant seat. It has a five-point harness with a secure chest-clip. In order to allow for growth of the baby and for a secure harness fit with varying clothes thicknesses, the Graco SnugRide has a front strap adjustable harness that uses a push button and is easy to operate. (To make sure your child isn’t wearing clothing that is too thick to be safe in a car seat refer to this article: http://babyproducts.about.com/od/carseats/a/carseatcoat.htm)

For the baby’s comfort, the Graco SnugRide has added foam beneath the car seat cover. Another comfort feature is the head support that matches the design of the car seat and keeps baby’s head from rolling to one side or the other. Some Graco SnugRide models come with a ‘cold weather boot’ that fits over the end of the of the car seat keeping cold air from entering and helping blankets to stay tucked around baby’s feet. Living in the South East I didn’t have much use for the cold weather boot for warmth, but found that I could slip my wallet or keys or grocery list under it when I went into the store with baby. (Never leave loose items in the car seat while traveling as they could become projectiles in an accident.)

The Graco SnugRide comes with the Latch System but is easy to install with a seat belt, also. The car seat is easy to remove from the base and a definite “click” signals that the car seat has been put into the base properly when putting baby in the car. The easy to use base makes it simple for the car seat to go from car to stroller.

Carrying the car seat once baby reaches a certain weight is always difficult, but the Graco SnugRide makes it easier with its ergonomic handle. I also find that propping the car seat on my hip while carrying it is made easier by the design of the seat.

The Graco SnugRide goes past the typical 20-pound rear-facing weight limit to 22 pounds which allows baby to ride rear-facing in an ultra-protective infant a little longer before having to move to a convertible seat.

I would recommend the Graco Snugride to parents looking for a reasonably priced; feature packed; rated high for safety; excellent infant car seat.