The Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 Elite is a car seat for all parents that are looking for a budget-friendly option with the comfort and safety that other brands on the higher end offers. This Graco is better than the older models, with thicker padding and softer fabric. It scored higher than average in crash-test and can be installed easily using your car’s seat belt.
How We Picked Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35
How to determine the best car seat? The number one question of new parents. Here we tested Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 Elite and installed it in our sedan to see how it well it performs.
LATCH
The Graco has a clip-style LATCH that is easy to put on, but is challenging to take off. While this process should be easier since the seat is using the car’s seat belt, it’s a bit disappointing that the clip-style makes it harder.
Belt
The installation for the belt is easy and simple, the seat uses the car seat belt. There is a lock-off on the base that helps to tighten the car seat belt for a snug and comfortable fit.
Without the Base. You can use and install the Graco without the base. Installation is straightforward, easy and simple and will have your seat feel secure and comfortable.
Ease of Use
The Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 Elite is harder to use compared to other brands and model. This is due to the design of their handle and canopy, it gets difficult to open the canopy while using the handle.
Harness. The harness and buckle are average, and we didn’t see anything special with it. The buckle in particular is hard to use. It’s stiff and doesn’t slide as smooth as much as we want it to.
Handle. For the handle, it’s the same as old models from Graco where using the canopy and handle the same time makes it challenging. We thought that this will be resolved in the latest models, but it’s still here.
Comfort and Quality
For comfort, the seat has ample amount of padding and a stiff foam all throughout. But keep in mind that Graco is on the less expensive side of the car seats in the market. It has a canvas for fabric which is softer than previous models.
Canopy
The canopy is enough to cover your baby from head to toe which is great, the only problem is that the canopy crashes with the handle, and it’s hard to keep it while the handle is up for carrying which is very annoying. This design has been present with previous models and unfortunately Graco has not resolved this.
Weight
Graco Elite is well-made for its price, but one thing that will keep me from buying this is the weight and size. It’s too bulky that it makes sitting in the front seat inconvenient. Installing it in your back seat will take a lot of space and the weight of this car seat is not ideal for postpartum moms.
Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 Elite Infant Car Seat
The Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 Elite is better compared to Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX, but this does not mean that it’s as impressive as other seats in the market that we have tested. While Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 Elite is our choice against all other Graco car seats, we would not recommend it, specially if you have the budget for a car seat with higher crash test score and with better features. But if you are on a budget, Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 Elite is a good car seat.
