After extensively testing this car seat, The Baby Trend Flex Loc infant car seat is an excellent alternative for parents searching for a car seat that is safe, comfy, and simple to use for their children. Thanks to its flexible LATCH connections, adjustable five-point safety harness, and comfortable padding, I found it the perfect choice for newborns weighing 4 pounds and higher.
As a mom and a product reviewer, I’ve done a lot of research and testing on many baby car seats. Based on my experience, I firmly suggest the Baby Trend Flex Loc to parents. The car seat’s adjustable handle makes it simple to install and transport, while the soft padding and well-thought-out five-point safety harness keep your child comfortable and safe.
Read on for a thorough evaluation of the Baby Trend Flex Loc, covering its most distinguishing features, advantages and disadvantages, and overall value for money. If you can get past the price, I recommend the Baby Trend Flex Loc. It’s safe, comfortable, and convenient for my baby and me!
Baby Trend Flex Loc
With a soft baby insert, comfy shell, and EPS foam for enhanced protection, the Baby Trend Flex Lo car seat is intended to accommodate young newborns securely. It also includes a Delta carrier handle with four configurations, making it easy for parents to transport their children. The Baby Trend Flex Loc's ease of installation and modification is one of its most significant advantages. In addition, the 5-point harness is adjustable to accommodate your baby's size, and the seat is detachable for washing. Your infant will also love the folding canopy to shield them from the elements.
Parents who value their child’s comfort and adaptability will appreciate the Baby Trend Easy Flex Loc car seat. The distinctive delta-shaped handle provides a smooth and pleasant grip, making it simple to carry and hold the seat in various settings.
The push-button reclining mechanism enables quick and straightforward adjustments as your kid grows. In addition, the seat’s compatibility with the Baby Trend Sit N’ Stand adds versatility. Some parents found it challenging to secure the foundation, but the EPS foam and safety ratings make this car seat a winner.
Knowing that your child is safe and secure in the case of an accident is invaluable as a parent. The Baby Trend Easy Flex Loc car seat is a safe and pleasant option for parents who want to keep their kids safe while driving.
Product Comparison
Here’s how well the Baby Trend Flex Loc holds up against other options.
| Name | Baby Trend Flex Loc | Britax Boulevard ClickTight ARB | Graco Extend2Fit | Britax Marathon ClickTight ARB | Peg Perego Primo Viaggio Convertible |
| Price | $109.09 List | $400 List | $235 List | $350 List | $350 List |
| Overall Score | 85 | 75 | 73 | 68 | 67 |
| Star Rating | 5 |
|
| 4 | 4 |
| Pros | Easy to install Safe LATCH system | Easy to install and use, cozy comfort, excellent quality | Best crash test results, rear-facing till 50 lbs, price | Easy ClickTight installation, comfy quality | Easy to install, nicely put together, non-rethread harness |
| Cons | Difficult to adjust the carrier handle at times | Average crash test results | Not the best quality, but it is a more brutal belt installation | Heavier, price, clip LATCH anchors, below average crash test results | Primary impact test results, higher price |
| Bottom Line | One of the most affordable options that do not compromise on safety | Impressive option with quality features and super easy installation parents will love | Best crash test results on a budget-friendly seat that lets little ones sit rear-facing for longer | Lower-impact test results hurt this otherwise impressive option | An excellent quality option that is easy to use, but the competition is brutal to keep up with |
| Crash Test (35%) | 5 | 5.5 | 8.5 | 4.5 | 5.0 |
$234.99$199.99
$339.99$299.99
The EZ Flex Loc infant seat is named so because of the style of its LATCH anchor connectors. Instead of fixed connectors that attach to the vehicle’s LATCH anchors, it has flexible connectors because they are not rigid and can be more easily connected to your vehicle’s anchor points.
Aside from the EZ Flex Loc connectors, the car seat has many features that parents have come to expect in an infant carrier. The car seat accommodates infants weighing around four to thirty pounds and under thirty inches in height.
The five-point safety harness is very adjustable, and the car seat even includes an infant insert to fit tiny babies snugly. The Baby Trend Flex Loc is a rear-facing infant car seat with many features that strive to make the installation more secure and less of a headache.
Your Buying Guide
Why Did We Choose The Baby Trend Flex Loc?
- Safety ratings: The Baby Trend Flex Loc has been designed with a focus on safety, with features such as a 5-point safety harness, EPS energy-absorbing foam, and an adjustable reclining seat. These features ensure the car seat offers excellent protection for infants in a collision.
- User feedback: Parents who have used the Baby Trend Flex Loc have given favorable feedback, mainly about its ease of use and compatibility with various strollers.
- Ease of use: The Flex Loc is easy to install, thanks to the Flex-Loc latch system, ensuring a secure and straightforward installation. It also features a one-hand adjustable height, a removable headrest, and an adjustable canopy that makes it easy to use and comfortable for infants.
- Price: The Baby Trend Flex Loc is affordable compared to similar products.
Who Is The Baby Trend Flex Loc For?
The Baby Trend Flex Loc infant car seat is suitable for parents with newborns or infants who require a rear-facing car seat. It can accommodate babies weighing 5 to 30 pounds and up to 30 inches tall. Also, because of its lightweight design and compatibility with various strollers, the Flex Loc is ideal for parents who are always on the go.
What Do I Think Of The Baby Trend Flex Loc Infant Car Seat?
I’ve used the Baby Trend Flex Loc infant car seat for a few months now and have been pleased with its performance. The car seat was easy to install in my vehicle, and the Flex-Loc latch system ensured it was secure and stable.
I also appreciate the adjustable height feature, which allowed me to customize the car seat’s fit for my baby’s comfort. In addition, the removable headrest and adjustable canopy made it easy to adjust the car seat as my baby grew, ensuring a perfect fit.
The Baby Trend Flex Loc is an excellent option for parents looking for a safe, affordable, and easy-to-use infant car seat.
Plush Infant Insert
The Baby Trend Easy Flex Loc car seat comes with a detachable soft newborn insert that offers comfort and safety to your child. In addition, the car seat is wrapped in soft material and features EPS foam for added protection during side-impact crashes.
The delta-shaped handle is comfortable to hold and evenly distribute weight, making it easy to carry. It also offers four positions to ensure your baby can sit comfortably on longer drives.
Comfort Features
Delta carrier handle
Four parts are available for the Plush handle infant insert
Comfortable shell and EPS foam
Collapsible canopy
Versatile 5-point harness
Before installing the car seat, you should ensure the car seat is fitted correctly to your little one. This is important because car seat installation is relatively easy but tricky. The 5-point harness can be adjusted to one of three positions so the straps are even below your child’s shoulders.
Similarly, the crotch strap can be shortened or lengthened so that a space of half an inch to one inch remains between the slanted buckle inserts and your baby’s thigh.
The crotch strap is adjusted with a metal anchor clip fastened to the car seat. You can change the harness straps in one of two ways depending on the vX Flex Loc seat version. This adjustment can either occur with a rotating knob or by changing the slot that they are threaded through.
You can use the car seat with or without its base. Likewise, it can be installed using the LATCH connectors or only the vehicle’s seat belt. If you use the base, it adjusts to four different positions. In addition, the car seat base includes a level indicator with weight ranges to help you properly position your infant carrier.
Installation
Flex Loc connectors
you can use it with or without base
you can install it with LATCH or the vehicle’s seat belt
Push-button base recline
The Flex Loc car seat easily clicks onto the base and can be removed with one hand by compressing a lever. This allows parents to transition from the car to the go seamlessly. In addition, some EZ Flex Loc car seat versions are equipped with Snap-tech. This is Baby Trend Flex Loc’s term for stroller compatibility, meaning the car seat can attach to a travel system stroller.
Flex Loc Vs. Skyview
The Baby Trend EZ Flex Loc 32 car seat, sold as part of the Skyview Plus Travel System, has all the same features as the basic Ez Flex Loc, but the weight extends up to 32 lbs. The basic model is the EZ Flex Loc car seat sold with the Jogger Travel System. Both of these car seats include Snap-tech.
The Baby Trend EZ Flex Loc Infant Car Seat Plus consists of a “boot.” This is a term for a cover that secures the perimeter of the car seat in the foot area and extends up to the midsection. It resembles a blanket connecting to the car seat’s lower portion to warm the infant’s legs.
Canadian Baby Trend
The Canadian Baby Trend EZ Flex-Loc 32 infant car seat looks noticeably different as the base contains an anti-rebound bar. This car seat’s weight and height limitations extend to 32 lbs and 32”, respectively. Unfortunately, the anti-rebound model is not available in the United States.
Available Versions
Baby Trend Flex Loc Infant Car Seat
The Baby Trend Flex Loc Infant Car Seat 32
Baby Trend Flex Loc Infant Car Seat Plus
The Baby Trend Flex Loc Infant Car Seat with Anti-Rebound Bar (Canada only)
| Car Seat Model | Weight/Height Limit | Anti-Rebound Bar |
| Flex Loc Infant Car Seat | 30lbs/30.” | No |
| Flex Loc Infant Car Seat 32 | 32lbs/30.” | No |
| Flex Loc Infant Car Seat Plus | 30lbs/30.” | No |
As noted, there are various models available. However, their features are mostly the same, and as a result, so is the price.
Recommended Use
For infants weighing between four and thirty pounds and up to thirty inches in height*
The car seat is rear-facing only.
*The EZ Flex Loc 32 extends the weight limit to 32lbs
Unique Features
Delta shaped handle
No-rethread harness with knob adjustment (on some models)
Flex Loc anchor connectors
The car seat is available in a variety of colors (three options are available for the car seat if purchased separately from a travel system)
Snap Tech (on some models)
Push-button base recline adjuster
Specifications
Seat weight: 21.2lbs
Car Seat height: 25”
Seat depth: 26”
Listed seat width: 16.5”
What We Like
Comfortable carrying handle
It fits tiny babies securely
Removable and washable seat cover
Easy to install and adjust
Some models compatible with Baby Trend Flex Loc strollers
What We Don’t Like
Not all models have Snap Tech.
Different adjustment procedures based on model
Stroller and Base Compatibility
This version of the Baby Trend Flex Loc Infant car seat is equipped with Snap-Tech and can easily connect to Baby Trend Flex Loc strollers. Some strollers include the Baby Trend Jogger stroller, the Baby Trend SitNStand stroller, and the Baby Trend Skyview Plus Travel System stroller.
While there may be off-brand adapters that allow the EZ Flex Loc car seat to attach to other models of strollers, you can only use the EZ Flex Loc car seat with its included base, which is incompatible with any other model brands of bases.
Adapters
The EZ Flex Loc Infant Car Seat 32 and the EZ Flex Loc Infant Car Seat Plus include Snap Tech technology. Therefore, they can be connected to various Baby Trend strollers without using adapters. However, the EZ Flex Loc Infant Car Seat omits Snap-Tec and will require adapters to be compatible with a stroller.
One available adapter connects your Baby Trend car seat to your Contours brand stroller. This universal adapter will allow your car seat to attach to your single or double Contours stroller using a bar and a strap.
While Baby Trend does not manufacture proprietary adapters, the stroller brand you choose may manufacture a universal adapter that might be compatible with your EZ Flex Loc car seat. However, as the EZ Flex Loc 32 and the EZ Flex Loc Plus are relatively inexpensive and include Snap-Tec, one of these models may be worth purchasing.
Customer Reviews
Parents love the comfort and versatility of the infant carrier handle. The seat receives high marks for its ability to recline. For those with the Snap-Tech feature, parents like that it connects to various strollers, especially the popular Baby Trend Sit N’ Stand.
However, even with the addition of the Flex Loc anchors, some parents found it challenging to install the base securely in their vehicle’s seat. Some commented that the connectors were a breeze to secure, but the base was tricky to tighten, taking a significant weight and pulling off the straps to lock it down.
Additionally, the harness straps and carrier handle posed other problems. You must align together the prongs of the harness strap connectors to route into the crotch buckle; this can be difficult if you have a wriggling child. The handle of the infant carrier can be tricky to move into different positions and does not glide easily.
Parents Like
Delta shaped handle
Push-button recline
Snap-Tech compatibility
Parents Dislike
Hard to securely install base
Hard to buckle harness
Heavy
The carrier handle is challenging to move
Customer Reviews on Installation
As previously mentioned, installation is made easier by the Flex Loc anchor connectors, but then the base itself can be difficult to tighten down to your vehicle’s seat belt. In addition, the car seat and base are not as intuitive as other models as they do not have color-coded belt paths, easy-to-read “ball” level detectors, or colorized recline indicators.
Also, the car seat manual could be more challenging to read and follow. Once you familiarize yourself with installation procedures, you should not have an issue, but initially, it can be hard to install.
Expiration Information
The Baby Trend Flex Loc infant car seat expires six years after manufacture. You can find your car seat expiration date on your car seat label. As there are various models of this car seat, you should always refer to your specific manufacturer’s label and manual.
Cleaning
You can clean the car seat’s metal and plastic pieces with a damp cloth and mild soap. It is not recommended that you use bleach or abrasive cleaners.
You can wipe the buckles and latch connectors clean with a wet cloth. No lubricants should be applied. If the clasp is difficult to secure due to build-up, you should not use the infant seat and contact Baby Trend.
The harness straps can be spot cleaned only with cool water and should never be immersed. You can remove the car seat cover, and it is machine washable. The manual states that you should follow the washing instructions on the fabric label.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you install the EZ Flex Loc car seat?
You can install the EZ Flex Loc car seat with or without the car seat base. To use the base, you may install it with the LATCH system or your vehicle’s seat belt, threading the straps through the proper belt paths.
You may install the infant car seat without the base. However, the vehicle’s seat belt must be routed through the appropriate belt paths. In any scenario, the car seat should not move more than one inch in either direction.
How much does a Baby Trend Car Seat weigh?
The EZ Flex Loc Car Seat weighs 21.2 pounds.
Do you have to put the handle down on a car seat?
The Baby Trend manual states in the installation procedures to adjust the handle to the desired position. The images in the systems depict the handle in the carry, the mid-storage, and the non-rocking positions. However, it does not explicitly mention if one position must be used when installing a moving vehicle.
How do you loosen the straps on a Baby Trend car seat?
To loosen the harness straps, locate the button on the car seat between your child’s legs just in front of the buckle. This button must be depressed, and you may pull the straps toward you to loosen them.
Final Verdict
The Baby Trend Flex Loc infant car seat has many fantastic features, such as a 5-point harness, a detachable infant insert, and a multi-position base. While you may complicate installation and adjustment for some parents, you can solve these concerns with some practice.
You can buy yours from trustworthy online like Amazon, and consider the safety and convenience of the use when selecting your choice.
For parents seeking a reliable car seat for their child, I recommend the Baby Trend Flex Loc for its safety, affordability, and dependability.
