A safe and comfortable infant car seat is a top priority for new parents. When I was given the Graco Snugride 35 to test, I was hoping that it would turn out to be a good product for the price. 

I’ll begin by saying that the car seat itself is lightweight and was easy for me to carry around. The base was easy to install with the LATCH system and seemed to be secure, but the straps were a little difficult to losen and tighten.

However, when the seat itself was in the base, it seemed to wiggle around a little and make the “click” noise when the seat wasn’t even connected. This did not make me feel like my child was safe. 

The car seat does have 6 recline positions, which proved to be handy if my child seemed uncomfortable. 

I didn’t need the newborn insert, so I simply removed it. Even though the seat seemed comfortable for them, it made me uncomfortable.

The carrying handle kept sticking when I was moving it and the canopy was too small to completely shade my child from the sun or rain. It also kept getting in the way of the handle. 

I really wanted to like this infant carrier, but I don’t and I can’t recommend it. It doesn’t seem safe enough and there are too many flaws, especially for the price.

Why Buy A Graco Snugride 35?

Many of their seats have been known to save the lives of infants and toddlers in accidents, cocooning them in soft, stable surroundings. When these seats are properly installed and the infant is properly strapped in, Graco seats are hard to beat when it comes to making sure your baby has the best possible protection in the event of a crash.

This review compares five of the Graco Snugride Click Connect Infant Car Seats and tells you which of these seats gives you the most bang for your buck.

1.Graco Click Connect 35 – Superior LATCH Anchors

The 35 has strong crash test ratings and, like other Graco seats, tests above many other brands and models for safety. The 5-point harness is easy to tighten and loosen and holds your infant in place during impact. The side cushioning keeps your precious cargo comfortable and safe, absorbing any force.

Function

The Graco Snugride Click Connect 35 is lightweight and easy to carry and is an excellent choice for newborns and premature babies. It also grows with your child a bit more than the 30 and 30LX because it supports up to 35 pounds and 32 inches. The LATCH system makes it easy to install.

One of the drawbacks is that the canopy is small and doesn’t shield the baby from sunlight like some other models. The straps on the base can be difficult to tighten and are a bit cumbersome to loosen as well. Graco Click Connect 35 can also be easily installed without the base using a lap belt or a lap/shoulder belt combo.

Pricing

The Click Connect 35 can be purchased at a very decent price, especially if you are on a budget. Even with all its additional features, it is still one of the more affordable seats of its type.

What We Like

  • Fits infants and toddlers 4-35lbs and up to 32”
  • Lightweight
  • Removable newborn head support (great for premature babies)
  • 6 recline positions
  • Rotating canopy
  • Easy installation
  • Can be used with all Graco Click Connect strollers
  • Energy absorbing foam provides comfortable padding
  • Strong crash test rating
  • The harness is easy to tighten and release
  • LATCH anchors can be stored in the base

What We Dont Like

  • Carrying handle sometimes sticks when moving
  • Sometimes can hear a false click during installation when the seat is not attached
  • Wobbles slightly in the base
  • Canopy is small
  • Not compatible with old Graco bases
  • Base straps are difficult to tighten and loosen
  • No belt lock off in the base
  • Canopy gets in the way of handle

Price Comparison

2.Graco Click Connect 35LX – TrueShield Technology

Graco Snugride 35 Review [Safety Ratings & Specs] 4While the Graco Snugride Click Connect 35LX has many similar features to the 35, it has a few key components that give it an advantage. These features add to its comfort and convenience while keeping it on par for safety.

Safety

As with all Graco seats, the 35LX has performed well in crash tests and ranks very high for safety. It has performed well in all forward, rear, and side impact tests making it one of the premier infant car seats of its type.

The thick harness straps hold your baby safely in place. Furthermore, no rethread adjustment options help you find the perfect fit.

Function

The 35LX is easy to use and install and can be seamlessly transferred from the base to any Graco Click Connect stroller. It is heavier than other similar seats making it difficult to carry.

The cover can be removed and is machine washable. It comes with an optional lower body insert that adjusts the seat for premature babies and small newborns. The base has a convenient lock off the device that allows for easy seatbelt installation if you choose not to use the LATCH system.

Graco Snugride 30

Pricing

The Graco Snugride Click Connect 35LX is more expensive than the 35 model. Furthermore, you can choose a seat with the optional Safety Surround Protection for a bit extra.

Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 LX Infant Car Seat | Baby Car Seat Featuring TrueShield Side Impact Technology

$219.99  in stock
1 new from $219.99
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Graco Snugride 35 Review [Safety Ratings & Specs] 1 Amazon.com
as of March 27, 2023 2:03 pm

What We Like

  • Fits infants and toddlers 4-35lbs and up to 32”
  • Removable newborn head support (great for premature babies)
  • 6 recline positions
  • Large, rotating canopy
  • Easy installation
  • Can be used with all Graco Click Connect strollers
  • Energy absorbing foam provides comfortable padding
  • Strong crash test rating
  • The harness is easy to tighten and release
  • LATCH anchors can be stored in the base
  • 2 crotch adjustment positions
  • 15 harness positions
  • Optional lower body insert
  • Lock off the device in the base for seatbelt installation

What We DisLike

  • Large and takes up a significant amount of room
  • Heavy, weighing approximately 10lbs
  • Cannot be used with old Graco strollers
  • Does not have push-on LATCH connectors
  • Harness straps cannot be replaced
  • Sometimes can hear a false click during installation when the seat is not attached
  • Wobbles slightly in the base
  • Canopy is small
  • Not compatible with old Graco bases
  • Base straps are difficult to tighten and loosen
  • No belt lock off in the base
  • Canopy gets in the way of handle

3.Graco SnugLock 35 DLX – Features SafetyCore Frontal Crash

Graco Snugride 35 Review [Safety Ratings & Specs] 6The Graco Snugride Snuglock 35 DLX might be “the king” of Graco’s infant car seat line. It is more expensive than any other Graco Snugride Infant Car Seat. Nevertheless, if you are interested in the best Graco seat for safety and convenience and don’t mind paying a little extra, then the Snuglock 35 DLX is the way to go.

What We Like

  • Features Superior Snug Lock technology
  • Safety Core Frontal Crash technology
  • Easily attaches to and removes from the base
  • Accommodates infants and toddlers 4-35lbs and up to 32”
  • Highest ranking Graco product in safety tests
  • Push button LATCH system
  • 4-position adjustable base
  • Slider for shoulder height adjustment
  • Superior comfort
  • Compatible with all Graco Click Connect strollers
  • Large canopy with a peekaboo window

What We DisLike

  • Heavy at 10.25lbs
  • Needs an extra push to ensure base attachment
  • The chest clip is difficult to detach
  • Tightening strap has a high pull resistance

Safety

Graco Snugride Snuglock 35 DLX is the highest-rated Graco infant car seat for safety. It has performed exceptionally well in crash tests, especially for the chest and head regions. When properly installed, this is one of the safest infant seats on the market!

Check out Graco Snugride Snuglock 35 DLX Installation Video below:

Function

The Snugride Snuglock 35 can be more difficult to use than some other similar models. The base straps have high resistance to tightening and loosening during installation. The push button anchors are excellent for easy installation and snap right onto your car’s hooks.

Using the seatbelt for installation is a breeze with this seat because the lock off feature on the base holds the belt firmly in place. Even if you choose not to take the base, this seat can be securely installed using the seatbelt system in any car or an airplane.

Comparing Pricing

The Graco Snugride Snuglock 35 DLX is a “Cadillac” of Graco Infant Car Seats. Even though it is the most expensive model in this review, it is also the highest rated for safety and comfort.

Great Value For The Money 

You can’t go wrong buying any one of the Graco Snugride 35 Click Connect infant car seats. This car seat provides amazing value. All of the above snugride 35 car seats performed well in crash tests, proving that they will keep your infant safe in the event of an accident.

While there are differences between functionality and ease of installation, the similar designs make for minimal variation in day-to-day use.

If you prefer a little more comfort for your baby and slightly better ease of use, consider the 35LX. The Graco Snugride Snuglock 35 DLX has many extra features and is considered a premier infant car seat of its kind. With all of these models, Graco meets and then exceeds the expected standards for safety and quality.

Avatar of Keren Simanova
Author

Welcome to my car seat blog! As a mom of 3, I put together with other hard-working moms a highly informative one-stop car seat resource, full with many reviews and buyer guides. I hope you find it invaluable. Thank you for trusting me & my team! - Keren

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