Graco snugride 35 lite infant car seat base

Below average results in most metrics despite a promising weight

Graco snugride 35 lite infant car seat base

Credit: Abriah Wofford

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Price:   $120 List | $119.99 at Amazon

Pros:  Lightweight, easy to carry, easy install without the base

Cons:  Lower crash analysis results, harder to use, not as comfy

Manufacturer:   Graco

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57

OVERALL
SCORE

RANKED
#14 of 15

  • Crash Test - 20% 3.5

  • Ease of Install - LATCH - 20% 6.5

  • Ease of Install - Belt - 10% 6.5

  • Ease of Install -w/o Base - 5% 7.5

  • Ease of Use - 15% 5.2

  • Comfort/Quality - 15% 4.7

  • Weight/Size - 15% 8.0


The Skinny

The Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX has one of the lowest prices in the group making it a potential contender for families on a budget. It is lightweight, easy to carry, and fairly easy to install using only the carrier and the vehicle belt. These combined reasons may make it attractive to city dwellers looking for a simple carrier for taxi life. Unfortunately, this option has fairly disappointing crash test analysis results with a score below the average. It is also hard to use than most of the competition and these two things combined make it hard for the Lite LX to stand out no matter what you are looking for.

Editor's Note: We updated this review on December 20, 2021, with additional sections on how the products compare and which options we would suggest to a friend.


Compare to Similar Products

 

Graco snugride 35 lite infant car seat base

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Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX

Graco snugride 35 lite infant car seat base

Peg Perego Primo Viaggio 4-35

Graco snugride 35 lite infant car seat base

Chicco KeyFit 35

Graco snugride 35 lite infant car seat base

Chicco KeyFit 30

Graco snugride 35 lite infant car seat base

Baby Trend EZ Flex-Loc

Awards 
Graco snugride 35 lite infant car seat base
 
Graco snugride 35 lite infant car seat base
 
Graco snugride 35 lite infant car seat base
 
Graco snugride 35 lite infant car seat base
 
Price$120 List
$119.99 at Amazon
$300 List
$299.99 at Amazon
$270 List
$269.99 at Amazon
$230 List
$229.99 at Amazon
$140 List
$82.50 at Amazon
Overall Score 
Graco snugride 35 lite infant car seat base

57

74

72

64

58

Star Rating
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ProsLightweight, easy to carry, easy install without the base Better crash test results, anti-rebound bar, easy install Reasonable price, better crash test results, super easy LATCH install Easy LATCH installation, better crash test results, price Inexpensive, good HIC score, easy to install with 2 methods
ConsLower crash analysis results, harder to use, not as comfy Heavier, harder to install LATCH system, few strollers are compatible Heavier, canopy/handle rubbing Coarse fabric, heavier, hard to install without the base Less padding, lower quality, harder to install with belt
Bottom LineBelow average results in most metrics despite a promising weight A great all-around seat with good crash test results, but limited stroller options A really nice seat with better crash tests analysis and a reasonable price tag, but it could be too heavy for some users Crash test results and ease of install with a nice price make it a good choice for most families A budget-friendly seat with better head sensor crash results and easy LATCH installation
Rating CategoriesGraco SnugRide 35 L... Peg Perego Primo Vi... Chicco KeyFit 35 Chicco KeyFit 30 Baby Trend EZ Flex-Loc
Crash Test (20%)

3.5

7.5

7.5

7.5

5.5

Ease of Install - LATCH (20%)

6.5

7.0

9.5

8.5

6.5

Ease of Install - Belt (10%)

6.5

9.0

7.0

5.5

5.5

Ease of Install -w/o Base (5%)

7.5

9.5

7.0

4.0

6.5

Ease of Use (15%)

5.2

6.6

7.1

6.6

4.9

Comfort/Quality (15%)

4.7

8.1

6.5

4.7

4.6

Weight/Size (15%)

8.0

6.0

5.0

5.0

7.0

SpecsGraco SnugRide 35 L... Peg Perego Primo Vi... Chicco KeyFit 35 Chicco KeyFit 30 Baby Trend EZ Flex-Loc
Crash Test HIC Score693 491 342 330 617
Crash Test Chest G Clip53 46 51 50.5 51
Minimum Passenger Weight4 lbs 4 lbs 4 lbs 4 lbs 4 lbs
Max Passenger Weight35 lbs 35 lbs 35 lbs 30 lbs 30 lbs
Max Passenger Height32" 32" 32" 30" 30"
Belt Routing StyleAmerican European European American European
Seat Weight7.4 lbs 9.6 lbs 10.9 lbs 10.1 lbs 8.6 lbs
Recline Positions4 Infinite 5 5 4
Shoulder Harness Positions4 6 5 3 3
Crotch Strap Positions2 1 1 1 1
Built in Lock OffNo Yes Yes Yes No
Anti-rebound DeviceHigh Back Base Yes Yes Built in High Back Base No
Load LegNo No No No No
Locking Handle Positions4 5 4 3 3
Allowed Handle Positions For Auto TravelAny 1 for Base Install (even with the top of the seat),
1 for Seat Only Install (all the way forward)
Carry Position
Stationary Position
Rocking Position
Any Not Listed
Head SupportYes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Newborn InsertYes Yes Yes Yes Yes
No Rethread HarnessNo Yes Yes No No
Onboard Manual StorageClips under the base. Stores in a hard flip down pocket on the back of the seat. Storage Compartment on front of the base. Storage Compartment on the front of the base. On the back of the seat towards the bottom.
Level Indicator On BaseWeighted Wheel/Dial Bubble Vial Bubble Indicator Bubble Vial None
Level Indicator On SeatLine On Decal Line On Decal Line on Decal Line On Decal Hanging Indicator

Show full specification detailsHide full specification details

Our Analysis and Test Results

In 1942, Russell Gray and Robert Cone launched the Graco metal fabrication company. Gray decided to leave the company after 11 years of service, prompting Robert to hire engineer David Saint to help create new products. Taking inspiration from a fellow worker, Saint created a swing for soothing babies from the idea of an outdoor glider swing. The baby swing was an immediate success, and Graco sold millions and became one of the world's most successful baby product producers. They make everything from car seats and strollers to travel cribs and high chairs.

Performance Comparison

Graco snugride 35 lite infant car seat base

The SnugRide LX has dense EPS impact foam on the inside of the seat shell.

Credit: Abriah Wofford


Crash Test

Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX earned an overall below-average result for crash test analysis with one of the group's lowest results. Its HIC score is 693, where the maximum allowed is 1000, and a lower score is better.

Graco snugride 35 lite infant car seat base

The chart shows a comparison of the crash test sensor data for the head sensor on the Lite LX vs the best result in the group earned by the Chicco Keyfit 30.

Credit: MGA, BabyGearLab Staff

The best in the bunch is the Chicco Keyfit 30 with 330, more than half the amount of forces seen in the SnugRide. The chart above compares the two seats' HIC results from their actual test data.

Graco snugride 35 lite infant car seat base

This chart shows a comparison of the chest sensor results for the Lite LX vs the best result in the group of the Cybex Aton 2.

Credit: MGA, BabyGearLab Staff

For the chest sensor (g score) (above chart), the SnugRide result is 53, where the maximum allowed is 60, and once again, a lower number is ideal. While it is better than the maximum allowed, the best in the group had a sensor reading of only 44 for the Cybex Aton 2 when using the load leg.

The combination of the HIC and chest sensor result were used to compare the SnugRide to the competition. Even when the results are combined, it fails to meet the average for the group. While it passes the federal guidelines for safety, in our opinion, it doesn't seem to offer an additional margin of safety when compared to the higher scoring options.

Graco snugride 35 lite infant car seat base

The rear-facing configuration of the Lite LX show installed using the LATCH.

Credit: Abriah Wofford


Ease of Install - LATCH

The Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX earns an average score for installation using the LATCH method. It isn't difficult, but it lacks features that could make it easier or more straightforward, such as self-ratcheting straps.

Graco snugride 35 lite infant car seat base

The LATCH anchors are a clip style that is easy to put on but more difficult to take off as they require significant loosening of the strap to twist the clip for removal.

Credit: Abriah Wofford

The LATCH anchors are the less expensive clip kind that is easy to connect but more challenging to take off. The straps are harder to tighten, and you'll need some bodyweight or a knee in the seat to get them tight enough. Once the straps are tight, it is a beast to get them loose again for base removal. If you don't need to move the base very often, this might be less of a concern for you, but if you plan to move it from car to car regularly, take heed. In our tests, the base had some shifting and travel in the Ford truck, but it felt more stable in our sedan vehicles.

There is a handle under the carrier on the base (above left) to adjust the angle of the seat for installation. The Graco has a level indicator on the side of the base (above right) for proper installation. None of the vehicles required a pool noodle or towel for proper installation.

Graco snugride 35 lite infant car seat base

The belt pathway is shown for the rear-facing installation of the Lite LX.

Credit: Abriah Wofford


Ease of Install - Belt

The Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX can be installed using the vehicle belt and the base. However, it didn't score well using this method compared to the other seats in our tests. Threading the belt isn't difficult, but the seat didn't feel as stable as it did without the base, depending on the test car. The Ford truck's flat seats created a more solid combination than the Audi or Nissan Altima installation. This hurt its overall score for installation using the vehicle belt as the base's foot seemed to have more movement than the competition. There is no belt lock-off on this model, which allows the base to travel along the vehicle belt, which is why we are big fans of the belt lock-off in general.

Graco snugride 35 lite infant car seat base

The belt path on the Lite for installation without the base.

Credit: Abriah Wofford


Ease of Install - Without the Base

Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX can be installed without the base, and this is its easiest installation configuration. The carrier uses the American belt path across the carrier's foot, and the belt pathway is obvious. It felt very stable and solid with no movement in our three test vehicles.

Graco snugride 35 lite infant car seat base

The canopy on the Lite LX does not collide with the handle which is a welcome change for the Graco infant seats.

Credit: Abriah Wofford


Ease of Use

Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX is harder to use than most of the competition, with a lower result in this metric than the average seat. While no infant car seat is truly frustrating, this option's daily use features might cause some parents' problems.

Graco snugride 35 lite infant car seat base

The buckle on the Lite LX is a step above past Graco buckles and is easier to operate with one hand.

Credit: Abriah Wofford


Harness

This Graco has a better buckle than those we've seen on previous Graco options. It is easier to press and doesn't require two fingers or any cursing. The chest clip is also somewhat better with an easier to slide design.

Graco snugride 35 lite infant car seat base

The harness on the Lite LX is tightened by pulling the strap on the foot of the carrier. The strap moves smoothly and doesn't take excessive strength to pull.

Credit: Abriah Wofford

Tightening and loosening the harness is straightforward with no problems during testing. This Lite LX has shoulder straps that use the rethread adjustment method with a T splitter in the back. The padding is minimal, so there isn't much in the way, and the holes are an adequate size to get the job done quickly. The shoulder straps have 4 available positions, while the crotch buckle has two.

Graco snugride 35 lite infant car seat base

The Lite LX moves on a pivot point by pressing a button on both sides at the same time.

Credit: Abriah Wofford


Handle

The handle on this Graco rotates smoothly on a pivot, and we are glad to see it no longer has the canopy handle collision problem we've seen on almost every other Graco seat. It has four possible positions, and you can choose any of them while driving.

Graco snugride 35 lite infant car seat base

Releasing the Lite LX carrier from the base is fairly easy with a squeeze of the lever on the back fo the carrier which can then be used to lift the carrier up and off the base.

Credit: Abriah Wofford


Carrier and Base Connection

Installing the carrier on the base is a simple process, didn't require any extra force during testing, and there was nothing in the way to cause problems. The handle on the back of the seat is easy to squeeze when ready to release the carrier.

Graco snugride 35 lite infant car seat base

The user manual for the Lite LX is under the base which is less than ideal as you might need the instructions for installing it without the base when the base is elsewhere.

Credit: Abriah Wofford


LATCH Anchors and Manual Storage

The LATCH anchors clip onto small plastic slots towards the front of the base. The location keeps the straps out of the way when connecting the carrier to the base and out of passengers' reach. It is simple and uninspired, but it does the job. The manual stows on the bottom of the base, which is a bummer if you use it sans base and forget how to install it, the manual will be nowhere around.

Graco snugride 35 lite infant car seat base

The Lite LX gets the job of car seat done, but it doesn't spend much time or thought on the comfort or quality of the materials with less padding and attention to detail compared to the competition, in our opinion.

Credit: Abriah Wofford

Comfort/Quality

The price of this Graco should give you some indication of the level of comfort and quality you can expect. While it will get you through the months of infanthood suitable for a car seat of this type, it isn't going to impress you with soft fabrics and plush padding. This Graco has material that feels like a cheap kid's coat, and while it wipes clean easily, it doesn't feel breathable or skin-friendly to us. The padding is minimal, and the overall look and feel are of a bargain seat, which it is.

Graco snugride 35 lite infant car seat base

The Graco is one of the absolute lightest carriers we've ever tested in the infant ar seat category.

Credit: Abriah Wofford


Weight

The Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX is one of the group's lightest options, with a carrier weight of only 7.44 lbs. For anyone who knows they will be carrying their little one for extended periods in the car seat carrier, this lower weight can seem ideal. We caution against making a buying decision based on this factor alone. The crash test analysis for this seat was sub-par, and there are lightweight options (though perhaps heavier than the SnugRide) with better crash results in the group.

Should You Buy the SnugRide 35 Lite LX ?

Sadly, no. This seat scored lower overall and in most metrics than the majority of the competition. Even if you are married to the Graco brand, we think this seat is not the one for you. Despite sporting a lower price tag we assume parents will love, we don't think the savings is worth the poor performance and sub-par crash test results.

What Other Infant Car Seat Should You Consider?

We prefer the Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 over the Lite LX. This option earned higher scores in most metrics. It is easier to install in both methods and has a significantly higher crash test score. While it is more expensive, you do get more bang for your buck no matter what your car seat goals. If your budget can stretch a bit, we love the Chicco Keyfit 30. This seat has the best HIC result in the group, is compatible with most strollers, and is easy to install with LATCH.

Manufacturer Video


— Juliet Spurrier, MD & Wendy Schmitz

What base is compatible with SnugRide 35 Lite?

So, grab a SnugRide SnugFit 35 Infant Car Seat Base for use with your SnugRide SnugFit 35 seat, or the SnugRide SnugLock Infant Car Seat Base, which is compatible with all Graco Click Connect infant car seats.

Can SnugRide 35 Lite be used without base?

SnugRide 35 Lite LX Specs & Features: Rear-facing only: 4-35 lbs.; 32″ or less and head must be 1” below top of seat. 4 harness height positions. Euro belt path allowed when installed without the base.

Do all Graco SnugRide bases the same?

All of our current bases are compatible with all of our current infant carriers as they all have the same "Click Connect' feature. We hope this helps!

How long are the Graco SnugRide 35 LITE good for?

Description. The lightweight Graco® SnugRide® 35 Lite Infant Car Seat supports baby in comfort from 4-35 lb and up to 32"".