In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician

Comparing Infant Car Seats

Showing 15 products | Change
 
Awards Best Value Award     
Price $120 List
$119.99 at Amazon
$180 List
Check Price at Amazon
$225 List
$199.49 at Amazon
$110 List$230 List
$209.99 at Amazon
Overall Score
59
55
61
54
73
Star Rating
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Pros Budget-friendly, better crash test result, lighter weightEasy install with belt, lightweight carrier, budget-friendlyLive online install assistance, better crash scores, lightweight, load legBetter crash test analysis, inexpensive, lightweightHigher crash scores, easy to use, good handle grip
Cons Hard to loosen, poor install stability, no comfort paddingDisappointing crash testing performance, hard to install w/o base, poor comfort featuresHard to tighten harness, hard to use buckle, disappointing comfortNesting buckle, annoying LATCH system, not as stable in all cars using belt installMinimal padding, small canopy, poor stability without base
Bottom Line Better crash scores make this wallet-friendly seat a good buy despite its hiccups in comfort and ease of installThe disappointing crash test results make this a seat we'd avoid over better higher performing seatsBetter crash test results make the overall poor ease of use an even bigger disappointmentBetter crash test analysis isn't enough to override the difficulty of installation and frustrating featuresImpressive crash test results but it isn't the most comfortable for a baby
Rating Categories Graco SnugRide 35 L... Graco SnugRide Snug... Evenflo LiteMax DLX Baby Trend EZ Flex-Loc Chicco KeyFit 30
Crash Test (40%)
8.4
4.2
8.1
7.7
7.9
Ease of Install - LATCH (20%)
3.0
6.0
4.3
3.5
6.8
Ease of Install - Belt (10%)
3.5
7.8
6.0
2.5
6.8
Ease of Install - w/o Base (5%)
3.8
3.8
5.8
4.5
5.5
Ease of Use (15%)
5.5
7.0
3.5
3.5
8.0
Comfort/Quality (5%)
3.0
4.0
4.5
4.0
5.5
Weight/Size (5%) Sort Icon
8.5
8.0
7.9
7.9
7.2
Specs Graco SnugRide 35 L... Graco SnugRide Snug... Evenflo LiteMax DLX Baby Trend EZ Flex-Loc Chicco KeyFit 30
Aircraft Certified Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Minimum Weight 4 lbs 4 lbs 4 lbs 4 lbs 4 lbs
Maximum Weight 35 lbs 35 lbs 35 lbs 30 lbs 30 lbs
Maximum Height 32 in 32 in 32 in 30 in 30 in
Belt Routing Style American American European American American
Measured Carrier-Only Weight 7.6 lb 8.5 lb 8.6 lb 8.7 lb 9.8 lb
Number of Recline Positions 4 4 4 4 5
Shoulder Harness Positions 4 4 5 3 3
Crotch Strap Positions 2 2 2 1 1
Built in Lock Off No Yes Yes No Yes
Anti-rebound Bar No No No No No
Load Leg No No Yes No No
Locking Handle Positions 4 4 4 4 3
Allowed Handle Positions For Auto Travel Any position Any position Position 1 & 3 Not listed Any position
Head Support Yes No Yes Yes Yes
Newborn Insert Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Method To Adjust Harness Shoulder Height Rethread Rethread Non-rethread Rethread Rethread
Onboard Manual Storage Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Level Indicator On Base needle, one side needle, one side Rotating dial On Infant Seat, one side only Bubble, both sides
Level Indicator On Seat Line on Decal Line on Decal Line on Decal Hanging Indicator Line on Decal