Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX Review – Best Lightweight Infant Car Seat

Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX

Overall Rating

 4.8/5

Face Rear

The SnugRide 35 Lite LX sports a unique geometric aesthetic that is similar other infant car seats in the Graco line. Alongside its lightweight and compact design and large canopy and ergonomic handle, the Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX not only looks great but has the build quality to match. While it’s well-built enough to make trips with the baby safe and it sports plenty of padding that keeps the little one comfy, the SnugRide 35 Lite LX does have some design quirks. For a car seat that is called the Lite LX, you’d expect it to be more portable. The 35 lbs/ 32″ weight and height limits are good to fit most infants around 1 year old while there is head and body support for newborns as small as 4 pounds. Overall, though, the SnugRide 35 Lite LX is an impressive infant car seat, but you are paying for the Graco brand.

*Price may change due to e-commerce platform and brand sales promotion.

Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX Review - A Reasonably Solid Performer

Pros & Cons

The good and the bad

What is it best for

Who we recommend it for

Value for Money

Is it worth the price tag?

Design

Dimensions, weight, color, etc

Safety Rating

Crash tests, FMVSS213, SIP

Performance

Weight/height limits, airplane, etc

Installation

Install with LATCH or seat belt

Alternatives

Other car seats to consider

1. Pros and Cons

Pros

Lightweight and easy to carry
Easy to install with the base or without
Adjustable headrest and harness for a custom fit
Removable head and body support for added comfort
Machine-washable cover for easy cleaning

Cons

2. Who Is It Best For?

Will the Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX Be a Good Fit For Your Child and Family?

Advertised as an all-in-one car seat for newborns and big kids, the performance and features suggest exactly that. The 5-120 weight range would be enough to fit growing kids of different sizes and ages making it a good choice as a money saver. The 50-lb rear-facing weight limit is another appealing point for extending the riding time in rear-facing. This means that parents can use the Radian 3RXT for several years, making it a great long-term investment.

As a member of the Diono Radian series, the 3RXT inherits the company’s classic design – slim fit, low-profile, and foldable. Featuring a narrow width of 17 inches, The Radian 3RXT is also ideal for families with smaller cars or those who need to fit three car seats across the back seat. If you want to use it on a plane, it does the job as well.

As an upgraded version from the entry-level 3R model, the 3RXT includes a few accessories like the infant insert to accommodate small newborns better. However, the same level improvements are included in the same priced 3RXT Safe+ model, which boasts six layers of side impact protection. This is something we highlighted as a drawback of its cheaper siblings, including the 3RXT in this review.

3. Value for Money

Is the price tag worth it?

There are two types of parents who’ll choose the Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX. The first are those looking for a budget infant car seat that offers great protection as well as maximum comfort and want something with a few safety extras and additional convenience for parents.

The second are those on the hunt for a lightweight newborn car seat that comes from a well-known brand. But bear in mind, the SnugRide 35 Lite LX isn’t the smallest or the lightest – even though it’s still friendly for parents who often switch the car seats from one vehicle to another.

If either sounds like you, you can’t go wrong with the SnugRide 35 Lite LX. It’s well-built, durable, and offers a decent level of safety and comfort.

4. Design

Dimensions and Width

The Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX can be used with or without the base, so its dimensions are different in these two methods.

Car Seat (without base): 15.5 inches (width) x 18.1 inches (depth) x 27.4 inches (height)

Car Seat (with base): 15.5 inches (width) x 30.5 inches (depth) x 15.6 inches (height)

You’ll find the only fixed dimension is the width, which is also the leading factor to decide that a car seat is good to do three across. Just like all other infant car seats, the 15.5-inch width is very narrow, making the SnugRide 35 Lite LX a good car seat to fit 3 across if you have to install multiple car seat side by side in the back row.

From its overall dimensions, the SnugRide 35 Lite LX is obviously a compact car seat, but it may not fit in all vehicles. If you have a mid-size or larger vehicle, it is possible that the Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX can fit three across in the back seat.

However, if you have a smaller vehicle, it may not be possible to fit three car seats across, even with a narrow car seat like the SnugRide 35 Lite LX. It’s important to always refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual for specific instructions and recommendations regarding car seat installation and spacing.

See also:

Portability

The Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX weighs approximately 7.5 pounds without the base and around 17.8 pounds with the base. This makes it a lightweight car seat compared to many other models on the market, which can weigh upwards of 20 pounds. The 7.5-pound car seat carrier is as good as the lightest infant car seats, providing excellent convenience for parents to carry it and attach it to the stroller.

The portability rating for the Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX is quite high, a good 8 out of 10, thanks to its lightweight design and convenient features. The car seat can be easily moved between vehicles or carried using the ergonomic handle. Additionally, the car seat is compatible with many Graco strollers, which can make it a convenient option for parents who want to use a travel system.

Overall, the Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX is a highly portable car seat that is easy to carry and move around, making it a good choice for families who are always on the go or who need to transfer the car seat between vehicles frequently.

See also:

Canopy

A canopy is necessary for an infant car seat. It is designed to protect your child from the sun’s harmful rays and can be adjusted to multiple positions to ensure that your child is always protected.

The Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX comes with a large and adjustable canopy that provides good sun protection for your child. One of the unique features of the Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX canopy is that it includes a peek-a-boo window that allows you to check on your child without having to lift the canopy. This window is made from mesh material, which helps to promote airflow and ventilation in the car seat. The peek-a-boo window can be easily opened and closed using a magnetic closure, which is a convenient feature for parents who want to keep an eye on their child during car rides.

Overall, the canopy on the Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX is a well-designed feature that provides good sun protection and includes a peek-a-boo window for easy access to your child. This can be a helpful feature for parents who want to keep an eye on their child during car rides or who are traveling on sunny days.

Handle

In order to make the carry more comfortable and easy for parents, the handle on the Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX is ergonomically designed. The handle can be adjusted into multiple positions, allowing parents to find the most comfortable grip for carrying the car seat. It can be folded down and work as an anti-rebound when using the SnugRide 35 Lite LX as a car seat carrier in the vehicle.

Like the handles in other infant car seats, the handle on the SnugRide 35 Lite LX includes a rubberized grip that makes it easier to hold and prevents slipping, even when the handle is wet or slippery. This can be particularly helpful when carrying the car seat during rainy or snowy weather.

Another important aspect of the handle on the SnugRide 35 Lite LX car seat is that it is easy to adjust with just one hand. This can be helpful for parents who need to adjust the handle position while holding their child or who need to quickly move the car seat from one location to another.

Reclines - 4 Positions

The Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX infant car seat features a rotating recline foot, which allows for multiple recline positions to ensure a comfortable and secure fit for your infant.

The car seat base can be adjusted to 4 different recline positions, which can be easily changed by rotating the recline foot. The recline positions are designed to accommodate a range of vehicle seat angles and to provide the best possible fit for your child, based on their age and weight.

It’s important to note that the car seat should always be installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions, including the recommended recline position, to ensure that it is safe and effective for use. Additionally, it’s recommended to check the recline position periodically as your child grows and to adjust it as necessary to ensure a proper fit.

Infant Accessories

The Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX infant car seat features head and body support cushions to provide additional comfort and support for your child.

The head and body support cushions are removable and can be adjusted to accommodate your child’s size and growth. They are designed to help keep your child’s head and neck in a comfortable and safe position while riding in the car, and can also help to absorb some of the impact in the event of a collision.

The additional support provided by the head and body cushions can make the car seat more comfortable for your child, especially during long car rides. It can also help to keep your child in a safe and secure position, which can reduce the risk of injury in the event of a collision.

However, it’s important to ensure that the head and body support cushions are properly adjusted and used according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Improper use of the cushions can lead to improper positioning of your child’s head and neck, which can be dangerous in the event of a collision.

Padding

The Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX infant car seat comes equipped with high-quality materials and padding to provide a safe and comfortable ride for your child.

The car seat features a plush newborn insert made of soft, breathable fabric to keep your infant comfortable and secure. The seat itself is also padded with energy-absorbing foam to help protect your child in the event of a collision.

The car seat cover is made of a high-quality, machine-washable fabric that is easy to clean and maintain. The canopy is made of a UV 50+ rated material to help protect your child from the sun’s harmful rays.

Overall, the padding and materials used in the Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX infant car seat are designed to provide a comfortable and safe ride for your child. They are also easy to clean and maintain, which can be helpful when dealing with spills and messes.

5. Safety Rating and Crash Tests

Is it safe to use Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX?

The Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX has undergone rigorous safety testing to ensure that it meets or exceeds federal safety standards. The car seat has been tested for side-impact protection and meets or exceeds US safety standards.

In terms of crash testing, the Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX has been tested for both frontal and side-impact collisions. The car seat has undergone testing using a sled system that simulates a crash and measures the forces that the car seat experiences during impact.

Plus, it features the company’s exclusive ProtectPlus engineering technology that proves this car seat can provide optimal protection from all-around, no matter the crashes from the front, rear, side, or even rollover.

The Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX has also been rated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for overall ease of use and has received a 4-star rating out of a possible 5 stars. This rating indicates that the car seat is easy to install and use correctly, which is an important factor in ensuring your child’s safety.

6. Performance

Weight and Height Limits - 35 lbs/ 32"

The Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX is manufactured to support infants from 4 to 35 pounds and up to 32 inches in height. This means that the car seat can be used from birth until your child is ready for a forward-facing car seat.

The weight and height limits are important to keep in mind when using the car seat to ensure that your child is properly secured and safe during car rides. It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for height and weight limits, as using the car seat outside of these limits can compromise your child’s safety.

The Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX is designed to accommodate infants in the rear-facing position, which is the safest position for young children in a car. The rear-facing position helps to protect your child’s head, neck, and spine during a collision and is recommended by safety experts for infants and young children.

See also:

Car seat height and weight limits

Stage / Modes

The Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX is an infant car seat. So it’s not surprising that it can be used in one stage: as a rear-facing infant car seat for infants weighing between 4 and 35 pounds, and up to 32 inches in height.

Infant car seats, like the Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX, are designed to be used for the first year of a child’s life or until they outgrow the weight or height limits of the car seat. After your child outgrows the weight or height limits of the infant car seat, they will need to transition to a forward-facing car seat.

However, in some states, like New York and Virginia, the car seat laws require that kids younger than 2 years of age should ride rear-facing. In this case, you’ll need a car seat with an extended rear-facing. There are also a few convertible car seats with a 50 lbs weight limit for a longer rear-facing ride.

Age Range

The manufacturer does not give the SnugRide 35 Lite LX infant car seat a specific age limit, as all children grow and develop at different rates. However, it is designed to be used for infants from birth until they reach the weight or height limits of the car seat. For this car seat it’s 35 lbs/ 32″.

Typically, children will outgrow the Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX within the first year of their life, but this can vary depending on the child’s size and growth rate. It’s important to monitor your child’s weight and height and to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for when to transition to a different car seat.

It’s also important to note that the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children ride in a rear-facing car seat for as long as possible, up to the maximum weight or height allowed by the car seat manufacturer. Therefore, even if your child is within the weight and height limits of the Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX, it’s recommended to continue using a rear-facing car seat for as long as possible to ensure their safety.

See also:

Airplane

Is Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX FAA approved for use on a plane?

Yes, the Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX infant car seat is FAA approved for use on a plane. More luckily, the car seat is compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry through airports and install on a plane.

When traveling with the car seat on a plane, it’s important to ensure that it is properly installed and secured in the airplane seat using the lap belt. Additionally, some airlines may require a specific type of safety belt or additional safety features when using a car seat on a plane, so it’s recommended to check with the airline before your trip to ensure that you have all the necessary information and requirements.

Lifespan

How long is Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX infant car seat good for

like all car seats, the Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX infant car seat has an expiration date. The expiration date can typically be found on a sticker located on the car seat itself, and it’s important to check this date to ensure that the car seat is still safe and effective for use.

The SnugRide 35 Lite LX has an expiration date of 7 years from the date of manufacture. This means that the car seat should not be used after the expiration date has passed, even if it appears to be in good condition and has not been involved in any accidents.

Car seats have an expiration date because the materials and components used to make them can degrade over time and may no longer provide the same level of protection and safety as a newer car seat. Additionally, advances in technology and safety standards may make newer car seats safer than older models.

It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and to replace the car seat after it has expired or if it has been involved in a moderate to severe accident, even if there is no visible damage. This can help to ensure that your child is always protected and safe while riding in the car.

See also:

Further Information

What to do with expired car seats

Warranty

Generally, Graco offers a limited one-year warranty for its products, including the SnugRide 35 Lite LX. The warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal use and service.

It’s common that the warranty does not cover damages or defects caused by misuse, abuse, or unauthorized repairs or modifications. It also does not cover normal wear and tear or damage caused by accidents or collisions.

7. Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX Installation

Before starting to install the car seat, you may where to put it. The center of the back seat is probably the safest position to install a car seat.

If possible, install the car seat on that spot. If that seat is not applicable for a proper installation, for example lacking a shoulder belt, either seat on the side would be safe. You may choose any of them based on your family’s and kid’s needs.

Install Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX Using LATCH

1. Remove Lower Anchor Attachment Connectors from Storage Location Unhook the Lower anchor attachment connectors and remove from storage position.

2. Make Sure Lower Anchor Attachment Strap is in the RearFacing Belt Path, Marked With a Blue Label.

3. Extend the Lower Anchor Attachment Strap Extend the Lower anchor attachment strap to its maximum length by pressing the gray button and pulling on the strap. 4. Place Base in Back Seat of the Vehicle Place the base flat on the vehicle seat. Push it back until the front of the base touches the vehicle seat back. Center the base between the lower Lower anchor attachment anchors. If allowed by your Vehicle Owners Manual, the center seating position may be used if the anchor spacing is 11” (28 cm) or greater. Note: Make sure base is a minimum of 80% on vehicle seat.

5. Check the Level Indicator Vehicle MUST be level with the ground. To recline, review section 2-E.

6. Connect Lower Anchor Attachment Connectors to the Vehicle’s Lower Anchor Attachment Anchors Lower anchor attachment strap should lay as flat as possible and not be twisted. Do not attach the hook upside down.

7. Tighten the Lower Anchor Attachment Strap Press down firmly in the center of the base while tightening the Lower anchor attachment strap.

8. Test For Tightness Grab the sides of the base where the Lower anchor attachment strap is and push and pull the base from side to side and front to back. If the base moves less than 1” (2.5 cm), it is tight enough.

9. Attach Car Seat to Base Place car seat into the base. Push down on the front of the car seat and handle until you hear a “click”. Test to make sure the car seat is attached by pulling up on the front corners of car seat.

10. Check the Level Indicator Vehicle MUST be level with the ground. Check the level indicator with child in the child restraint. See section 4-C to secure your child.

Install Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX Using Lap/Shoulder Belt

1. Store Lower Anchor Attachment Connectors Attach the Lower anchor attachment connectors to the plastic bars on sides of base as shown. Remove the slack.

2. Place Base in Back Seat of the Vehicle Place the base flat on the vehicle seat. Push it back until the front of the base touches the vehicle seat back. Note: Make sure base is a minimum of 80% on vehicle seat.

3. Check the Level Indicator Vehicle MUST be level with the ground. To recline, review section 2-E.

4. Route the Vehicle Seat Belt Thread vehicle seat belt through the rear-facing belt path (marked with a blue label) and buckle it. The seat belt should lay as flat as possible and not be twisted.

5. Lock the Vehicle Seat Belt In most vehicles today, slowly pull the shoulder belt all the way out and then let it go back in. You will hear a “clicking” sound. Slowly pull out on the belt and it should be locked. If not, review your car’s owner manual and section 6-D.

6. Tighten the Vehicle Seat Belt Press down firmly in the center of the base. Pull on the shoulder belt to tighten while feeding the slack back in the retractor.

7. Test For Tightness Grab the sides of the base where the seat belt is and push and pull the base from side to side and front to back. If the base moves less than 1” (2.5 cm), it is tight enough.

8. Attach Car Seat to Base Place car seat into the base. Push down on the front of the car seat and handle until you hear a “click”. Test to make sure the car seat is attached by pulling up on the front corners of car seat.

9. Check the Level Indicator Vehicle MUST be level with the ground. Check the level indicator with child in the child restraint. See section 4-C to secure your child.

Install Graco SnugRide 35 LX without Base with Vechile Seat Belt

1. Place Car Seat in Back Seat of the Vehicle Place the car seat on the vehicle seat. Push it back until the front of the car seat touches the vehicle seat back. Check the rear-facing level line. The red level line on the side of the seat MUST BE LEVEL with the ground. If needed, rolled towels may be placed under the base, at the vehicle seat crease, until the level line is level with the ground.

2. Route the Vehicle Seat Belt Thread vehicle seat belt through the rear-facing belt path (marked with a blue label) and buckle it. The seat belt should not be twisted. If your shoulder belt is long enough, you may route the shoulder belt behind the seat as shown.

3. Lock the Vehicle Seat Belt In most vehicles today, slowly pull the shoulder belt all the way out and then let it go back in. You will hear a “clicking” sound. Slowly pull out on the belt and it should be locked. If not, review your car’s owner manual and section 6-D.

4. Tighten the Vehicle Seat Belt Lay your forearm across the car seat at the belt path and push down. Pull on the shoulder belt to tighten while feeding the slack back in the retractor.

5. Test For Tightness Grab the sides of the car seat where the seat belt is and push and pull the car seat from side to side and front to back. If the car seat moves less than 1” (2.5 cm), it is tight enough.

6. Check the Rear Facing Level Line The red level line on the side of the seat MUST BE LEVEL with the ground. Check the level line with child in the child restraint when making sure the line is level with the ground. If needed, rolled towels may be placed under the car seat, at the vehicle seat crease, until the level line is level with the ground.

Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX Car Seat Manual

You should always read the user manual before starting to install and use it for riding your child.

The Graco Snugride 35 Lite LX manual is stored in a small storage slot underneath the base. but you can always find the online user manual on its official website, or download the PDF here.

8. Specification and Comparison

Brand
Brand	Graco
Type
Suitable for	Newborns and infants
Positions	Rear-facing
Design
Portability (1-10)	8. Compact and lightweight
Weight (pounds)	7.5 without base
Weight limits (lb.)	4-35
Height limit (inch)	32”
Dimension	15.5 x 18.1 x 27.4″ WDH
Cup holder	None
Performance
Age Range	Birth-12~15 months old
Stage	1st
Installation	LATCH and seat belt
Headrest Positions	–
Recline positions	4
Airplane	Yes
Lifespan	7 Years
Extra Features	–

14. Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX vs SnugRide SnugLock 35 vs SnugFit 35 DLX

Car Seats Comparison	SnugRide 35 Lite LX	SnugRide SnugLock 35	SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX
Price	$119	$179	$229
Weight limits (lb)	4-35	4-35	4-35
Heights Limits	32"	32"	32"
1-Hand Adjustable Handle	-	-	✓
Easy-to-Remove Seat Pad	-	-	✓
Silent Shade Canopy	-	-	✓
No-Rethread Harness	-	-	✓
Adjustable Recline	✓	✓	✓
Anti-Rebound Bar	-	-	✓
LATCH	-	LATCH-Equipped	One-Second InRight LATCH
SnugLock® Installation Technology	-	✓	✓
Belt Lock-Off	-	✓	✓
Carrier weight without base	7.5	7.3	8.8
Width (in.)	15.5	17.5	17.5

*About the height limit for rear-facing: The top of the head must be 1” (2.5 cm) below the headrest adjustment lever.

Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX Review – Best Lightweight Infant Car Seat