Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 Elite Review

Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 Elite

Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 Elite

Overall Rating
4.7/5
Face Rear

If you’re looking for an infant car seat for newborns to take them from hospital to home without having to fork out, then look no further. The Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 Elite combines style and practicality to produce an infant car seat that is not only safe and comfortable but affordable. It is the best first-stage car seat and comes out on top for weight limit, safety, comfort, ease of use, and compatibility against most infant car seats under $300.

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

Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 Elite Review

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

Cons

2. Who Is It Best For?

Will the Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 Elite Be a Good Fit For Your Child and Family?

Due to its practical design and excellent features on safety, comfort, and ease of use, the Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 Elite is a perfect match for babies around 12 and 18 months, as well as parents who value safety, convenience, and durability.

It is a step up from budget infant car seats like those in the Safety 1st and Evenflo lineups and gives popular Graco models a run for their money.

Plus, the compact design and great stroller compatibility make it ideal for portability and transitions from a car seat to a travel system. Its adjustable harness, removable head, and body support, and SnugLock installation system make it comfortable and easy to use, while its safety features and lightweight design provide peace of mind for parents.

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3. Value for Money

Is the price tag worth it?

If you want the combined safety, comfort, capacity, and ease of use that a budget of around $200 can buy, there’s no better choice than the Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 Elite.

The value for money is best reflected in its safety extras, installation, and maintenance. The energy-absorbing base adapts the SafeCore technology to reduce crash impaction while the SnugLock technique makes it easy to install the carrier to the base. Featuring an easy-to-remove seat cover that features the company’s exclusive RapidRemove design, maintaining and cleaning this car seat is a piece of cake.

If you can afford to spend a little more ($269.99 in total), then I highly recommend upgrading to the Graco SnugRide SnugFit 35 Elite for a larger and easier-adjustment canopy with an all-Weather boot design (similar to Nuna Pipa’s Sky Drape), and a more convenient one-hand adjustable handle.

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4. Design

Dimensions and Width

Infant car seats are usually the most compact in size. So does the Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 Elite, which has the following dimensions: 29.09″ (H) x 18.31″ (W) x 16.22″ (D), with the base recline fully extended. This size is considered compact compared to other convertible and all-in-one car seats, making it easy to carry and transfer between different vehicles. The rotating canopy also folds down for easy storage when not in use, reducing the room it needs.

If you use it without the base – yes, the Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 Elite can be installed with the seat belt, the carrier itself measures 17.5 inches in width and 25 inches in height. This makes it fit in most cars, SUVs, and minivans. The 17.5-inch width seems to be good enough to do three across.

However, some parents have reported difficulty in fitting the car seat in smaller cars, especially when the front passenger seat needs to be pushed back for taller passengers.

Ultimately, it is recommended that parents try the car seat in their vehicle before purchasing it to make sure that it fits properly and is compatible with their car.


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Portability

With the base included, the Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 Elite weighs approximately 18.8 pounds. Without the base, the car seat is 9.6 pounds. It’s not as lightweight as the SnugRide 35 Lite LX and SnugRide SnugLock 35, which are around 7.5 pounds. The latter two Graco infant car seats are fairly lightweight to have a position in our best recommendations in the lightest infant car seats list.

However, this car seat is designed to be portable for travel, whether by car or by air. The two more pounds won’t affect you much when you need to switch the car seat between different vehicles or transport it from home to the airport. 

But it’s not the best recommendation if you take an infant to travel a lot. I’m sure you’ll love the Doona better. It’s the only infant car seat with wheels and can be turned into a stroller for easy maneuvering.

See also

Canopy

The Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 Elite features a rotating canopy that is designed to help protect the baby from sun, wind, and rain. The canopy can be easily adjusted to provide shade and protection no matter the time of day or the direction of the sun.

The canopy is considered to be of a decent size, providing ample coverage for the baby in most seating positions. The canopy features a UV 50+ rating, which means it provides excellent protection from the sun’s harmful rays.

One of the benefits of the rotating canopy is that it can be easily adjusted to accommodate the needs of the baby. However, lots of parents have expressed concerns about the canopy not providing full coverage in certain seating configurations, especially when the car seat is positioned rear-facing. If you prefer a larger canopy that allows silent adjustment without disturbing a sleeping baby, the SnugRide SnugFit 35 Elite is a good alternative.

Moving to this part, I have to mention the Nuna Pipa infant car seats, four (Pipa, Pipa Lite LX, Pipa Lite RX, and Pipa RX) of the six have the company’s exclusive feature – Sky Drape, which is an extendable accessory to provide full coverage for babies in the car seat.

Color option

At first along with its launch, the Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 Elite is available in several color options, including

Oakley – a black and gray color scheme that is gender-neutral.

Spencer – a gray and white color scheme that is gender-neutral.

Anabele – a pink and gray color scheme that is often viewed as a more feminine option.

Bryant – a blue and black color scheme that is often viewed as a more masculine option.

Right now, only Oakley is available on its official website and on Amazon. It’s not designed especially for boys or girls but is more unisex.

If you prefer a colored car seat, check our post on pink car seats list and purple car seats list to pick up one that most suits your kids and inner car style.

Headrest and Harness

The car seat features a five-point harness system, which includes padded straps and a padded headrest to provide cushioning and support for the baby’s head and neck.

The headrest and harness can be adjusted to accommodate the baby’s growth and ensure a proper fit throughout the different sizes of early childhood.

Thanks to the No-Rethread harness design, adjusting the headrest and harness is particularly convenient, as they can be adjusted without rethreading the straps, allowing parents to easily and quickly adjust the car seat to fit the baby as they grow.

The adjustable headrest provides additional support for the baby’s head and neck, particularly for smaller infants and preemies who may need extra support. The headrest can be adjusted to one of four positions, helping to ensure a comfortable and secure fit.

Reclines - 4 Positions

The car seat, mainly the base, supports four different recline positions, which can be adjusted easily without having to rethread the straps or reposition the base. This allows parents to quickly and easily adjust the car seat to find the optimal recline position for the baby.

The multiple recline positions ensure the car seat suits the baby’s size, weight, and developmental stage. For younger infants, a more reclined position may be more comfortable and safe, as it can help to prevent the baby’s head from flopping forward and potentially impeding their breathing.

As the baby grows, parents can adjust the recline position to provide a more upright position that accommodates their growing size and ability to hold their head up on their own. 

The car seat features a level indicator that helps parents to adjust the recline angle to ensure that the baby is in a comfortable position that is safe for travel.

Infant Accessories

Infant inserts or body support are essential for infant car seats. So it’s not surprising that the Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 Elite infant car seat comes with a removable head support and body pillow. These accessories are designed to provide extra cushioning and support for younger infants who require additional support in the car seat, for example, preemies around 4 pounds, until they’re 12 pounds.

The included head support and body pillow are made from a soft and breathable fabric designed to provide maximum comfort and support for the baby’s head and neck. The head support and body pillow are removable and can be easily removed and reattached as needed to accommodate the baby’s growth and size.

Padding

The Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 Elite infant car seat is designed with a focus on comfort and features a range of different padding and cushioning elements to help keep babies comfortable and safe while traveling.

Starting from the interior, the SnugRide SnugLock 35 Elite features a plush and soft body support cushion that is specifically designed for infants. This cushion provides additional padding and support for the baby’s body while also helping to keep them positioned correctly in the car seat.

The car seat shell is also padded with comfortable and impact-absorbing EPS foam. This foam is designed to help distribute the force of a potential impact evenly throughout the car seat, helping to reduce the risk of injury to the baby.

The car seat’s five-point harness system is also padded with soft, fabric cushions to help keep the baby comfortable while traveling. The harness is easy to adjust, and the buckle features a simple one-handed release mechanism that makes it easy to get the baby in and out of the car seat.

To help ensure that the baby’s head is fully supported and protected, the car seat also features an adjustable headrest that is well padded with comfortable and soft fabric material and can be adjusted to provide additional support for smaller infants or to accommodate the baby’s growth and development as they get older.

5. Crash Tests and Safety Rating

Is it safe to use Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 Elite?

As a sold infant car seat in the US, the Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 Elite meets or exceeds all US safety standards and has undergone rigorous testing to ensure that it provides optimum protection for the baby in the event of a crash.

The car seat features several safety features, including side-impact protection, an adjustable and removable infant head and body support, and a SnugLock installation system that helps ensure a secure and tight fit in the vehicle.

This car seat comes equipped with the SafetyCore technique in the base to absorb crash forces in the event of a frontal crash, increasing its protection performance.

It is also important to note that the safety of the car seat depends largely on proper installation and use. Parents should carefully read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation and use, and ensure that the car seat is correctly installed in their vehicle using the appropriate seat belt or LATCH system.

Use the car seat for an appropriate infant and toddler. Observe the car seat’s weight and height limits, and replace the car seat with an appropriate model when the baby outgrows it.

It’s not safe to use the Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 Elite if your kid is heavier than 35 pounds or over 32 inches tall. Additionally, parents should regularly inspect the car seat for damage or wear and tear, and replace it if necessary, like expired.

Side Impact Protection

Side impact protection is an important safety feature in a car seat with a 5-point harness. This feature is designed to provide additional protection to the baby’s head, neck, and torso in the event of a side-impact collision. Luckily, the Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 Elite has that.

The side impact protection includes a layer of energy-absorbing foam, which is strategically placed on the side of the car seat to help dissipate impact forces. The car seat also features an adjustable base with four recline positions, including one optimized for maximum side impact protection.

While side impact protection is an important safety feature, it is not a substitute for proper installation and use of the car seat. It’s always a good idea for you to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation and use.

6. Performance

Weight and Height Limits

The Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 Elite is designed for infants and can accommodate babies from 4 to 35 pounds and up to 32 inches in height. This makes it a suitable car seat for preemies, as well as full-term newborns and infants.

The weight limit of 35 pounds is the average of the majority of infant car seats on the market, but still a bit higher than those that have a weight limit of 30 pounds, for instance, the Chicco KeyFit 30. This means that parents can use the Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 Elite for longer, without having to switch to a convertible car seat as quickly. The car seat also features an adjustable headrest and no-rethread harness system, which allows for easy and precise adjustments as the baby grows.

The height limit of 32 inches is also higher than some other infant car seats, which may have a height limit of 28 or 30 inches. This means that taller babies can use the car seat for longer, as long as they are within the weight limit. However, it’s not the highest among infant car seats, beaten by the Chicco Fit2.

Following the weight and height limits specified by the manufacturer is important for your kid’s safety. If the baby exceeds either of these limits, the car seat may not provide adequate protection in a crash. When the baby outgrows the car seat, parents should replace it with an appropriate car seat, such as a convertible car seat.

See also

Stage / Modes -1st and 2nd

The Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 Elite is an infant car seat that is designed for use during the first year of the baby’s life. It is meant to be used in the rear-facing position, which is the safest position for infants and young children when riding in a vehicle. Note here, infant car seats can be used ONLY rear-facing.

After the baby outgrows this infant car seat, typically around the age of one, parents will need to switch to a convertible car seat. This type of car seat can be used in both the rear-facing and forward-facing positions and is designed to accommodate children from infancy through toddlerhood.

Same as all infant car seats, it is the first stage in a series of car seats that parents will need to use as their child grows and develops. It is important to carefully follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for each stage and to choose a car seat that is appropriate for the child’s size and weight, ensuring that they are comfortable and safe during travel.

See also:

Age Range

The maximum age that the Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 Elite allows depends on the weight and height of the child, rather than just the age. The car seat is designed to accommodate infants from 4 to 35 pounds and up to 32 inches in height, making it appropriate for use during the first year of the baby’s life.

Once the child outgrows the weight and height limits of the Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 Elite, typically around the age of one, parents will need to switch to a convertible car seat. Convertible car seats can be used in both the rear-facing and forward-facing positions, and are typically suitable for children from infancy through toddlerhood and beyond. 

This type of car seat usually has higher weight and height limits than infant car seats, making it possible to extend the rear-facing time. 40-pound and 50-pound are two weight limits found on convertible car seats used rear-facing, making them suitable for toddlers around 2 or 3 years old.

See also

Airplane

Is Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 Elite approved for use on a plane?

Yes, the Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 Elite is FAA approved for use on aircraft. This means that parents can bring the car seat on board and use it to secure the baby during the flight.

When using the Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 Elite on an airplane, parents should ensure that they have a forward-facing seat in the window or middle seat of the airplane.

The car seat should be securely installed using the airplane’s seat belt, and the baby should be buckled into the car seat using the car seat’s harness system.

However, not all aircraft have seats that are compatible with car seats, so you’d better check with their airline before bringing the car seat on board. Additionally, many airlines have size and weight restrictions for carry-on items, call to make sure that the car seat meets the airline’s requirements for size and weight.


See also 

Lifespan

How long is Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 Elite infant car seat good for

Like all the other Graco infant car seats, the Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 Elite has a lifespan of 7 years from the date of the manufacturer (DOM). Pay attention to the car seat’s expiry date, which is imprinted on a sticker on the side or bottom of the car seat or can be calculated with the manufacture date and lifespan. Make sure the car seat is used within that date. Expired car seats are not safe to use. 

The actual use of the car seat also depends on the frequency and intensity of usage, and the car seat’s exposure to sunlight, heat, and other environmental factors. Damage from excessive wear and tear, spills, or accidents can also affect the car seat’s lifespan, making it necessary to replace it sooner. Check our post on what to do with expired car seats.

See also:

Warranty

Graco is a well-known brand in the baby gear industry, and the company offers a limited one-year warranty for its SnugRide SnugLock 35 Elite infant car seat. This warranty is valid only for the original purchase and is not transferable and is effective from the date of purchase.

It’s better to register the warranty as soon as you receive it, online or via the included car seat manual.

If a defect in materials or workmanship is found within the one-year warranty period, Graco will either repair or replace the car seat, at its sole discretion. If the car seat is repaired or replaced, the warranty will continue for the duration of the original one-year warranty period from the date of purchase.

To make a warranty claim, customers should contact Graco customer service and provide proof of purchase, as well as a description of the defect or problem with the car seat. Graco may require the customer to mail the car seat or a part of the car seat to a repair center for inspection or repair.

7. Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 Elite 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 SnugLock 35 Elite 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 SnugLock 35 Elite 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 SnugLock 35 Elite without Base with Vehicle 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 Elite Car Seat Manual

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

The Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 Elite car seat manual is stored in a small storage slot at the bottom of the car seat, but you can always find the online user manual on its official website, or download the PDF here.

8. Specification and Comparison

Brand 
BrandGraco
Type 
Suitable forNewborns and infants
PositionsRear-facing
Design 
Portability (1-10)8. Compact and lightweight
Weight (pounds)9.6
Weight limits (lb.)4-35
Height limit (inch)32”
Dimension

‎29.09″ H x 18.31″ W x 16.22″ D (with base)

25″ H x 17.5″ W x 16″ D (without base)

Cup holderNone
Performance 
Age RangeBirth-12~18 months old
Stage1st
InstallationLATCH and seat belt
Headrest Positions
Recline positions4
AirplaneYes
Lifespan7 Years
Extra Features

Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 Elite vs SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX

Car Seats Comparison SnugRide 35 Lite LX SnugRide SnugLock 35 Elite SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX
Price $119.99 $249.99 $229.00
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 - One-Second InRight LATCH One-Second InRight LATCH
SnugLock® Installation Technology -
Belt Lock-Off -
Carrier weight without base 7.5 9.6 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.

9. Alternatives

What other infant car seats should you consider?

Doona Infant Car Seat and Stroller

Doona Infant Car Seat Stroller

Why is it better than the Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 Elite?
Why is it worse than the Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 Elite?
Britax B-Safe Gen2 Infant Car Seat

Britax B-Safe

Why is it better than the Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 Elite?
Why is it worse than the Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 Elite?
Chicco Fit2 infant car seat

Chicco Fit2

Why is it better than the Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 Elite?
Why is it worse than the Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 Elite?
UPPAbaby MESA Infant Car Seat

UPPAbaby MESA

Why is it better than the Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 Elite?
Why its worse than the Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 Elite?