Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX vs. Safety 1st Guide 65: Which is Better? (2024)

Hi there! We're here to help you decide between the Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX and the Safety 1st Guide 65.

Our goal is to provide you with the information you need to feel confident that you're choosing the optimal car seat for your family's needs and budget. Let us know if you have any other questions!

At A Glance

Our Thoughts

The Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX and Safety 1st Guide 65 are both highly rated car seats that offer essential features at a budget-friendly price. As a parent myself, I understand the importance of considering each product's features and drawbacks carefully to ensure you're selecting the best car seat for your child's needs.

The Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX is an excellent choice for newborns and infants, accommodating weights between 4 and 35 pounds and a maximum height of 32 inches in a rear-facing only configuration. This lightweight carrier, weighing just 7.2 lbs, is one of the market leaders for minimal strain when moving baby from car to stroller. Its four adjustable base positions offer flexibility as your baby grows while the highly user-friendly installation process boasts a level indicator on the base for precision placement. Despite this, certain parents have reported issues with the sunshade and handle adjusting simultaneously and potential concerns with head and neck support for newborns.

On the other hand, the Safety 1st Guide 65 functions as a convertible car seat, serving your growing child from infancy through toddlerhood. With an impressively large weight range from 5 to 65 pounds, it offers the flexibility of transitioning from rear-facing to forward-facing as your child grows. It prioritizes space, with a compact frame designed to fit 3 seats across in most vehicles—an ideal solution for larger families or those with smaller vehicles. However, this design's complexity comes at a cost, with parents often finding the installation process particularly challenging, magnified when rear-facing. Furthermore, taller children may face discomfort from limited legroom when rear-facing, which merits consideration based on your child's size and growth rate.

Considering both options, my recommendation is conditional based on your unique needs. If you seek a lightweight and easily portable car seat for an infant, the Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX is a budget-friendly and reliable choice. Yet, if you're looking for a car seat that will grow with your child and are willing to navigate a complicated installation process, the Safety 1st Guide 65 is a cost-effective convertible option. If you have the budget for a slightly pricier but vastly more user-friendly car seat, consider other options available in the convertible car seat market. The most significant consideration when purchasing a car seat is the safety and comfort of your child, so make sure to factor in their size and growth rate into your decision-making process.