Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX vs. Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1: Which is Better? (2024)

Hi there! We're here to help you decide between the Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX and the Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1.

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 Grand 2-in-1 are solid contenders if you're in search of a reliable and affordable car seat for your little one. Both offer key safety features at a budget-friendly price. However, there are a few differentiating points between the two that might sway you one way or the other.

The SnugRide 35 Lite LX by Graco is an infant seat designed specifically for rear-facing configuration, catering for the needs of tiny passengers from 4 to 35 lbs. Its standout feature is definitely its lightweight construction. Weighing only 7.2 lbs, it is one of the lightest carriers on the market - an ergonomically clever feature that helps minimize strain when moving baby from the car to the stroller. Additionally, the seat design is quite easy to install with a level indicator on the base which simplifies positioning. While it provides core car seat features and is quite easy to maintain with its machine-washable seat pad, it lacks some luxury touches of pricier options and may not cater well for particularly small newborns without an insert. This car seat is an excellent fit for parents who value portability and ease of installation.

On the other hand, the Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1 is crafted to serve your child for a prolonged period, as it is a convertible seat that transitions from harness mode to belt-positioning booster. This car seat spans a wider range of weight, catering from 30-65 pounds forward-facing with a 5-point harness, and then to a belt-positioning booster from 40-120 pounds. Unlike the SnugRide 35 Lite LX, which specializes in rear-facing configuration, the Grand 2-in-1 offers more versatility with its forward and high back booster modes. One of its greatest merits is the ease of cleaning, as it is equipped with a machine-washable and dryer-safe seat pad. However, it does fall short in terms of comfort features and the shoulder straps can be tricky to adjust.

In comparison, the Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX is FAA approved for travel in rear-facing configuration, while the Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1 is FAA approved for the forward-facing mode but not for the high back booster mode. Therefore, if your family travels frequently, your decision might fall on the SnugRide 35 Lite LX.

So, which to choose? For those parents on a budget who prefer long-term use and higher weight limit, the Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1 would be a sound investment. However, if you primarily value portability, easy cleaning, and the extra option for air travel, the lightweight Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX can be the optimal solution. Remember to always factor in the comfort factor and ensure a proper fit for your child in either car seat.