Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX vs. UPPAbaby Alta: Which is Better? (2024)

Hi there! We're here to help you decide between the Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX and the UPPAbaby Alta.

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 the UPPAbaby Alta are both reliable and popular car seats, each designed to suit a unique age group and set of needs.

The Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX is particularly known for its lightweight nature, making it a convenient choice for parents on the move. It's a rear-facing seat exclusively suitable for babies between 4-35 lbs and up to 32 inches. One of its key features is the 4-position adjustable base, designed to comfortably accommodate your growing child. This car seat comes with a rotating canopy to shade the baby from the sun and a machine washable seat pad for easy maintenance. Parents will also appreciate its straightforward installation process, with a level indicator on the base. Nevertheless, some users have reported that the chest clip can sometimes come undone on its own. Concerns have also been raised about the seat not being snug enough for newborns or smaller babies without an insert. Its mode for air travel has been approved by the FAA, ensuring it's safe for future family trips.

On the other hand, the UPPAbaby Alta is a high-back booster seat meant for older children, roughly from 5-10 years old, with a weight range of 40 to 100 lbs and a height range of 38 to 57 inches. The Alta's features are designed to keep up with your child's growth, attributing its seven-position headrest as a key proficiency. It's equipped with a belt routing system and lap belt positioner for proper seat belt positioning. The Alta also features side impact protection pods on the seat shell to absorb crash forces, really emphasizing its dedication to safety. Despite these features, some parents noticed that the shoulder belt often slipped out of position. This car seat is slightly bigger and heavier compared to the Graco SnugRide, therefore it might not be the best choice if you're searching for compactness or portability. Unlike the Graco SnugRide, the Alta's high back booster mode is not approved for air travel.

In terms of safety, both car seats meet federal safety standards. The versatile Graco SnugRide with its lightweight mobility presents a great option for infants, especially if you're frequently commuting. Meanwhile, the UPPAbaby Alta provides a comfortable and adjustable seating experience for larger kids who have advanced past the stage of rear-facing seats.

Therefore, if you have a newborn or a smaller baby and are navigating an on-the-go lifestyle, I would recommend the Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX. However, if you have an older child and don't need to regularly shift the seat between cars, the UPPAbaby Alta would be a solid choice. So, make a decision based on the present need of your child and your family's lifestyle.