Graco SnugRide 35 DLX w/Load Leg
The Graco SnugRide 35 DLX with load leg is a recent addition to Graco’s extensive range of infant seats with stroller compatibility. While this is only the second Graco infant seat to feature a load leg, it is offered at a more budget-friendly price compared to the other version, which is great for your baby and your wallet! The combination of a load leg, ease of installation, and moderate pricing makes it a viable option for a wide range of families.
- You are looking for a seat with extra safety features.
- You want a seat with an easy installation.
- You need to fit 3 across
- You have a vehicle that doesn’t allow the use of load legs.
- You are expecting a very small baby.
- Load Leg
- One-Hand Adjustable Handle
- Lock-off
Our Review of the
Graco SnugRide 35 DLX w/Load Leg
The Graco SnugRide 35 DLX with load leg is a recent addition to Graco’s extensive range of infant seats with stroller compatibility. While this is only the second Graco infant seat to feature a load leg, it is offered at a more budget-friendly price compared to the other version, which is great for your baby and your wallet! The combination of a load leg, ease of installation, and moderate pricing makes it a viable option for a wide range of families.
Our recommendation: From birth until it’s outgrown, between 12-15 months
An infant car seat
From birth
Stand Out Features of this Car Seat
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Load Leg
A load leg is a metal pole that comes down from a rear-facing car seat and rests on the vehicle’s floor. Load legs reduce crash forces which offer additional protection for rear-facing infants, especially for your child’s head, neck, and spine in the event of an impact.
One-Hand Adjustable Handle
Once we become moms/caregivers, we don’t often have 2 hands anymore. Graco has made it easy to change the handle position with this seat as you only need one hand!
Lock-off
The SnugLock lock-off helps you get a tight installation. This is especially nice in the center seating position of most vehicles, as lower anchors are not an option generally. This would also allow you to use the seat in vehicles made before 1996, which would not have locking seat belts. Or in international vehicles, which would also have non-locking seat belts.
Seat is good for you if
You are looking for a seat with extra safety features.
This seat has a load leg which reduces rotation in a crash and helps absorb crash forces, providing an added layer of protection for the child.
You want a seat with an easy installation.
The SnugLock mechanism makes proper installation with the vehicle seat belt easy and fast. You open the SnugLock arm, thread the seat belt underneath it, tighten it up, and then close the arm. Check for 1″ of movement and readjust as needed.
You need to fit 3 across
This seat is only 17″ wide and it has a seat belt lock-off, which makes it a good choice in a 3 across configuration. The lock-off helps you get a tight, secure installation, even if you need to move the base closer to the door in order to fit another seat beside it. Here we have used this seat in a 3 across configuration in a 2012 Toyota Camry with a Peg Perego Viaggio Flex (review) and Safety 1st SlimRide (review).
Use caution if
You have a vehicle that doesn’t allow the use of load legs.
There are a handful of vehicles that do not allow load legs to be used. Vans with stow-and-go seating and some trucks with underfloor storage will sometimes forbid the use of load legs. Check your vehicle owner’s manual for more information.
You are expecting a very small baby.
There are better options for small babies, but if you must use this seat, you’ll need to make some adjustments. The large crotch buckle depth will likely cause a gap between the baby and the crotch buckle. It would be necessary to add a crotch roll as pictured above if this is the case. Doing so will prevent the baby from slumping down. You will also need to shorten the crotch buckle strap.
Quirks to be aware of
Harnessing Information
Installation Information
Airplane Use
The Graco SnugRide 35 DLX with load leg is a recommended choice for both domestic and international travel as it is FAA-approved. When traveling within the United States and Canada, installing the seat without the base is a breeze, as the seat belts in these countries have locking mechanisms that ensure a secure fit. For international travel, it is recommended to pack the base in your luggage and utilize its seat belt lock-off or lower anchors for installation because, typically, seat belts in other countries will not lock. If you choose not to travel with the base, you will need to contact the manufacturer for a locking clip and learn how to use it before you travel. For help with all things airplane travel and car seats, check out our Wheels Up Course and private Facebook group.
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SITS Bottom Line
The Graco SnugRide 35 DLX with load leg is well-suited for those seeking extra safety features, such as a load leg technology that minimizes rotation and absorbs crash forces, at a moderate to lower price. Installation is simplified through its SnugLock mechanism, which works with either seat belts or lower anchors. The seat is narrow at 17 inches, making it a viable option for fitting three seats across in a car. However, caution is advised for vehicles that don’t permit the use of load legs and for those expecting smaller babies.
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Specifications
Graco
Product Information
Weight: 8.7lbs
Width: 17"
Rear Facing Limits
Height: 32"
Weight: 4-35lbs
Head Height Rules: at least 1″ below the top of the headrest
Forward-Facing Limits
No Back Booster Limits
Highest Belt Guide Settings
High Back Booster Limits
Other Important Details
Preemie Fit
may not work well
Expiration Limit
7 years
Crash Replacement Policy
replace after any crash
Harness
no-rethread
Lock-off
yes
Handle Positions for the Vehicle
any locked position
Vehicle Seat Protectors
This brand allows a mat or thin towel or blanket