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

Compare the two car seats side-by-side

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

Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1
Type Rear-Facing Convertible

Forward-Facing High Back Booster
Current price
Currently unavailable
-
In stock
$79.99
Rating 4.78 4.70

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.

Key Details

SnugRide 35 Lite LX Grand 2-in-1
Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1
Brand Graco Safety 1st
Type Rear-Facing Convertible

Forward-Facing High Back Booster
Weighted Rating 4.78 4.70
1 yr Price Range $83.99 - $119.99 $74.99 - $79.99
Current price
Currently unavailable
-
In stock
$79.99
Value

It offers key features at a budget-friendly price.

The price point combined with its dual functionality as a harness and booster seat offers substantial savings over time.

Safety

High satisfaction with safety, reflected in user ratings.

It meets standard safety requirements, but lacks advanced features like a steel-reinforced frame.

Features

Meets essential needs without extra frills.

While it covers the essentials, it may not include comfort extras found in higher-end seats.

Installation

Easy installation with a level indicator on the base.

Installation is straightforward with LATCH or seatbelt, but achieving a tight fit requires attention to detail.

Cleaning

Machine washable seat pad simplifies maintenance.

The seat pad is machine washable and dryer safe, and the cup holders are dishwasher-safe, simplifying maintenance.

Size

One of the lightest carriers on the market.

The design is space-efficient, ideal for fitting multiple car seats in the back of a car.

Review Click here Click here

Comparison of Specifications

While features and reviews provide a sense of real-world use, the specs offer quantifiable details on sizing, limitations, and more. Comparing key measurements and ranges side-by-side is crucial for ensuring you choose a seat properly fitted for your child and vehicle.

We've compiled the weight limits, height limits, dimensions, and other vital statistics for the Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX and the Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1. This data will confirm whether each seat can accommodate your child's current size and projected growth. Specs like seat depth and width are also important for assessing fit with your car's backseat.

Review the following key measurements for both seats. Pay special attention to the height and weight limits to ensure your child falls within the safe ranges.

Height and Weight Limits

Rear-facing

Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1
Height Range 0 - 32 inches
Weight Range 4 - 35 pounds

Forward-facing

Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1
Height Range 32 - 49 inches
Weight Range 30 - 65 pounds

Booster

Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1
Height Range 43 - 57 inches
Weight Range 40 - 120 pounds

Dimensions and Weight

Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1
Width 15.5 inches 19.6 inches
Height 27.4 inches 30.2 inches
Depth 18.1 inches 18.3 inches
Weight 12.3 pounds 12.2 pounds

Core Specifications

Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1
Model Year 2021 2021
Made In China USA
Frame Material Unknown Unknown

Safety and Compliance

Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1
Federal Safety Standards Meets all standards Meets all standards
Configurations FAA-Approved for Airplanes Rear-Facing
Forward-Facing
High Back Booster
NHTSA Ease-of-Use Ratings Not rated by NHTSA. Forward-Facing Mode
Overall 3 out of 5 stars
Labels 3 out of 5 stars
Instructions 4 out of 5 stars
Securing 3 out of 5 stars
Installation Features 3 out of 5 stars
Booster Mode
Overall 2 out of 5 stars
Labels 1 out of 5 stars
Instructions 5 out of 5 stars
Securing 2 out of 5 stars
Installation Features 1 out of 5 stars
Previous Recalls This car seat has never been recalled. This car seat has never been recalled.

Features

Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1
Attachment Methods Base
LATCH
Seatbelt
LATCH
Seatbelt
Harness Type 5-Point 5-Point
Cup Holders No cup holders
Has cup holders.

Warranty and Durability

Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1
Manufacturers Warranty Length 1 year 1 year
Lifespan 7 Years 10 Years

Additional Links

See all Graco car seats See all Safety 1st car seats
Full review of the Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX
Full review of the Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1