Graco SnugRide DX5: So snug I am screaming!
Written: Jul 26 '01 (Updated Oct 16 '01)
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Pros: Convenient to have a "carrier" seat when you are out and about.
Cons: Straps are too short, seat is too heavy, doesn't always "click" into base
The Bottom Line: This seat just didn't work out for us, between the short straps and the heaviness of it. We only used it for about 2 months and then switched to Britax.
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| marytara's Full Review: Graco SnugRide Infant Car Seat - Windsor |
The Graco SnugRide DX5 is an infant carseat that can be purchased for around 80 dollars. It is also available as part of most Graco Travel Systems, including the popular Graco Lite Rider Travel System.
The seat is available in a variety of patterns - including prints and plaids. Product information and style numbers can be found at the Graco Website at http://www.gracobaby.com
First - a little carseat generic information. Convertible carseats can be used both rear-facing and forward-facing for infants to toddlers. However, infant seats are rear-facing only. Though many Convertible Carseats can be used from infant to toddler, many people prefer the use of an Infant Seat specifically for newborns and young or small infants. Small infants may appear "lost" in the larger convertible carseats. Also, due to the styling of convertible carseats the angle is often too "upright" for a newborn unable to support themselves. Infant carseats tend to be more "cradle-like" and support the baby in a laying down position vs. sitting up. Also, and probably the biggest reason to use one of these, is the convenience. With an infant carseat you can remove the entire seat and take it into stores, restaurants, in and out of your house etc - all without waking or disturbing your baby (which may be sleeping, etc).
The Graco SnugRide is a popular choice for an infant seat. It is suitable for use on infants 0-20 pounds in the rear-facing position. However, if your experience is anything like mine, you will most likely find it easier to move your child to a convertible carseat before they hit the 20 pound limit.
The Graco Snugride has many great features and is a safe seat. I'll briefly go through the features and tell my experience.
Features of the Graco SnugRide DX5
5-point harness
A 5 point harness is the way to go as opposed to a 3 point (or overhead bar in convertible seats). This harness is easy to use and clip around the baby. However - Graco apparently made this seat for preemies or very small babies. My son started out at 9 pounds and the straps would squeeze him so much he would scream. Also, he was born in the winter. Graco really misjudged both baby size and didn't allow for winter garments when they made these straps. Subsequently, they do provide an extender kit if you have a model with straps that are too short. You just need to contact them (via the web or phone) and they will mail you the kit. Newer models of this seat may come with appropriately sized straps, but this is something to keep in mind.
Convenient stay-in-car adjustable base
The seat can be used alone or with a stay in car base. The in car base can be installed once and that way you just click in and out the carseat part. This is convenient because it means only fussing with seatbelts and getting it "tight" and secure one time.
Level indicator for proper installation angle
Infant seats should be at a reclined angle, and rear facing for the safest ride. This level indicator will make it easy for you tell that the seat is installed properly at the correct angle.
Front harness adjustment for a snug fit
You can use the front harness adjustment to tighten or loosen the straps appropriately and allow for changes in clothing (with or without a jacket or snowsuit for example)
Infant head support
No more using towels or receiving blankets to help your childs head from flopping over to the side. These supports will help hold your kids head up (sort of). I found they were not in the right position, at all and ended up taking this OFF and using a receiving blanket!
Canopy rotates 180 degrees
This is good for blocking out sun from either direction, also good for rain, snow, etc. Can be a pain in the butt because its always flopping down (under) the seat.
Ergonomic adjustable handle with full grip padding
This is for Mom (or Dad) or whomever is carrying around the infant seat. There is an easy grip handle that is supposedly comfortable.... Supposedly. This seat is too heavy for me to lift with one hand/arm. It ways Tonnes!
Summary
Like I said, its a feature-packed, safe and atractive seat. However, its not easy to use and has some design problems.
For these reasons I can't recommend it.
1. Straps too short -- found out about the extender kit but it was "too late" and we'd already switched to the Britax
2. Small Size Not geared at all with larger babies in mind. Not only were the straps too short - but the seat proportions are smaller than other seats I've checked out. Its narrower and shallower than the Evenflo, On My Way seat for example.
The headpadding is not the right proportions.
3. Too Heavy. I recommend if you are looking for an infant seat to bring a 10 pound bag of something with you (like cat food or potatoes or something). Put that in the seat and carry it around the store. If you can't even lift the seat up with the bag of stuff in it - then you can forget it. This seat weighs a ton. Most likely after you deliver you will be told "don't lift heavy things" -- especially if you have a C Section. I'd classify this as a heavy thing.
4. Hard to Use. I had a hard time getting this OUT of the stay in car base. I admittedly have low hand strength but it was difficult for me to sqeeze the release lever, to release the seat.
5. Question on Safety When using the stay in car base, you need to double check that this seat clicks in to the locking position. Several times I sat the seat into the base but it never clicked.
Recommended:
No
Amount Paid (US$): gift
Age Range of Child: 0 to 12 Months
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marytara
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