I recently bought this seat in solid black (rather than the Paul Frank version), for $[...]. I must say I am very impressed by this brand new seat (I think it was released in late 2008). Can be used in a variety of configurations: full back mode (33-100lbs, height 38-57in, at least 3yrs old; backless mode: 40-100lbs, height 40-57in, at least 4yrs. Comes in various colors (pink, brown, black, plus the scurvy and colorful stripy one). Conforms to Federal Motor Standards. Not certified for airline use (because airplane seats don't have shoulder belts).
Here is a list of features you will not find in the Graco popular booster seat:
1. To my mind, the biggest and most important (though not necessarily obvious to parents looking to upgrade from a convertible seat) advantage of all Clek seats: LATCH. Meaning that this seat, along with your child on it, is securely planted on the back seat and cannot move around. I remain unconvinced by seats held in place only by the seat belt and the weight of a child. Both the backless Clek booster and this one with the back (Oobr) have LATCH. Oobr in particular features an ingenious extendable LATCH that will pull out to firmly grab the deepest and most inaccessible LATCH bars.
2. Magnesium back frame to better protect the torso during a side impact and vehicle intrusion; enough said!
3. Back seat is not only removable (the lower part of the seat can be used independently, like a regular Clek seat), it also *reclines* up to 12o. Perfect for snoozing!
4. Structural headrest with deep side wings that support the head during naps, and yet do not obscure side views. The headrest connects to the magnesium frame of the back using steel rods to reduce twisting movements and improve head protection in a collision. The headrest is also height-adjustable: it has a button and several adjustment spots and can be pulled up a good 20 cm, meaning it will grow with your child. This is so well designed it looks like a regular car seat headdress in a high end vehicle.
5. Energy-absorbing foam layer to absorb energy of a side impact.
6. Nicely designed and easy to use belt guides facilitating a snug fit of the seat belt on the child's shoulders
7. Nicely padded bottom and back that doesn't cut circulation, especially e.g. under legs.
8. Performance 'Crypton' fabric: stain, moisture and bacteria- resistant. Easy to clean.
9. Plastic parts, including cup holder, are high quality. In fact, 100% North American derived content! No flimsy or suspect materials here.
10. Feels lightweight despite the sturdiness.
Other pros:
1. Ease of use- took me 3 mins to install the seat, another 1 min to buckle my son in.
2. All black version looks great, with its red contrasting parts (not too sure about the Paul Frank designs, seem overstylized to me; who wants to be driving this stripy crazy thing around for the next 5 years?).
3. Comes with a detailed instructions booklet that can be stored in a special place under the seat.
Cons:
-Price: but safety features and excellent design justify the sacrifice.
-Side contour in conjunction with armrest position reported to be somewhat restricting by my son. But maybe that's the point (to keep the child from moving around).
Overall would highly recommend!
Good quality product, constructed in such a way as to give you confidence in its ability to keep your baby safe. Very convenient, especially if you buy one for each car you own (and of course, the grandparents' car). Being the grandparent I had never seen this latch system before, and I must say, I like it a lot better than having to use the seat belt to secure the base.
Features:
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 An extra car seat base makes moving a baby between two cars very easy. View larger. |
Designed for Easy Installation
The SnugRide Infant Car Seat Base is easily and securely installed using the vehicles seatbelt system or, if you have a newer-model vehicle, using the LATCH system. The base is specially designed to securely hold the SnugRide Car Seat in place and to adjust it to the proper recline. To use it with your Car Seat, simply lower the seat into the base until it snaps into place; use the Car Seat's latch to release it from the base.
About Graco
In 1942, Russell Gray and Robert Cone formed Graco Metal Products, in Philadelphia, PA. For 11 years, the firm fabricated machine and car parts for local manufacturers. In 1953, Gray left the firm, leaving Cone as sole owner. Cone decided to manufacture his own line of products, but had trouble coming up with ideas. Enter David Saint, an engineer, tinkerer, and stained glass artisan who worked for Graco. Saint, himself a father of nine, was intrigued when an associate told him how his wife would soothe their tired and cranky baby while swinging in a backyard glider swing. Acting on this inspiration, he went to the drawing board and 18 months of hard work later, the world's first wind-up infant swing, the Graco Swyngomatic, was born. Graco sold millions of Swyngomatics in the coming years, becoming one of the world's leading manufacturers of juvenile products in the process. Today, Graco is a Newell Rubbermaid company, with 1500 associates worldwide. While a half-century has brought many changes to Graco, their dedication and commitment to designing and manufacturing top-quality products remains, and continues on.
What's In the Box
Graco SnugRide Infant Car Seat Base (Metallic Silver).
