Graco Snugride installation w/o base

[Briannef]

Hi, this is my first post, so if it's a stupid question please be gentle, LOL!

Is installing a Snugride without the base just as safe? Is the base for for convenience or is it actually safer?

Thanks so much!

[azgirl71]

The base is a convenience. However, it can also be safer as well. Not that is is not safe to install without he base. If your base is installed correcly and you put the Snugride on the base each time you know it is good to go. If you install the seat without the base it is more likely to make a mistake since you are you are removing and intalling it each time. Common mistake would be not intalled at the correct angle.

[NannyMae]

I have found ALL infant seats to be safer with the base for the reason that without them, I can never seem to get a tight install and if you dont have a tight install, then your seat is unsafe. I've found it VERY difficult to install them without the base.. they just dont seem to get tight enough no matter what you do.

[Briannef]

Thanks so much for the quick replies.

I am able to get a supertight install with the shoulder belt. That said, I haven't tried it with the baby in it yet (she's not here yet, LOL). So I guess we shall see how it goes.

I can tell I'm in good company around here being very concerned about carset installs--my friends make fun of me for being vigilant.:thumbsdown:

Truthfully, the main reason I want to do the base-less install is that it frees up about 4" of room for the front seat of my tiny little car. It's challenging to reach the "release" thingie, too. But if the base is what works, then the base we will do.

Thanks again, ladies

[crunchierthanthou]

Keep in mind that you can leave the Snugride handle up while in the vehicle. That should minimize the space it takes up. I'm not a fan of baseless infant seat installs. Sure, it's great to have that option in a pinch, but it can be a pain to get it both reclined and tight enough.

[azgirl71]

Thanks so much for the quick replies.

I am able to get a supertight install with the shoulder belt. That said, I haven't tried it with the baby in it yet (she's not here yet, LOL). So I guess we shall see how it goes.

I can tell I'm in good company around here being very concerned about carset installs--my friends make fun of me for being vigilant.:thumbsdown:

Truthfully, the main reason I want to do the base-less install is that it frees up about 4" of room for the front seat of my tiny little car. It's challenging to reach the "release" thingie, too. But if the base is what works, then the base we will do.

Thanks again, ladies

YW :D! Congrats on you new little one. We will be here if you any further questions.

We have all been made fun of at one time or another for being car seat nuts...LOL. No big deal.

[mommyto2angelgirls]

i've read that you can have the handleof the sungride up. does this very on differnt models and what do you mean by up. my manual says that it has to be behind the top of the seat at that click or lower to the bottom of the seat. not up over the babies head is that what you mean by up

[azgirl71]

i've read that you can have the handleof the sungride up. does this very on differnt models and what do you mean by up. my manual says that it has to be behind the top of the seat at that click or lower to the bottom of the seat. not up over the babies head is that what you mean by up

It is different fore different years. I think my 04 DOM said not the handle could not be up. It had to be down (towards the top of the seat) when driving. Now the new ones do allow the handle to be in the carry position when driving.