Snugride vs Safeseat

Can anyone tell me the size difference (width), if any, btw the Graco Snugride and Safeseat? I'm having second thoughts about using my old Snugride (DOM 2003, still usable but the basic model with no front adjust, 20 lbs and 26" limit, no EPS, basically barebones).

Problem is I know the Snugride fits in a 3-across situation in DH's car, but barely. An extra half inch in width would be too much. I'd prefer the Safeseat but I'm leaning toward a newer model Snugride which seems a lot spiffier (safety-wise) than the one I own, and would also last longer (those 2 extra pounds make a difference, I think?)

Opinions? In Canada there are basically 3 choices of infant seats: Graco, Peg Perego and Evenflo (which for some reason I don't like, I'm not sure why).

According to graco a snugride is 17.5 inches across and a safeseat is 18.3 inches across. I would just like to say that I just bought a safeseat for my 1yo and I love it. He fits in it just fine and he outgrew his snugride months ago by height. I do like some of the newer snugrides though, they have some really pretty fabrics and pretty boots that come with them. I have to say that I really don't like the fabric on my safeseat, but I got a good deal on it so that's why I bought it. Of course, I don't know if I could justify spending $100+ on a seat that I would only use for less then a year. And if I was getting a new snugride I would want one of the fancy ones.

If you know the Snugride fits already, that's probably your safest choice. If you can go to a store and try them out (BabiesRUs will let you take it to your car to make sure it fits before you buy it), that would be great!

I had a 2003 Snugride with my first son and it fit exactly the same as the 2006 (or it might be late 2005) Snugride my little one rides in. I have a Cavalier, so space is a real issue for me. The Snugride and Marathon next to each other (both rear-facing) makes for a tight fit, but they puzzle together just perfectly! If either seat were any bit wider (and I mean even centimeters), it wouldn't work...so I understand what you mean about it barely fitting!

I really like the newer Snugrides! I think they're really nice seats, very easy to install and use. I have no complaints! My 8-month old is 17-18 lbs. (different scales give different weights) and about 27 in. and still fits great! It fit him well as a newborn too. It barely got tight enough on his tiny little body (he was 6 lbs. 3 oz. when he came home, but seemed so much smaller), but it did fit him snugly with the harness basically as tight as it would go!

So if I understand correctly my 2003 Snugride and the newer ones have the same shell, only the new ones are rated to 22lbs and 29". I wonder why if the seat is exactly the same size.

I am seriously considering getting a new one. I think the Safeseat will be too wide, almost an extra inch. I'll see if I can try it in person.

Thanks for the info!

I think the 26 inch snugrides are shorter in the shell than the 29 inch ones. However, the width seem to be the same on both models. I really think you will get more time out of the newer snugrides than the older ones.

2maybe3 said:

So if I understand correctly my 2003 Snugride and the newer ones have the same shell, only the new ones are rated to 22lbs and 29". I wonder why if the seat is exactly the same size.

I am seriously considering getting a new one. I think the Safeseat will be too wide, almost an extra inch. I'll see if I can try it in person.

Thanks for the info!

Click to expand...

The width is the same, but the shell on the newer ones is longer, giving baby 3 extra inches of growing room. And you're welcome!