I recently bought a Graco Snugride just like this one (manufactured in 2009) because the Snugride I bought 6 years ago worked so well. Little did I know that Graco has kicked quality to the curb. They cut so many corners on this model that I find mine unusable–and the new one cost twice as much! My list of complaints:

1. WHO designed the strap adjustment?!?! It is in the BACK of the seat, and you practucally have to tip the seat upside down to tighten or loosen the harness. (My original Snugride had the upfront adjustment, which only required the pull of a strap to tighten/loosen the harness.) Also, the harness must be adjusted one side at a time. Ridiculous.

2. The seat cover no longer has an elastic edge or elastic loops to hold it in place. It slips around very easily, and can allow all kinds of junk to fall between the seat and it’s cover.

3. Seat cover is so thin that all the weird bumps and edges press into baby’s bottom and legs.

4. Handle is considerably cheaper. The plastic used to make the handle has been honed down to the minimum, and the hand grip is stiff and hard (used to have some give to it, and was softer).

5. On my particular seat, the red release buttons only work half the time because they are so stiff and rough. They will need to be treated with some kind of silicone spray in order to make them smooth enough to operate.

I am about to have my fourth baby, so I have lots of experience with car seats. This Snugride is a pathetic product. I encourage others who have bought this car seat (note that I’m not reviewing the 32 or 35 model)and are dissatisfied, to contact Graco and let them know that this kind of poor quality is an insult to consumers.