How to install the Graco SnugRide SnugFit 35 in the car
Pick how you're putting it in. Each way is from the maker's manual.
Base with LATCH
Where it can go: Rear-facing only, in the vehicle back seat. Never rear-facing in a seating position with an active front airbag. With lower anchors, the center seat may be used only if the vehicle manual allows it and the anchor spacing is 11 in (28 cm) or more. Do not use the vehicle belt and the lower-anchor (LATCH) strap at the same time.
1Unhook the lower anchor connectors from storage and make sure the strap runs through the rear-facing belt path marked with a blue label.
2Extend the strap to full length by pressing the gray button and pulling.
3Place the base flat on the back seat, pushed back until the anti-rebound bar touches the vehicle seat back, centered between the lower anchors, with at least 80% of the base on the vehicle seat.
4Check the level indicator (adjust the recline foot if needed), then attach the connectors to the vehicle's lower anchors, strap flat and untwisted, hooks right side up.
5Press down firmly in the center of the base while tightening the strap.
Check it before you drive
Grab the base at the belt path and push and pull side to side and front to back: it is tight enough if it moves less than 1 inch (2.5 cm).
With the vehicle on level ground, the level indicator must show blue inside the lines for your child's age (0+ months or 3+ months); any blue outside the black lines means it is not level.
Check the level indicator again with the child in the seat.
Retold from Graco manual (PDF). Your vehicle's manual also says which seats have LATCH anchors. When in doubt, a certified child passenger safety technician can check your install.
The carrier on and off the base
Clicking it onto the base
1Line up the locking bar at the front of the car seat with the locks in the base.
2Set the car seat into the base.
3Push down on the front of the seat until you hear a click.
4Pull up on the front corners of the seat to check it is locked.
The SnugRide SnugFit 35 base: Base with lower anchor attachment or vehicle seat belt, anti-rebound bar; carrier also installs without base.
What Graco says about its bases and carriers, for a second car or an older base.
Graco publishes a single list of which infant seats fit which Graco bases (GoMax, Premier, SnugLock with load leg, SnugRide Lite, SnugFit and SnugLock bases). Graco says this list overrides what any individual manual says. Graco manual (PDF)
The newborn insert
What Graco says about the insert
1Use the body support only while your baby weighs 12 lb or less.
2To take it out, pull it out from behind the harness straps.
3If your model has no body support, the manual shows using a rolled towel instead.
Check that this seat and stroller are listed as compatible, and take your baby out before attaching the seat.
Look for dirt or anything stuck in the stroller's attachment points and the seat's connectors.
If your stroller needs adapters, make sure they are fitted correctly and fully secured.
Take the seat off, press the release lever and check the latch plungers on both sides move freely; if one sticks, the seat can't lock on.
Lower the seat straight down, facing the way the stroller manual says, until it clicks, then pull up gently to confirm. Don't use it until it is locked.
Line the seat up with the base before lowering it in.
Push down on the front of the seat and on the handle until you hear or feel a click, then pull up on the front corners to test it.
Check the base itself is installed tightly and sits level as your manual describes.
To take it out, squeeze the release handle on the back of the seat and lift straight up while holding it.
If it still won't latch or release, don't force it; that can damage the latch. Contact Graco.
Put the buckle in a cup of warm water and swish it gently, pressing the red button several times while it's in the water.
Don't put the buckle strap in the water, and don't use soap, detergent or lubricant.
Shake out the water and let it air dry; repeat until it fastens with a click.
Put the buckle back in the same slot it came from and pull up on it to check it is secure.
Questions about installing the SnugRide SnugFit 35 (10)
Can I install the Graco SnugRide SnugFit 35 base with the seat belt instead of LATCH?+
Yes. Graco's manual gives steps for the base with LATCH and with the car's seat belt.
Where in the car can the Graco SnugRide SnugFit 35 go?+
Rear-facing only, in the vehicle back seat. Never rear-facing in a seating position with an active front airbag. With lower anchors, the center seat may be used only if the vehicle manual allows it and the anchor spacing is 11 in (28 cm) or more. Do not use the vehicle belt and the lower-anchor (LATCH) strap at the same time.
How do I know the Graco SnugRide SnugFit 35 is installed right?+
Grab the base at the belt path and push and pull side to side and front to back: it is tight enough if it moves less than 1 inch (2.5 cm). With the vehicle on level ground, the level indicator must show blue inside the lines for your child's age (0+ months or 3+ months); any blue outside the black lines means it is not level. Check the level indicator again with the child in the seat.
Graco publishes a single list of which infant seats fit which Graco bases (GoMax, Premier, SnugLock with load leg, SnugRide Lite, SnugFit and SnugLock bases). Graco says this list overrides what any individual manual says.
