Thanks to the American Academy of Pediatrics’s well-intentioned rule that babies under the age of two should remain in rear-facing car seats, there’s plenty of cranky, uncomfortable toddlers out there, whining in backseats across the land. Luckily I came across a very smart rear-facing car seat for ages newborn to 2, so my growing, grumpy toddler boy can finally get back to chillaxing and watching the rear-view world go by.
The Graco SnugRide Click Connect 40 car seat is the first car seat that comfortably accommodates children up to 40 pounds. The secret is in the base of the car seat, which adjusts according to your child’s growing needs. The base boasts a whopping eight different recline positions, giving your little one more legroom than a seat in first class.
But the features don’t stop there. One of the most aggravating things about any car seat is adjusting the harness. Any car seat I’ve ever had to deal with requires you to unthread the harness from under the seat to tighten or loosen it. This design brilliantly sports the tightening portion of the straps on the outside of the actual seat, near the child’s feet. Presto! Genius, and no ruined manicures.
Thankfully, my son is mere months away from turning two. The new SnugRide Connect 40 is certainly one of the best options out there for antsy almost-twos like him, but I’m pretty sure my guy’s going to cause a ruckus until he’s finally looking out the front window like his big brother. –Melissa
The Graco SnugRide Click Connect 40 is $219.99 at Babies R Us.