BabyTrend Flex-Loc Infant Car Seat

By Published On: August 31st, 2011

Deciding on the right car seat to buy for an […]

Deciding on the right car seat to buy for an infant can be an overwhelming and difficult task for parents on a budget. With such a wide array of seats on the market, it can be hard to know which seat will be the safest, easiest to use, and most comfortable for your little one.
BabyTrend Flex Loc Infant Car SeatOne seat that delivers when it comes to price, safety, comfort and usability is the BabyTrend Flex-Loc Infant Car Seat (we tested the Grand Prix fashion, which I love!). The seat can be used for children up to 30 pounds and 30 inches. It has several features that stand out and make it a good choice for budget-conscience parents who don’t want to have to sacrifice when it comes to security, quality or user-friendliness.
The Flex-Loc has safety as a priority. Its EPS energy absorbing foam offers superior side-impact protection. The seat also features a height level indicator located on the side of the seat that lets parents know when they have installed the seat properly for their baby’s current height and weight. For many parents who are worried about installing a car seat incorrectly, this extra reassurance is an added bonus.
The seat is comfortable for both babies and parents. It has a built in head support and provides a removable boot for colder months. While the boot is not as fancy as the ones you would buy separately and only covers the bottom half of the seat, but it does provide some extra warmth and saves parents from spending an extra $30 to $40 on a car seat cover. One of the best attributes of the car seat is its smooth, triangular carrying handle. Unlike some car seats that may end up scratching parents’ arms, the triangle shaped handle is well padded and makes carrying the seat outside of the car much more comfortable.
In terms of usability, this car seat has several notable features, including the following:

  • A 5-point safety harness with easy one-hand harness adjustment and push-button release
  • A push-button height adjustable base with level indicator for proper installation
  • A height-adjustable seat back that requires no harness rethreading
  • One-hand easy-access seat release

The car seat is relatively simple to install and can be installed using the latch system or a seat belt. The latches attach easily and the car seat can be place securely in no time. Additionally, the car seat snaps in and out of the base with ease—a great feature for parents in a hurry. The height of the seat is effortless to adjust as well. There is a large red knob on the back of the seat that can be quickly located and maneuvered. If you plan to use the Flex-Loc in two cars, additional bases can be purchased from several online stores.
Overall, the seat’s best features are its cost and its comfort level. The Flex-Loc is a smart choice for parents on a budget who still want a super safe seat.
Price: $107
To buy: walmart.com