Graco Car Seat US/UK Compatibility

MisterMonty

Hi,

We currently have possession of a Graco SnugRide infant car seat/baby carrier and base unit.

The SnugRide is an American variation and I'm having some difficulty buying a second base for our other car. I've looked on the auction sites but shipping alone is too prohibitive.

What I want to know is whether the SnugRide and the UK version of the base unit are compatible?

I've phoned Graco UK but their customer services representative was terse and generally unhelpful.

If the units are not compatible I will consider buying the UK system, I certainly wouldn't risk the safety of our baby. Or I'll just put up with having to keep changing the base from car to car.

Thanks in anticipation.

MM

ALI1973

I dont really kno if the bases are compatible, all I would suggest is seeing if anyone u know has the uk version and compare. I also had the Graco (uk) car seat but mine was bought pre base edition, but i foud out that my seat will fit the new base type as the car seat design is the same.

So alternatively, can u use the seat without the base?. Mine has a little "spirt level" type thingy (this is a technical term lol) on the side to ensure u have it in the correct position.

HTH Ali

MisterMonty

Hi Ali,

I went into Halfords today and looked at the base and the carrier. It appears to the naked eye that there are no differences at all in the locking mechanism.

I'll probably take the carrier in tomorrow and try it out.

Unfortunately the seat belt isn't quite long enough to secure the seat without the base . In any event the base is a real time and effort saver when I'm loading up in the morning for the school run .

Ali wrote:

Mine has a little "spirt level" type thingy (this is a technical term lol)

You and your scientific jargon, eh? This sort of advanced terminology goes straight over my head. :rotfl:

Thanks Ali.

MM

Ivrytwr3

I was recently working overseas and purchased a US Graco car seat as it was a bargain!! However, like you i was worried about compatibility so i emailed the US customer services of Graco.

I was advised that the US does not match the same safety specs as the uk and therefore cannot recommend a US seat for UK use.

I returned the seat to the store.

MisterMonty

Ivrytwr3 wrote:

I was advised that the US does not match the same safety specs as the uk and therefore cannot recommend a US seat for UK use.

Hi Ivrytwr3,

That's something that crossed my mind. The only thing that puzzles me is that all the Graco car seat products are all manufactured in Manchester and surely on the same production line, with the same product design?

I'm very keen not to take unnecessary risks, particularly with what is at stake!

I wonder whether in the event of a crash, where an injury occurs, Graco would be quick to offset any liability through pointing out that we were using a chair designed for the US?

Did they say whether the UK safety standards exceeded the US standard - or is it the otherway round? I must admit, I'm hard pressed to understand why a car seat which is safe in the US is not safe in the UK.

I would love to be enlightened though.

Scary stuff :eek:

Thanks Ivry

MM

bluep

I wonder if US cars have different seatbelt standards? Somethign as simple as longer buckles can make the difference between safe car seats and unsafe ones. If I were you, I'd cut my losses and buy a new UK graco car seat and autobase. Asda/Tescos sell them brand new at lower prices (and you could use up to 10% of grocery coupons off your purchase most likely). I would however get someone like Mothercare to check compatability with your car before you go and buy it anywhere.

MisterMonty

bluep wrote:

If I were you, I'd cut my losses and buy a new UK graco car seat and autobase.

Yep.

I know what you're saying. Why take the risk?!

I thought that maybe some boffin who works for Graco might be able to say, "Don't take any notice of what Graco say, the seats are identical" - and then go on to give me the evidence to prove it. lol.

I'll do as you suggest and check out Asda and Tesco. I think I'm onto a lost cause here.

Thanks bluep

MM

bluep

Wish everyone was as sensible as you MM. I get REALLY mad when I see people selling 2nd hand car seat via ebay and local papers - it should be illegal. Even if a carseat "looks ok" or "seems to fit with the other base", there is a reason that everything is tested so stringently - it only takes the tiniest fault line or incorrect fitting to end in a tragedy.

MisterMonty

I certainly couldn't live with myself if I made the wrong choice and something happened, all to save a few pounds.

Well, I think I've found the answer now. The US seat is not compatible with the UK base. As there's no evidence to the contrary, I'll just accept it as fact.

Thanks to all for replying.

Much appreciated.

MM

MarkyMarkD

MisterMonty wrote:

That's something that crossed my mind. The only thing that puzzles me is that all the Graco car seat products are all manufactured in Manchester and surely on the same production line, with the same product design?

We've just bought an Autobaby and a base and they are both clearly marked "Manufactured in China". Not sure why you think they are made in Manchester - unless they used to be?

I can't see why the US ones would be any less safe than the UK ones - I think it's just defensive speak from Graco tbh.

MisterMonty

MarkyMarkD wrote:

Not sure why you think they are made in Manchester

Because I listened to my wife without checking for myself. :rolleyes:

Yes, when I looked at ours just now. It says made in the US. The fabric parts were assembled in Mexico.

That'll teach me!

I was interested to note that there's a message moulded into the plastic saying - Not to be used after December 2009. Interesting!

Thanks MarkyMarkD