In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician

Baby Trend Snap-N-Go EX Universal Review

Sort of universal, but its hard to push and turn, and the strap attachment is one we don't like
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Baby Trend Snap-N-Go EX Universal Review
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Price:  $90 List
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Manufacturer:   Baby Trend
By Juliet Spurrier, MD & BabyGearLab Team  ⋅  Oct 14, 2019
56
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#10 of 13
  • Ease Of Attaching Car Seat - 30% 3.0
  • Ease Of Use - 30% 6.0
  • Weight/Folded Size - 25% 9.0
  • Quality - 10% 4.0
  • Maneuverability - 5% 4.0

Our Verdict

The Baby Trend Snap-N-Go EX Universal stroller disappointed us with a strap installation system that we worry will go undone leaving the baby in a potentially dangerous situation. The Baby Trend is a dedicated frame stroller designed as a universal option for almost any infant car seat brand. It is relatively easy to use and attach car seats, but features like dual action brakes, limited storage bin allowance, and dual plastic front wheels make it a stroller we don't love. We understand that the price is appealing, but the features and performance simply aren't.
REASONS TO BUY
Almost universal car seat compatibility
Price
REASONS TO AVOID
Strap car seat attachment
Larger fold
Dual action brakes

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Best Value Award
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Price $90 List
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Overall Score Sort Icon
56
81
76
65
59
Star Rating
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Bottom Line Relatively universal with multiple strap installation that has too much room for errorsGood choice for urban parents with quick changes between public transport and strollingGreat frame stroller with parent console and easy carrier attachmentHard to push and turn stroller with poor car seat attachmentBudget-friendly, multi-seater with easy car seat connections for up to two infant carriers
Rating Categories Baby Trend Snap-N-G... Doona Combo Chicco KeyFit Caddy Graco SnugRider Elite Evenflo Pivot Xpand...
Ease Of Attaching Car Seat (30%)
3.0
10.0
9.0
6.0
8.0
Ease Of Use (30%)
6.0
5.0
7.0
6.0
7.0
Weight/Folded Size (25%)
9.0
10.0
9.0
9.0
2.0
Quality (10%)
4.0
7.0
3.0
4.0
6.0
Maneuverability (5%)
4.0
7.0
4.0
4.0
5.0
Specs Baby Trend Snap-N-G... Doona Combo Chicco KeyFit Caddy Graco SnugRider Elite Evenflo Pivot Xpand...
Weight 10.9 lbs 16.8 lbs 11.7 lbs 13.3 lbs 24.3 lbs
Folded Dimensions 19.5"W x 11.75"H x 37.8"L 18"W x 16"H x 28.3"L 19.8"W x 11.5"H x 33.5"L 19.7"W x 10.3"H x 31.9"L 26.7"W x 19.23"H x 32.7"L
Capacity Limits Minimum: Birth
Maximum: 45 lbs
Minimum: Birth

Maximum: 35 lbs/32"
Minimum: Birth

Maximum: Max allowable weight/height for the car seat.
Minimum: Birth

Maximum: Max allowable weight/height for the car seat.
Minimum: Infant - Toddler

When stroller seat is in infant mode: birth - 6 months


Maximum: 55 lbs/38"
Included Car Seat Compatibility Claims to fit most seats Doona Chicco
KeyFit, KeyFit 30, Fit2
Graco
all SnugRide Classic Connect seats, all SnugRide Click Connect seats, Infant SafeSeat
Evenflo SafeMax, LiteMax
Click-in Car Seat Adapters None Doona Chicco
KeyFit, KeyFit 30, Fit2
Graco
all SnugRide Classic Connect seats, all SnugRide Click Connect seats, Infant SafeSeat
Chicco KeyFit, KeyFit 30
Evenflo SafeMax, LiteMax
Graco SnugRide Click Connect 30, 35, SnugRide SnugLock 30, 35
Peg Perego Primo Viaggio
Strap-in Car Seat Adapters Claims to fit most seats None None None None
One-handed Fold Yes No Yes Yes Yes
Locking Fold Manual Auto Auto Auto Auto
Self-standing Fold Yes n/a Yes Yes Yes
Handlebar Height - Min/Max 39.75" 32.5"/39" 36"/42" 37.25"/41" 33"/44.7"
Sandal-friendly Brake No Yes Yes Yes Yes
Storage Basket Size Large n/a Large Large Extra large
Included Accessories None Infant Car Seat and Stroller In One None None None
Setup Time 5:09 n/a 8:28 5:59 5:15

Our Analysis and Test Results

The Baby Trend company has been a leader in the juvenile products industry for over 25 years. From the beginning, Baby Trend has created innovative gear for families including the first sit and stand style stroller, the Snap-N-Go stroller, and the Diaper Champ that works with regular garbage bags instead of spendy proprietary refills. The company also makes infant car seats, swings, bouncers, high chairs, and more.

Performance Comparison



baby trend snap-n-go ex universal - each different brand of car seat will sit as a slightly different...
Each different brand of car seat will sit as a slightly different depth inside the Baby Trend frame.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Ease of Attaching Car Seat


Despite accepting a large variety of car seat brands, the Baby Trend is disappointing for car seat attachment because of the attachment method.

The Chicco car seat seems to ilt somewhat back inside the Baby Trend...
The Chicco car seat seems to ilt somewhat back inside the Baby Trend putting baby in more of a sleeping position than some of the other brands.
The Baby Trend with the Peg Perego Primo Viaggio 4-35.
The Baby Trend with the Peg Perego Primo Viaggio 4-35.
The photos above show the Baby Trend with the Chicco Keyfit 30 (above left and the Peg Perego Primo Viaggio 4-35(above right).

baby trend snap-n-go ex universal - there are 2 adjustable straps on the frame of the baby trend that...
There are 2 adjustable straps on the frame of the Baby Trend that support the bottom of the infant car seat carrier.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

The Baby Trend is a frame stroller that works with most popular infant car seats. The car seat attachment works the same for all seats and includes two adjustable straps where the carrier sits.

baby trend snap-n-go ex universal - the adjustment toggle for the under the seat straps on the baby...
The adjustment toggle for the under the seat straps on the Baby trend is hard to adjust and fairly stiff.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

The first step is adjusting the two straps, so the carrier sits inside the frame without falling too low or sitting too high. The plastic edge of the carrier should rest on the plastic edge of the frame. Adjusting the straps is done with a plastic toggle that is a little stiff and hard to adjust, but ideally, you should only adjust it once.

baby trend snap-n-go ex universal - the restraint straps that come from the bottom of the frame and snap...
The restraint straps that come from the bottom of the frame and snap over the middle portion of the car seat on the Baby Trend are mandatory parts of the attachment process that must be done for safe installation.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Once the carrier is resting in the stroller, there is a second set of straps that must be brought over the lower portion of the carrier to secure it to the stroller. If you skip this step, the car seat is not attached and is free-floating. Not using the straps means the baby could suffer from an injury or potentially death, so parents can't skip this step.

baby trend snap-n-go ex universal - attaching seats to the baby trend takes some time the first time you...
Attaching seats to the Baby Trend takes some time the first time you attach a new seat because you will need to adjust the bottom support straps for each seat
Credit: Abriah Wofford

While attaching carriers to this product isn't difficult, we aren't fans. We worry parents will forgo the second step leaving the carrier unsecured. Some parents might skip the step thinking the carrier is secure enough, or they aren't “going that far,” while others might forget the strap or won't know it is required. Unfortunately, we see parents all over skipping this step, which is why we prefer one step click-in products where the odds of doing it incorrectly are smaller.

We tested several car seats in the Baby Trend including the Cybex Aton 2, Chicco Keyfit 30, Peg Perego Primo Viaggio 4-35, Safety 1st onBoard Air, and the UPPAbaby Mesa. Most of the carriers feel secure, but the Cybex Aton 2 moves around a lot in the frame, and while it probably isn't going to fall out, it is worse than the other brands. If you are committed to using the Snap-N-Go, it's probably best to avoid the Cybex Anton 2 combination.

baby trend snap-n-go ex universal - while the baby trend is the lightest product in the group, it is not...
While the Baby Trend is the lightest product in the group, it is not the smallest folded option.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Weight and Folded Size


The Baby Trend is a lightweight stroller that folds into a larger product. We feel the weight and size are essential features to consider when looking for a car seat stroller. Because mom might have lifting limitations, we prefer a smaller and lighter product. The Baby Trend meets part of this requirement with a weight of 10.9 lbs, making it the lightest option in the review. Unfortunately, it is larger with an overall cubic size of 8,661 inches.

baby trend snap-n-go ex universal - the double plastic front wheel design on the baby trend make it...
The double plastic front wheel design on the Baby Trend make it harder to maneuver than products with single wheel designs or rubber tires.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Maneuverability


None of the frame strollers are easy to maneuver thanks to their smaller plastic wheels, and the Baby Trend is no exception. Given that this is not your lifetime stroller, it isn't worth getting too upset about, as it will do fine on hard flat surfaces where newborns travel.

The Baby Trend has small plastic wheels with the double front wheel design we find struggles to stay on track. There is significant frame flex, and it is better on hard surfaces than grass and gravel where we had difficulty turning. The wheels are small, foam-filled plastic that wobbles, rotate poorly, and look like those found on a toy. There is no suspension which means the baby will feel every bump and jarring motion. The handlebar has a soft rubber material cover that feels good but not durable and could result in chunks of the cover missing over time.

baby trend snap-n-go ex universal - the storage bin on the baby trend is limited to 5 pounds maximum...
The storage bin on the Baby Trend is limited to 5 pounds maximum, making it relatively useless at carrying a full day's supply of baby needs.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Ease of Use


The Baby Trend isn't that easy to use, but most of the aren't, and it is similar to other options. A lot of the features and conveniences that make a stroller easy to use are missing on the Baby Trend because it is a frame stroller that doesn't historically offer them.

baby trend snap-n-go ex universal - to fold the trend you first need to slide the unlock button on the...
To fold the Trend you first need to slide the unlock button on the handlebar and squeeze the release button.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Fold and Unfold


The Trend is easy to fold with only one hand. It has one to two steps, including an unlock and release button. The front wheels need to be facing forward to complete the fold and engage the manual lock. The Trend self-stands and rolls when folded, or you can use the carry handle. It unfolds just as easy as it folds.

baby trend snap-n-go ex universal - the baby trend has double action brakes, which means the brakes need...
The Baby Trend has double action brakes, which means the brakes need to be set on each side independently. If parents only engage one side, the stroller will not be safely parked.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Brakes


The Baby Trend has double action brakes that require two separate pedals to activate. We prefer the single action brakes with a single pedal to avoid potential mistakes. The brakes are average for setting and releasing, and they cause pain to the tops of feet.

Storage


The storage bin is on the large side, but it has a 5 lb weight limit which severely limits what you carry. Unfortunately, we were only able to fit in the medium-sized diaper bag because access to the bin is poor. There is some access from all sides, but the carrier interferes with the basket. You will not be able to run errands or get groceries because it won't hold the weight, which makes it somewhat useless for city dwellers.

The Baby Trend is one of the few options that come with a parent console, but it isn't that useful. The cup holders are small, and the storage compartment is too small for even a standard iPhone. Also, there is a safety concern with putting taller items in the cup holders because they can fall out and onto your baby.

Sunshade


There is no canopy on the Baby Trend, and all car seat carriers will need to rely on their canopy for protection from the elements.

Ease of Setup


The Baby Trend is easy to set up and took us about 5 minutes to put together. This time is in spite of a poorly designed manual with a hard to find first step. The pictures in the manual almost make the simple process more difficult. Though it is easy to assemble, it requires more assembly than most of the competition.

baby trend snap-n-go ex universal - the baby trend snap-n-go is a "universal" frame stroller.
The Baby Trend Snap-N-Go is a “Universal” frame stroller.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Quality


The Baby Trend materials and components aren't the best. The storage bin material is flimsy, and it looks like a small cut will easily turn into a larger hole, and maybe why it has a small weight allowance.

baby trend snap-n-go ex universal - the materials used on the baby trend storage bin are not great and...
The materials used on the Baby Trend storage bin are not great and it left us feeling like they might tear easily and are certainly part of the reason why the weight limit is so low.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

The frame on this product is a little shaky and rattles when you place the car seat on board. The joints are not tight, and there is a significant flex in the frame. The plastic on the frame components looks different and potentially of lower quality, and we think it could fade over time. Overall the fit and finish aren't bad; they simply aren't as good as the competition. The components and materials used appear to be of lesser quality and the way the parts are put together and connected make the stroller harder to use.

Juliet Spurrier, MD & BabyGearLab Team