In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician
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This is the original Baby Trend Snap-N-Go single infant car seat carrier. The newer, cheaper, and more widely available version is the Baby Trend Snap-N-Go EX Universal stroller frame.
The difference between the two is that in the older version, some models of car seats do click in, while the EX Universal (the newer model) can be used with a wider array of car seats but not one clicks in. Another difference is that, even though performance-wise both are practically identical, the Snap-N-Go Single has been better reviewed by consumers, probably because some car seats actually snap into the Snap-N-Go and, even the ones that don't, fit more snuggly into the frame.
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Snap-N-Go Original is a lightweight, versatile and well-liked stroller frame. It fits the following infant car seats: Baby Trend, Graco (Snugride22, Snugride 32 & Safeseat), Evenflo (Embrace & Discovery), Peg Perego (SIP & SIP 30/30), Britax (Companion & Chaperone) and Chicco (KeyFit & KeyFit 30) seats. Be aware that not all of them lock onto the stroller, some brands simply rest on the front bar of the frame and, in both cases, the safety belt must be used.
Performance Comparison
Ease-of-Use
The Snap-N-Go is easy to fold but, because it has a manual fold latch, you'll need both hands to fold and secure in the folded position for carrying and storing. The same goes for when it's time to unfold it; you'll need both hands to disengage the latch and open the frame. Not a big problem, just not as convenient as when there is no latch and the frame automatically locks and unlocks in position.
At 11 pounds 5 ounces, the Baby Trend Snap-N-Go is one of the lightest stroller frames we tested (for reference, the lightest is the Baby Trend Snap-N-Go EX, at 11 lbs 1 oz, and the heaviest the Joovy Roo at 16 lbs 5 ounces). Another convenient feature is that it stands when folded, so there is no need to lay it on the ground and no risk of it slipping when leaned against something. The stand-when-folded feature also makes for easier storage while the stroller frame is not in use.
The storage basket is ample but not easy to access when the car seat is in, so a large diaper bag will need to be smooshed to get it in or out.
The handlebar is 38.5 inches tall and it is not adjustable.
In the original Snap-N-Go, as in the newer Baby Trend Snap-N-Go EX, the car seat is positioned so that baby faces mom.
In terms of amenities in the original single Snap-N-Go, the two cup holders in the parent console are very shallow, only 2.50 inches deep, but the covered compartment is very convenient to fit small stuff, like a cellphone, small wallet or keys.
The Snap n' Go lidded compartment
Credit: M. Seif
The original Snap-N-Go stroller frame does not include a canopy for extra weather protection, but it allows for the full mobility of the car seat's sunshade.
Ease of Attaching Car Seat
In our ratings, we closely compare how easy it is to load the car seat in and out of the stroller frames because we found that this is a big part of their overall ease-of-use. As we've mentioned before, ease of loading the car seats is inversely related to the variety of car seats that fit into the frames. Stroller frames specifically designed for some model and brand of car seat allow it to lock into the frame in a similar way as the car seat locks into the base that stays put in the car. This makes them great in terms of ease of use because no extra safety belt is required, but not in terms of versatility because only a specific brand and model of car seat fits those frames.
On the other hand, stroller frames that fit different brands and models of car seats might click with some car seats but not with others, and in all cases, the manufacturers recommend using the strap to secure the car seat. As certified by the JPMA, as long as the security strap is fastened and the stroller used under normal conditions, the car seat will be safe in the stroller frame even if it does not click. Obviously, in the cases when the car seat does not lock into the frame, there won't be a clicking sound when placing the car seat in the stroller. Some parents have a problem with this fact because they feel their baby might be less secure in non-locking strollers. Our issue with non-clicking car seats is that fastening and unfastening the safety belt around the car seat every time it goes in and out of the stroller involves an extra step in a process that could go more smoothly.
So, in terms of convenience, not needing to use a security belt because the car seat clicked in is an advantage to consider when comparing car seat stroller frames.
In the specific case of the original Snap-N-Go, this is what we found:
The Baby Trend EZ Flex-Loc infant car seat does lock into the front bar.
The Graco SnugRide 35 does lock into the front bar.
The Evenflo Embrace car seat technically clicks in, but it easily comes off.
The Peg Perego SIP 30/30 does not lock into the front bar but fits snuggly into the frame.
The Britax Chaperone does not click into the stroller frame.
The Chicco KeyFit & the KeyFit 30 do not lock into the front bar but fit snuggly into the frame.
A security belt must be used with all the seats listed above, whether they lock in or not.
Maneuverability
The wheels, brakes and maneuverability of the original Snap-N-Go stroller frame and of the Baby Trend Snap-N-Go EX Universal are identical. They both have double 5.75" never-flat front wheels that swivel 360 degrees and single 5.75" never-flat back wheels with brake. They are nicely maneuverable on smooth ground and are easy to steer with one hand.
We found that the front wheels often struggled over door thresholds
Credit: M. Seif
Safety
As we already detailed in this review, some brands and models of infant car seats do snap into the Snap-N-Go stroller frame while others don't snap but are snuggly nested into the frame. According to customer reviews published in several websites, parents seem to like it much better when their car seat snaps into the stroller. Some users express feeling misled when the car seat fits in the stroller but does not lock into the front bar of the frame. That their specific infant car seat model does not lock into the Snap-N-Go shouldn't be a safety concern for parents. This Baby Trend stroller frame has been certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) when used with the brands and models of infant car seats listed by the manufacturer. Of course, some parents prefer the car seat to click because they feel assured when they hear the baby's car seat “snap” into the frame as it does into the base that stays in the car, and who can blame them? if I bought a product named the “Snap-N-Go” I would also expect it to snap!
Still, when used under the recommended circumstances, it is as safe as the other JPMA certified car seat carriers.
The Baby Trend's brakes are simple and effective
Credit: M. Seif
The brakes in the original Snap-N-Go are easy to engage and keep the wheels at a full stop. They are not as easy to disengage (they are not what we would consider "flip-flop friendly") but this is not a big deal. We did not experience or detected pinching risks under normal use conditions and did not find online reports on this issue.
A safety concern with this Snap-N-Go frame, as with other car seat stroller frames with the parent console placed right above the car seat, is the placement and depth of the cup holders: they are too shallow to hold cups or bottles steadily enough while strolling and they are located in such a way that a spill could get to the baby. It is very important to follow the manufacturer's warning to NEVER PLACE HOT LIQUIDS in the stroller's cup holders. But in the case of this stroller frame, even if you only place closed bottles in the cup holders, if you hit a bumpy stretch of ground they could fall and hit your baby. Please keep this warning in mind.
The original Snap-N-Go cup holders, are about average in performance
Credit: M. Seif
Folded Weight-Size
At 11 pounds 5 ounces, the Snap-N-Go is one of the lightest stroller frames we tested, but due to its non-adjustable handlebar, it does not fold as compactly as the stroller frames that do have an adjustable handlebar.
Like almost all the stroller frames we tested (the only exception is the Joovy Roo), the original Snap-N-Go can stand when folded, making it easier to store and handle.
The original Snap-N-Go has a compact folded self-stand
Credit: M. Seif
Best Applications
Car seat stroller frames are designed for parents who only need to walk short distances on smooth surfaces with their baby. These parents mostly drive to places but need an extra-convenient way to carry baby in her car seat once they get to their destination. A car seat stroller frame makes going with a baby to places like the doctor's office and the mall a lot easier, because, although you could carry the car seat on your arm for short trips, you'll realize after a couple of minutes that this is neither practical nor comfortable. Or, you could haul the big, hunky travel system, which is generally heavy, bulky and will take up most (if not all) of your trunk space and use that for these short trips. Yeah, we don't think that's the best option either.
Specifically, the advantages of the original Baby Trend is that it is lightweight and that it fits several brands and models of infant car seats. The big drawback is that since this is an older model but has an aura of being better than the new model, if you find it it will be more expensive and usually sold by independent sellers.
Value
During the months we worked on this review we found that the retail price of the original Snap-N-Go stroller frame varies widely. Sometimes we would see it offered for less than $60, and others for over $100.
Conclusion
The original Snap-N-Go is a pretty good stroller frame. And, although almost identical to the Snap-N-Go EX Universal (which is the newer model of the same product) the original seems to be better liked by consumers; probably because some car seats actually do snap-in.
