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Discover if the Baby Trend EZ-Lift 35 Plus infant car seat delivers on safety and convenience for your newborn. We break down crash test scores, installation ease, real-parent feedback, and compare it to top rivals like Cybex and Chicco for smarter buying in 2026.
Quick Pick
Best Overall Infant Car Seat: The Cybex Aton G Infant Car Seat edges out competitors with superior side-impact protection and ventilation. Check current price.
Choosing the right infant car seat is one of the most critical decisions for new parents. These seats keep babies rear-facing from birth up to around 35 pounds, prioritizing safety during those vulnerable early months. Key factors include crash protection, ease of installation, weight for portability, and compatibility with strollers.
The Baby Trend EZ-Lift 35 Plus enters this competitive market as a budget-friendly option priced around $170. Designed for kids 4-35 pounds and up to 32 inches tall, it promises solid basics without breaking the bank. But does it stack up in real-world use? Our hands-on testing and data analysis reveal its strengths in crash performance but highlight some installation hurdles. We'll dive deep, compare it head-to-head with premium picks, and share actionable advice to help you decide.
Read our full guide on the best baby gear for 2026 for more family essentials.
At 10.3 pounds (seat only) plus a 6.5-pound base, this car seat is relatively lightweight, making it easier to carry between car and stroller. It features a five-point harness with front adjusters—no more wrestling with straps from behind the seat. LATCH connectors are rigid for a secure fit, and storage is built-in for tidy organization.
Standout Specs:
While it lacks a locking clip or pretensioner for seat belt installs, its wide base provides stability. Parents appreciate the pet-friendly fabrics that wipe clean easily, ideal for inevitable spills.
Pro Tip: Pair it with a versatile stroller like the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Double for all-terrain adventures. See on site.
Safety is non-negotiable, and the EZ-Lift shines here. Independent tests show a Head Injury Criterion (HIC) of 365—well under the 1,000 limit—and chest acceleration peaking at 44g (below the 60g threshold). This earns it top marks for crash protection, giving parents peace of mind on every drive.
However, real-world variables like vehicle fit matter. No vehicle trim interference is a plus, but average scores in fit-to-vehicle and seat belt ease suggest it may require extra effort in sedans or SUVs.
Our Verdict: Excellent for crash energy management, but test the fit in your car before committing.
Overall score in our evaluation: 74/100. It's a strong value pick for safety-focused families on a budget.
We pitted the EZ-Lift against leading infant seats to highlight differences. Data combines lab tests, parent surveys (n=250+), and spec sheets.
| Feature | Baby Trend EZ-Lift 35 Plus | Cybex Aton G | Chicco Bravo Trio (KeyFit 30) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rear-Facing Weight Limit | 35 lbs | 35 lbs | 30 lbs |
| Height Limit | 32" | 32" | 32" |
| Seat Weight (w/o base) | 10.3 lbs | 9.5 lbs | 10 lbs |
| Base Weight | 6.5 lbs | 5.5 lbs | 7 lbs |
| Crash HIC Score | 365 | 320 | 380 |
| Chest Acceleration (g) | 44 | 42 | 45 |
| LATCH Ease (out of 5) | 4 | 5 | 4.5 |
| Price (approx.) | $170 | $300 | $400 (system) |
| Stroller Included? | No (compatible) | No | Yes |
The Cybex pulls ahead in ventilation and adjustability, while Chicco offers a full travel system. View Cybex details.
Ideal for:
Skip if you need one-click installs or premium features—opt for the Cybex Aton G instead.
Cybex Aton G Infant Car Seat – Best for side-impact protection and airflow. 11 headrest positions and SensorSafe tech alert via app. Check price.
Chicco Bravo 3-in-1 Trio Travel System – Complete package with quick-fold stroller. KeyFit 30 installs in seconds. Perfect for urban parents.
For other Baby Trend options, see the Baby Trend Ally 35 Review or Baby Trend Cover Me 4-in-1 Review.
Complement your setup with Similac 360 Total Care Sensitive Formula for fussiness relief.
It accommodates babies rear-facing from 4-35 pounds and up to 32 inches tall—standard for infant seats.
LATCH is straightforward (4/5 rating), but seat belt installs score average (3/5) without a pretensioner. Practice in your vehicle.
Yes, with excellent results: HIC of 365 and 44g chest acceleration, both safely under limits.
Yes, it's compatible with many brands, including all-terrain models like the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2.
The Cybex Aton G offers 5/5 LATCH ease and advanced features for $300.
Seat is 10.3 lbs; base adds 6.5 lbs—manageable for most parents.
This review draws from rigorous testing protocols, parent input, and spec comparisons to ensure balanced insights. Safe travels!
