Baby Trend EZ Flex-Loc Plus Infant Car Seat Review 2024

Baby Trend is a manufacturer of numerous baby products including car seats, high chairs, and strollers. The company has been in the business for about 30 years. It has received rave reviews and won multiple awards for some of its products and it is thus safe to say that they are not novices.

However, with the many infant car seats available in the market, should you go for the Baby Trend FlexLoc car seat Plus? Let’s take a look at its features, pros and cons to help you figure out whether this seat is worth your money.

A Look at The Baby Trend Ez Flex-Loc Plus

The Baby Trend Ez Flex-Loc Plus car seat is a rear-facing infant car seat. It is arguably heavy but comes with convenient features that make the bulky weight forgivable. The ergonomic handle, for instance, makes lifting the car seat’s weight less tasking even with the baby strapped in.

This car seat is also available in 5 different color combinations:

  • Onyx
  • Millenium
  • Picante
  • Liberty
  • Elixer

The Ez Flex-Loc range of car seats consists of several Baby Trend car seats. The Baby Trend Ez Flex-Loc 30 is a more basic model of the Ez Flex-Loc Plus and lacks features such as the Snap-Tech technology that eases stroller compatibility. The Ez Flex-Loc 32, on the other hand, has higher weight and limits than the Ez Flex-Loc Plus and could, therefore, accommodate your baby for longer.

At a glance, here is what you can look forward to in the Baby Trend Ez Flex-Loc Plus.

Baby Trend EZ Flex Loc Plus Infant Car Seat,

The Package

  • 1 Ez Flex-Loc car seat base
  • 1 car seat
  • 1 car seat boot

Pros

  • A 4-position adjustable base with level indicators to help you find the ideal installation angle
  • No-rethread harness to save time buckling your child
  • An adjustable crotch strap
  • An ergonomic handle for comfortable carrying
  • Removable boot to keep your baby warm and snug in the cold

Cons

  • Hard-to-adjust carry handle
  • Limited stroller compatibility; pairs well with Baby Trend strollers but will need a universal adapter for other strollers
  • Hard-to-buckle harness makes strapping your baby in rather trying

Baby Trend EZ Flex Loc Plus Infant Car Seat,
  • 5-point safety harness; easy one-hand harness adjustment; push-button release
  • Height-adjustable seat back; no harness rethreading
  • EPS energy-absorbing foam for superior side impact head protection

FAQs About the Ez Flex-Loc Plus Infant Car Seat

Lately, infant car seats are a dime a dozen and while variety is a great thing, it can also be overwhelming. However, as I often say on here, the trick is to find what specifically works for you and your little one.

As you evaluate the Ez Flex-Loc Plus to see if it meets the mark for you, here are some insightful FAQs.

What is the difference between the Baby Trend Ez Flex-Loc Plus and the Ez Flex-Loc infant car seats?

The Ez Flex-Loc Plus offers more advanced features than those that you would find in the Ez Flex-Loc infant car seat. The Ez Flex-Loc, for instance, requires adapters to be compatible with strollers and has no boot or the rotating harness adjustment knob in the Plus model.

When does a Baby Trend Ez Flex-Loc Plus car seat expire?

The car seat expiry is 6 years after the car seat manufacturing date as indicated on the tag located underneath the carrier seat.

Where is the Baby Trend Ez Flex-Loc Plus car seat manufactured?

While Baby Trend has a warehouse located in California, USA, this car seat is manufactured in China.

Does the Baby Trend Ez Flex-Loc Plus infant car seat come with a manual?

Yes, it does. You may, however, not find it in the box. Baby Trend has a special placement point for manuals in all their baby products. For this particular car seat, you may find the manual attached to the underside of the carrier seat.

A Deep Dive: Features and Benefits of the Baby Trend Ez Flex-Loc Plus Car Seat

When it comes to choosing a car seat, it is easy to get drawn in by a long list of features. More features must mean it has more to offer, right? Yes and no. On one hand, more features are a plus but on the other, what do these features really do for you?

Do they make the car seat easy to use or more comfortable for your tot? If they come at a higher price, do they give you value that matches their cost?

With that in mind, let us get into the main act of this Baby Trend Ez Flex Loc Plus car seat review; a deep dive into its features and benefits.

Seat Installation

This Flex Loc car seat can be installed with or without the base using either the LATCH system or the seat belt system respectively. It has flexible anchor connectors which are easy to maneuver as you plug them into your car’s LATCH system. This feature is also the origin of the ‘Flex Loc’ term in this car seat’s name.

The Ez Flex Loc base is quite compact and ideal for both small and large vehicle models. I particularly find it to be a plus when you need to install more than one car seat as it leaves plenty of room. It has level indicators that guide you in finding a viable installation angle for the base and can be adjusted in 4 different positions with the press of a button.

For a first-timer, I found the installation process rather sweat-inducing. Inserting the LATCH connectors is easy but tightening up the connection takes some effort. There are also no indicators to show you when you have secured the base correctly or belt-guide paths. [1] Perhaps it gets easier after a few tries but I feel that there is room for improvement on the installation features.

Portability

If you are planning a post-baby moon, you will be happy to know that this Baby Trend Ez Loc car seat is FAA certified. The carrier is equally easy to cart around as it weighs about 10 pounds without the base. Is this the lightest carrier you can find? Probably not but its compact size makes it convenient to handle on the go and good for travel.

Detaching the Ez Flex Loc Plus works a bit differently from most other car seats. The release button is located at the center of your baby’s leg rest and releases easily when you press the button.

Seat Comfort

Baby Trend went all out as far as baby comfort is concerned. The seat is well-padded and is quite spacious. As your baby grows, the seating area will not become a tight squeeze that they have to wiggle into.

On the flip side, the ample room of the seating area can be a bit of a challenge for preemie babies. The in-built infant insert, in my experience, does not offer as much body support as would be required by smaller babies. Unfortunately, Baby Trend does not sell separate infant inserts and you may have to rely on baby blankets to prop up your baby.

Height and Weight Limits

The stipulated weight limits for the Ez Flex-Loc Plus infant car seat are between 5 to 30 pounds. This allowance would comfortably accommodate both small babies and chubby babies. You may need extra support for preemies that are on the much smaller side but this seat will serve them well as they grow.

The height limit is set at 30 inches. In baby growth terms, this means the seat will work for your baby until they are about 18 months, give or take. All things considered, it is a fair deal for an infant seat.

Safety Harness and Protection

In general, the Baby Trend car seat safety rating is high and makes it one of those baby product brands that you can confidently invest in. The brand equally takes safety seriously. It has a page on its website where any issues or recalls can openly be declared in the event that they occur.

The Ez Flex-Loc has a 5-point no-rethread safety harness. It can be adjusted in 3 different positions using a rotating adjustment knob. You can also tighten the harness using a harness tightener located at the leg rest between your baby’s feet. Simply pull the tightening strap when you need to tighten the harness or press the release button when you need to loosen it up.

For structural car seat protection, Baby Trend lines the shell of this infant car seat with a generous layering of EPS foam. The shell is additionally optimized to provide side impact protection. In case of any collisions, your baby would be well-shielded from impact.

Carry Handle

I have a confession on this one. The first time I saw the handle on the Ez Flex-Loc Plus, it was a deal-breaker. I simply could not picture myself carrying around a car seat with a triangle handle. I know, I know, it sounds quite petty but a mom is allowed a little vanity, no?

Fast forward to when I finally talked myself into giving it a try as I carried my god-daughter around for a short errand. All I can say is, don’t knock it until you have tried it. The triangle shape truly takes the pressure off your forearm while giving you a firm hold on the car seat’s weight. Better yet, it has an ergonomic covering with a soft feel that prevents the handle from being abrasive on your skin.

On this, I give Baby Trend the full five stars and well-deserved applause. I would only mention one downside, adjusting the handle is a bit of a struggle and not as smooth as many other competitor car seats despite there being an adjustment button.

The unique delta handle is lined with smooth comfortable rubber.- Baby Trend EZ Flex-Loc Plus Infant Car Seat Review | Baby Journey
The unique delta handle is lined with smooth comfortable rubber. Source: Pinterest

Stroller Compatibility

A good stroller is an essential aid for moms postpartum since your body will be in recovery for a while. It is recommended that you take things easy and carrying your growing baby around in a car seat is the opposite of that; it can be overly exerting.

This makes stroller compatibility a major car seat consideration – baby gears like a jogger stroller could help you take on some safe postpartum exercise [2] without too much strain. Or well, if you plan to take your infant child out for a short stroll, having a car seat that attaches nicely and easily to the stroller will make the outing more convenient and hassle-free.

The Ez Flex-Loc infant car seat is built with user-friendly Snap-Tec technology. This allows you to connect it to a Baby Trend Flex-Loc stroller without needing an adapter. Some Baby Trend strollers you can seamlessly pair with the Ez Flex-Loc include the Baby Trend SitNStand, the Baby Trend Skyview Plus, and the Baby Trend Jogger Stroller.

Baby Trend does not offer any adapters to pair this infant car seat to strollers from other models. You could, however, try your luck with a universal adapter to set up your desired travel system.

The Baby Trend Ez Flex-Loc is fully compatible with Baby Trend strollers. - Baby Trend EZ Flex-Loc Plus Infant Car Seat Review | Baby Journey
The Baby Trend Ez Flex-Loc is fully compatible with Baby Trend strollers. Source: Pinterest

Seat Canopy

The canopy on the Baby Trend Ez Loc car seat provides ample coverage and can be retracted when you do not need to use it. I did not experience any snugs while retracting or unfolding it.

Cleaning

The seat cover is easily removable and can be machine-washed. All other car seat components can be cleaned using a soft cloth, lukewarm water, and some mild soap. Tempted as you might be, refrain from using any strong detergents, bleach, or fabric softeners.

Comfort Boot

Almost all car seats come with a canopy because we are all keen on shielding our babies from harmful UV rays and sunburns. Let’s flip that coin for a moment, what options are there for parents raising their little ones in cold climates?

Allow me to introduce you to the cozy boot on the Baby Trend Ez Flex-Loc Plus car seat. It is a warm cover attached to the bottom of the carrier that you can use to keep your baby covered on those wintry days when you have to leave the house. Better still, it can be detached and stored away in the summer or if you simply don’t need it.

I am stoked about this feature because it is only available on a few car seats and even they are often high-end models. Considering the budget price of this car seat, it is definitely a plus in my book.

A cozy boot to keep your baby warm in the cold.- Baby Trend EZ Flex-Loc Plus Infant Car Seat Review | Baby Journey
A cozy boot to keep your baby warm in the cold.

Worthy Alternatives to the Baby Trend Ez Flex-Loc Plus Car Seat

So, now that we have had a detailed look at what the Baby Trend Ez Flex-Loc Plus has to offer, would you say it meets all your needs?

I always compare different baby product brands before making any purchase. It gives me perspective and helps me choose the brand that offers me the most value.

Here are some close comparison options that you could explore.

The Chicco KeyFit 30 Car Seat

Chicco KeyFit 30 Infant Car Seat and Base | Rear-Facing Seat for Infants 4-30 lbs.| Infant Head and Body Support | Compatible with Chicco Strollers | Baby Travel Gear

The Chicco KeyFit 30 is a rear-facing car seat recommended for babies weighing 4 to 30 pounds. It has a removable baby positioner insert that works very well for preemies too.

On installation, it has Bubble level indicators for base installation and a SuperCinch LATCH tightener. It is super easy to install and has a one-hand release feature. You can pair it with all Chicco strollers without an adapter but it is also highly compatible with other stroller brands using readily available adapters.

The Keyfit 30 will set you back over $100 more than the Baby Trend alternative. You can find it on Amazon or PishPosh Baby.

Chicco KeyFit 30 Infant Car Seat and Base | Rear-Facing Seat for Infants 4-30 lbs.| Infant Head and Body Support | Compatible with Chicco Strollers | Baby Travel Gear
  • EASIEST INFANT CAR SEAT TO INSTALL – Simple, accurate and secure installation – every time – with two bubble-level indicators and spring-loaded leveling foot for proper base angle in vehicle seat and premium LATCH connectors for easy attachment.
  • COMPATIBLE WITH CHICCO STROLLERS – Infant car seat clicks securely into the stay-in-car base and compatible Chicco strollers for a convenient car seat and stroller combo. A two-position carry-handle and one-hand release make it easy to remove.
  • TOP-RATED INFANT CAR SEAT – Innovative SuperCinch Force-Multiplying LATCH Tightener helps achieve a secure fit in the vehicle and the carrier shell is lined with EPS energy-absorbing foam for improved impact protection

Nuna Pipa Infant Car Seat

Nuna PIPA as alternative. - Baby Trend EZ Flex-Loc Plus Infant Car Seat Review | Baby Journey

The Nuna Pipa Infant car seat is a blend of luxury features and high functionality. It has a 3-piece adjustable infant insert to give your baby plush body posture support. The seat fabric is soft and breathable. My favorite part is that it is free of flame retardants.

Installation is quick and easy with the user-friendly Tru Lock system. The base has Bubble level and color indicators to guide you when installing the car seat using the LATCH and seat belt systems respectively. On safety, the Nuna brand incorporated a crumple zone and side-impact protection.

The Nuna infant car seat will stretch your budget by about $240 more than the Baby Trend Loc infant car seat. You can check out the Nuna Pipa infant car seat here.

Nuna Pipa Infant Car Seat

  • Made with flame resistant material, contains no added fire retardant chemicals
  • Includes a brown leatherette handle
  • Dream Drape™ canopy that attaches quickly via magnets for a complete coverage
  • Quick installation with True Lock™ base

Peg Perego Primo Viaggio 4-35

Peg Perego Primo Viaggio 4-35 - Rear Facing Infant Car Seat - for Babies 4 to 35 lbs - Made in Italy - Atmosphere (Grey)

The Primo Viaggio is a great choice if you need a cozy fashionable car seat for a baby weighing 4 to 35 pounds. The seating area is draped in non-allergenic merino wool free of flame retardants.

Installing this car seat is quick thanks to its SMART secure installation system with indicators that turn from red to green when you get the installation right. At 9 pounds, it is a relatively lightweight car seat that works well for travel. The headrest is also adjustable and you may enjoy the easy-to-use European seat belt system.

The Peg Perego Primo Viaggio costs over $200 more than the Ez Flex-Loc Plus. It is available on Amazon and PishPosh Baby.

SALE
Peg Perego Primo Viaggio 4-35 - Rear Facing Infant Car Seat - for Babies 4 to 35 lbs - Made in Italy - Atmosphere (Grey)
  • Made In Italy. Rear facing infant car seat for babies 4 to 35 pounds and up to 32 inches tall; Includes a base with an integrated anti-rebound bar
  • Dual stage cushion system-first stage for 4 pound and up offers extra support on baby's neck and bottom, second stage correctly supports growing baby, both help to keep baby's head properly positioned and are made of our fresco jersey breathable fabric
  • Car seat dimensions: 25.9 x 17.0 x 23.9 inches and base dimensions: 21.6 x 14.6x 11.5 inches . Side impact protection adjusts to six different positions with no rethreading required, protecting baby's head and shoulders at any growth stage

Comparison Between the Baby Trend Ez Flex-Loc Plus and Alternative Car Seats

BABY TREND EZ FLEX-LOC PLUS
CHICCO KEYFIT 30
NUNA PIPA
PEG PEREGO PRIMO VIAGGIO 4/35
Baby Trend EZ Flex Loc Plus Infant Car Seat,
Chicco KeyFit 30 Infant Car Seat and Base | Rear-Facing Seat for Infants 4-30 lbs.| Infant Head and Body Support | Compatible with Chicco Strollers | Baby Travel Gear
Baby Trend EZ Flex-Loc Plus Review | Baby Journey
Peg Perego Primo Viaggio 4-35 - Rear Facing Infant Car Seat - for Babies 4 to 35 lbs - Made in Italy - Atmosphere (Grey)
Car Seat Weight
10lbs
9.6lbs
8lbs
9.5lbs
Weight Limits
4 to 30 lbs
4 to 30 lbs
4 to 32 lbs
4 to 35 lbs
Height Limits
30″
30″
32″
32″
Installation
LATCH & Seat belt
LATCH & Seat belt
LATCH & Seat belt
LATCH & Seat belt
Safety Features
EPS Foam, Side impact protection
EPS Foam, Side impact protection
Side impact protection, Crumple zone
Anti-rebound bar, EPS Foam, Side impact protection
Leveling Indicators
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Removable Boot
Yes
Available in Chicco KeyFit 30 Zip model
No
No
Carry handle
Yes, delta handle
Yes
Yes, brown leatherette handle
Yes
Seat Expiry
6 years
6 years
6 years
6 years
BABY TREND EZ FLEX-LOC PLUS
Baby Trend EZ Flex Loc Plus Infant Car Seat,
Car Seat Weight
10lbs
Weight Limits
4 to 30 lbs
Height Limits
30″
Installation
LATCH & Seat belt
Safety Features
EPS Foam, Side impact protection
Leveling Indicators
Yes
Removable Boot
Yes
Carry handle
Yes, delta handle
Seat Expiry
6 years
CHICCO KEYFIT 30
Chicco KeyFit 30 Infant Car Seat and Base | Rear-Facing Seat for Infants 4-30 lbs.| Infant Head and Body Support | Compatible with Chicco Strollers | Baby Travel Gear
Car Seat Weight
9.6lbs
Weight Limits
4 to 30 lbs
Height Limits
30″
Installation
LATCH & Seat belt
Safety Features
EPS Foam, Side impact protection
Leveling Indicators
Yes
Removable Boot
Available in Chicco KeyFit 30 Zip model
Carry handle
Yes
Seat Expiry
6 years
NUNA PIPA
Baby Trend EZ Flex-Loc Plus Review | Baby Journey
Car Seat Weight
8lbs
Weight Limits
4 to 32 lbs
Height Limits
32″
Installation
LATCH & Seat belt
Safety Features
Side impact protection, Crumple zone
Leveling Indicators
Yes
Removable Boot
No
Carry handle
Yes, brown leatherette handle
Seat Expiry
6 years
PEG PEREGO PRIMO VIAGGIO 4/35
Peg Perego Primo Viaggio 4-35 - Rear Facing Infant Car Seat - for Babies 4 to 35 lbs - Made in Italy - Atmosphere (Grey)
Car Seat Weight
9.5lbs
Weight Limits
4 to 35 lbs
Height Limits
32″
Installation
LATCH & Seat belt
Safety Features
Anti-rebound bar, EPS Foam, Side impact protection
Leveling Indicators
Yes
Removable Boot
No
Carry handle
Yes
Seat Expiry
6 years

Conclusion

In the final tally, I would say that the Baby Trend Ez Flex-Loc Plus is a good infant car seat choice. Even more so if you are shopping on a budget and need an infant car seat that is safe and dependable.

I would also recommend this Baby Trend to any parent or baby caregiver if you:

  • Would like a car seat with an ergonomic handling design
  • Prefer a wide selection of colors
  • Are keen on having both a generous canopy and a warm cozy boot

Do these and the many other features illuminated in this Baby Trend Flex Loc Review align with your list of needs? If so, you can check it out at either Amazon or Walmart.

If you are in need of a booster seat option from Baby Trend, check out our review on the Baby Trend Hybrid 3-in-1 booster!

Have something to say about the car seat? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

Baby Trend EZ Flex-Loc Plus Infant Car Seat Review | Baby Journey

Last update on 2024-03-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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