In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician

Baby Trend EZ Flex-Loc Review

Better crash test analysis isn't enough to override the difficulty of installation and frustrating features
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Baby Trend EZ Flex-Loc Review
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Price:  $110 List
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Manufacturer:   Baby Trend
By Juliet Spurrier, MD and Wendy Schmitz  ⋅  Oct 20, 2023
54
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#13 of 14
  • Crash Test - 40% 7.7
  • Ease of Install - LATCH - 20% 3.5
  • Ease of Install - Belt - 10% 2.5
  • Ease of Install - w/o Base - 5% 4.5
  • Ease of Use - 15% 3.5
  • Comfort/Quality - 5% 4.0
  • Weight/Size - 5% 7.9

Our Verdict

The Baby Trend EZ Flex-Loc is a wallet-loving seat in our infant car seat review. It has better-than-average crash test analysis results and a bicep-loving carrier weight. However, those are the only high points for this inexpensive car seat that offered very little in other metrics compared to the competition. This seat is much harder to install than most of the competition, with no easy method available, and we struggled to get a stable feeling fit. It is also harder to use in general; whether it is the angle or harness height adjustment, it is more challenging in a way that makes the lower price seem far less intriguing. While we get the appeal of finding a lower-priced seat with a slightly above-average crash test analysis result, it was disappointing in almost every metric that we think you're better off paying a little more to get a lot more.
REASONS TO BUY
Better crash test analysis
Inexpensive
Lightweight
REASONS TO AVOID
Nesting buckle
Annoying LATCH system
Not as stable in all cars using belt install
Editor's Note: We completed the infant car seat review update on October 1, 2023, with crash test analysis on 17 infant car seats. This update was amended on October 20 with the removal of discontinued seats.

Compare to Similar Products

 
Awards  Editors' Choice Award
Best Crash Test Analysis Infant Car Seat
Editors' Choice Award
Best Car Seat with High Stroller Compatiblity
 Best Value Award
Best Crash Test on the Tightest Budget
Price $110 List$480 List
$479.99 at Amazon
$270 List
$229.99 at Amazon
$230 List
$209.99 at Amazon
$120 List
$119.00 at Amazon
Overall Score Sort Icon
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80
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59
Star Rating
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Bottom Line Hard to install and more challenging to use overshadows the better crash test analysisWith impressive crash test results, this seat is a top contender for those with the right budgetGreat overall seat with high stroller compatibility and better than average results all aroundNot as comfy for little ones, but the crash test results are impressiveIf your budget is small, this seat has impressive crash test results
Rating Categories Baby Trend EZ Flex-Loc Clek Liing Chicco KeyFit 35 Chicco KeyFit 30 Graco SnugRide 35 L...
Crash Test (40%)
7.7
8.7
7.6
7.9
8.4
Ease of Install - LATCH (20%)
3.5
9.0
7.0
6.8
3.0
Ease of Install - Belt (10%)
2.5
8.3
7.0
6.8
3.5
Ease of Install - w/o Base (5%)
4.5
7.8
6.8
5.5
3.8
Ease of Use (15%)
3.5
5.5
8.5
8.0
5.5
Comfort/Quality (5%)
4.0
6.0
7.5
5.5
3.0
Weight/Size (5%)
7.9
6.8
6.9
7.2
8.5
Specs Baby Trend EZ Flex-Loc Clek Liing Chicco KeyFit 35 Chicco KeyFit 30 Graco SnugRide 35 L...
Minimum Weight 4 lbs 4 lbs 4 lbs 4 lbs 4 lbs
Maximum Weight 30 lbs 30 lbs 35 lbs 30 lbs 35 lbs
Maximum Height 30 in 32 in 32 in 30 in 32 in
Measured Carrier-Only Weight 8.7 lb 10.5 lb 10.4 lb 9.8 lb 7.6 lb
Built in Lock Off No Yes Yes Yes No
Method To Adjust Harness Shoulder Height Rethread Rethread Non-rethread Rethread Rethread
Belt Routing Style American European European American American
Anti-rebound Bar No No Yes No No
Load Leg No Yes No No No
Shoulder Harness Positions 3 3 5 3 4
Crotch Strap Positions 1 1 1 1 2
Number of Recline Positions 4 7 6 5 4
Locking Handle Positions 4 3 3 3 4
Allowed Handle Positions For Auto Travel Not listed Upright Position Any position Any position Any position
Level Indicator On Base On Infant Seat, one side only Bubble, in middle Bubble, both sides Bubble, both sides needle, one side
Level Indicator On Seat Hanging Indicator Line on Decal Line on Decal Line on Decal Line on Decal
Aircraft Certified Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Our Analysis and Test Results

The Baby Trend company has been in the juvenile products business for over 26 years. They design many types of baby-centric gear, from diaper pails to car seats. The company offers affordable baby products with a lineup that includes innovative products like the first sit and stand stroller.

Performance Comparison



The Baby Trend EZ Flex-Loc is shown in this crash test video from MGA Research that we commissioned.
Credit: GearLab & MGA Research

Crash Testing


This seat has a slightly higher-than-average crash test analysis score. This result potentially makes it an exciting find for those looking for higher scores in this metric paired with a lower price.

This comparison graph shows the head sensor test results from the...
This comparison graph shows the head sensor test results from the crash testing of the Baby Trend and the Clek Liing.
This graph shows a comparison between the Baby Trend and the Clek...
This graph shows a comparison between the Baby Trend and the Clek Liing chest sensor crash test results.

All car seats in this review should be considered safe and meet the federal guidelines for crash testing. In our updated review, we decided to run a test that goes a bit quicker and mimics modern cars a little more closely. We hoped to find the seats that stand out compared to the average seat. Our analysis is derived from the HIC (head) and chest (chest clip) sensor results. The lower the result in these sensors, the better, as it indicates less G forces on the dummy. This seat had one of the lowest chest clip results in the group and a respectable HIC sensor result that was lower than the average. As a result, we think there is every reason to believe that this seat potentially offers a margin of protection above the average option in our tests.

Latch installation on the Baby Trend is a struggle from beginning to end.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Ease of Installation LATCH


This seat has one of the lowest scores for ease of installation using LATCH that we've ever had. It is far more difficult than other seats in the lineup. This seat has a flexible strap LATCH, with no anti-rebound bar or load leg. The LATCH connectors are stored under the carrier and are a pain to remove.

This is the only seat where we had to use a rolled-up towel to install correctly. The base feels flimsy compared to the competition, and leveling requires two hands (see recline adjustment below). It is a sort of pinch device to release the connectors, which might be better than clip connectors but not as nice as those you press with a single finger, more like a seat belt.

These LATCH connectors are some of the oddest we've ever seen, with...
These LATCH connectors are some of the oddest we've ever seen, with almost a strange crab-like design.
Tightening the LATCH connections on the Baby Trend is harder than is...
Tightening the LATCH connections on the Baby Trend is harder than is should be.

Overall, this LATCH installation is annoying and more exhausting than most. With the oddly designed recline adjustment and the level indicator being on the carrier and not the base, it can take multiple installation attempts before finding success. If you add on the rolled towel, which you don't know if you need until you are done, and try to wiggle it, you have a mess we didn't experience with most of the competition.

The Baby Trend angle adjustment is a two-handed process, and we had to manually pull apart the two components.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Recline Adjustment


This base has four settings, and leveling is a struggle. It takes two hands, and you almost have to pull them apart because the level indicator is on the carrier, not the base; you'll have to wait to find out if you chose the right angle. If it's not, you're starting over.

baby trend ez flex-loc - to install the baby trend using the vehicle belt you tuck the belt...
To install the Baby Trend using the vehicle belt you tuck the belt under clips on the base, but there is no color coding which is a disappointment.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Ease of Installation - Belt


If installation using LATCH is difficult, this is darn near impossible, earning one of the lowest results in this metric. This installation method uses the vehicle belt and the base for installation. This seat has no color coding, and no built-in lock-off or tensioner is in place. The base doesn't require threading since it goes through slits on the top, so maybe they aren't needed if you've done this before. We had to hunt down an installation video online to determine how to get the vehicle belt tight enough to pass the wiggle test for stability. It does come with a lock-off clip, but it takes some practice to use correctly. We suspect some new parents won't know what this clip is (we didn't) and might think it is a throwaway spare part or useless. This kind of clip is common in less expensive seats, but it isn't clear how you use it. Even after using the clip, it struggled and was wobbly perpendicular to the belt path. Trust us; it doesn't have to be this hard.

baby trend ez flex-loc - the baby trend uses the american belt path of travel across the foot...
The Baby Trend uses the American belt path of travel across the foot of the carrier only.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Ease of Installation - w/o the Base


Things don't get much better installing the seat without the base; while it is the highest installation score it manages, it is still one of the lowest scores for this installation method.

baby trend ez flex-loc - the belt path on the baby trend isn't hard to find or use, but we...
The belt path on the Baby Trend isn't hard to find or use, but we wish it was color coded for new parents who might be confused.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

This seat uses the American belt path method, which utilizes the lap portion of the vehicle belt only and goes across the foot area of the carrier. It isn't hard to thread the belt, and with only one location, it is even easier. However, no color coding or indicators help guide new parents.

baby trend ez flex-loc - the level indicator on the baby trend is a hard-to-see hanging...
The level indicator on the Baby Trend is a hard-to-see hanging needle in a circle on the seat. It is significantly harder to use than the competition.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

We had trouble when trying to tighten it enough to be stable, as the back of the seat will pop up as you tighten down the foot area. How easily it sort of twists up is disconcerting. It was easier to accomplish in the sedan than in the SUV. We struggled to get it to feel stable and think it would benefit from the European style of threading to help position the shoulder strap around the back to prevent twisting and popping up.

Ease of Use


This Baby Trend seat is one of the hardest to use in the group, with features and functionality that are below the average and disappointing.

baby trend ez flex-loc - the baby trend harness is nesting, which makes it more of a hassle...
The Baby Trend harness is nesting, which makes it more of a hassle to use than more simple products.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Buckle


This is a nesting buckle, meaning the two sides must be combined before inserting them into the buckle. There is no good place to grasp the parts when nested to hold them before putting them into the buckle. The buckle and the button are both on the smaller side, making the whole thing a debacle ready to happen, especially if your baby is fuzzy and uncooperative. The prongs also have plastic, not metal, inside, and it isn't enough to stop them from slipping down and getting lost with the baby in the seat. The chest clip also doesn't work as easily as it should, and we don't like that the included diagram doesn't indicate where it should be placed on an infant.

baby trend ez flex-loc - the tightening strap and release button are hidden under a larger...
The tightening strap and release button are hidden under a larger pad and fabric that is placed higher up on the carrier foot making it harder to access with cute baby thighs in place.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Harness Tightening/Loosening


The webbing on the harness is one piece on this, not two. This means the wrapping is a little convoluted, with more friction than we saw in most seats. Because it is all one piece, you must ensure both sides are even before tightening the straps. If you don't, one side will potentially get too tight, and the other side won't be tight enough. This could result in a poorly fitted harness and/or pain to little ones. During testing, we had to take our test baby out of the seat to make the sides even. We imagine this will be annoying for parents to hassle with.

Releasing is easier with a large button hidden under an easy-to-move fabric flap. However, the button moves backward, not straight down, making it not our favorite. Yes, you'll get used to it, but why the weirdness?

baby trend ez flex-loc - the shoulder straps on the baby trend attach to a clip on the back...
The shoulder straps on the Baby Trend attach to a clip on the back and need to be disconnected and rethreaded to adjust the height.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Harness Adjustment


The Baby Trend has a rethread style adjustment with three shoulder height options and one crotch strap position. This rethread is particularly frustrating as the two sides are lumped together on one clip instead of two. There isn't much give, and you must squeeze both webbing sides in the same clip. They are easier to put on than take off because of the lack of space. The padding on the straps also slides too freely and seems never to be wherever you might want them.

baby trend ez flex-loc - connecting the base on the baby trend requires your left hand to...
Connecting the base on the Baby Trend requires your left hand to squeeze the release lever to remove the carrier.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Carrier to Base Connection


The release handle is on the base near the vehicle side. This means you use your left hand, not the right, a standard in most seats. The handle center has a nice rubbery feel, which makes it easy to grip and pull the carrier free from the base. Our tester thought this design was better for movement ergonomics than the standard release on the back of the carrier.

baby trend ez flex-loc - the handle on the bbay trend rotates after pressing the button...
The handle on the bBay Trend rotates after pressing the button simultaneously on both sides.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Handle


The handle buttons don't change in feeling when you depress them to let you know you can rotate. The buttons are somewhat difficult to push, and with no tactile feedback, it is worse. The handle rotates pretty smoothly.

baby trend ez flex-loc - the baby trend canopy always looks frumpy and is not made with...
The Baby Trend canopy always looks frumpy and is not made with breathable material.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Canopy


The canopy on this seat runs in its own channel and opens and closes smoothly using two hands. However, it isn't a great canopy and always looks like something you pulled from the dryer after it sat in there damp for a week. There is no mechanism to keep the canopy in place in the back, so it moves out of place frequently whenever you rotate the handle.

The Baby Trend manual stows under the carrier.
The Baby Trend manual stows under the carrier.
The LATCH connectors on the baby Trend connect on the bottom of the...
The LATCH connectors on the baby Trend connect on the bottom of the base.

LATCH and Manual Storage


LATCH storage is under the base, and the connectors push onto metal pins. It isn't hard, but we pinch our fingers once or twice. The LATCH connectors push on and have a release button. To put them into storage, you must loosen the webbing fully, which takes effort and hurts our thumbs. It almost seems more of a hassle than it's worth. The manual stores under the carrier, which is nice if you use the carrier without the base. This allows you to reference it if need be on the go.

baby trend ez flex-loc - the quality of the baby trend is about what you'd expect for thee...
The quality of the Baby Trend is about what you'd expect for thee price and is nothing to brag about, in our opinion.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Comfort/Quality


The Baby Trend also disappoints when it comes to quality and comfort. Given the lower price, this isn't a huge surprise, but with disappointing scores in most metrics, it makes it a tough pill to swallow.

baby trend ez flex-loc - the baby trend uses the less expensive eps foam for impact absorption.
The Baby Trend uses the less expensive EPS foam for impact absorption.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Fabric and Padding


The fabric has a somewhat plastic feel and appears much cheaper than the competition. The upper section is scratchy and not skin-friendly in our tests, and the seam where the upper fabric and lower fabric meet could easily become irritating. The lower material is nicer but not nice enough, in our opinion. Some users complain about the fabric getting abnormally hot in the sun.

Handle and Canopy


We like the triangle grip on its seat, and while a bit of an eyesore, it is better for holding than the straight-across design on most seats. The canopy doesn't stay taunt and looks frumpy compared to others. The canopy runs in its own track instead of sharing a rotation with the handle, but it still looks unpleasant.

Shell


The shell on this Baby Trend has several more slits and exposed slots than the average seat. This increased structure exposure could lead to a harder-to-clean seat than those with smooth and solid shells.

baby trend ez flex-loc - this baby trend is relatively light weight compared to competitors.
This Baby Trend is relatively light weight compared to competitors.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Weight/Size


Compared to the competition, this carrier is relatively lightweight. With a measured weight of 8.7 lbs, it is one of the lightest in the group and could be a good fit for those who frequently plan to carry their baby in the carrier portion of the seat.

Should You Buy the Baby Trend?


This baby trend will likely attract parents with a super tight budget, and we get that. The low price makes it feel like an attractive option to meet the needs of car seats required by law. However, the lower performance and generally disappointing performance in our test metrics make it one we think isn't worth whatever money you might save.

What Other Infant Car Seat Should You Consider?


For around ten dollars more, you can get a seat with a much higher crash test analysis score in the Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX. While this seat is also somewhat lackluster, this Graco is easier to use than the Baby Trend and is lighter for easier carrying. If you want a great all-around seat and your budget can stretch somewhat, the Chicco Keyfit 35 is a favorite with a reasonable price tag and much higher overall score.

Manufacter Video



Juliet Spurrier, MD and Wendy Schmitz