Do you want a car seat that seems to get you? You know what I'm talking about.
Busy day, cranky kids that can't wait to get in the car, and you struggle with installing the booster or car seat. You want something comfortable to install, secure for everyday transport, travel, and light on the budget.
Have you ever heard about Graco? Of course, you have. It's only one of the leading baby gear factory worldwide!
So, parents listen up.
I have prepared a helpful and comprehensive Graco car seat reviews of 12 different models.
Below you will find everything you could need, whether you are a new parent or your kid needs a booster car seat.
Table of Contents
- Best Graco Infant Car Seats & Travel System
- #1. Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 LX Infant Car Seat - Best Infant Car Seat
- #2. Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 Infant Car Seat - Best SnugLock Technology
- #3. Graco SnugRide SnugLock Extend2Fit 35 Infant Car Seat - Best Comfort and Support
- #4. Graco Modes Nest Travel System - Best Graco Car Seat Stroller Combo
- Best Graco Convertible & All-in-One Car Seats
- #1. Graco Extend2Fit 3 In 1 Car Seat - Best Convertible Car Seat
- #2. Graco SlimFit 3 In 1 Convertible Car Seat - Best Car Seat For Small Cars
- #3. Graco 4Ever DLX 4 in 1 Car Seat - Favorite All-In-One Car Seat
- #4. Graco Grows4Me 4 in 1 Car Seat - Best Protection and Stability
- #5. Graco Admiral 65 Convertible Car Seat - Best Flexibility and Reclining Options
- Best Graco Booster Car Seats
- Get to Know About Graco
- FAQs
- Is Graco a good car seat?
- Which is the best Graco car seat?
- What is a Graco 3-in-1 car seat?
- Is Graco 4Ever for newborn?
- What is the difference between SnugLock and SnugFit?
- What does LX mean in Graco car seat?
- Is SnugLock the same as Click Connect?
- What weight should a baby face forward in a Graco car seat?
- How long are Graco car seats good for?
- How long are Graco infant car seat bases good for?
- Does Graco replace after accident?
- Are all Graco car seat bases compatible?
- Can any Graco car seat fit in any Graco stroller?
- How to put Graco car seat back together?
- Can I put Graco car seat cover in washing machine?
- Is Graco or Chicco better?
- Final Words
Best Graco Infant Car Seats & Travel System
The first on the Graco infant car seat reviews is the impeccable rear-facing Snugride.
As soon as you take your child from the hospital, you will prepare an infant seat for their first ride home.
The Graco SnugRide Infant car seat is a rear-facing affordable model designed for parents on a budget.
Check out why this is the top in the infant car seat section.
If you are already a fan of Graco car seats, you are familiar with the ''Click Connect'' system. All of the rear-facing SnugRide models are compatible with the stroller offered by Graco for those new to the ride.
Think about how cost-beneficial it would be to buy only a stroller later when you already have a car seat in your possession.
Besides the SnugRide model, you can notice this rear-facing car seat has another characteristic: the SnugLock system. The logic behind it could not be more straightforward.
The Graco rear-facing infant car seats are designed to have a self-tightening mechanism that allows easy base installation with a seat belt.
I want to consider this a helpful trick for our elderly caregivers who suffer from arthritis. When you leave the baby with the grandparents, they will no longer have trouble tightening the mechanism.
Plus, for those sunny walks, the silent shade canopy on the rear-facing infant car seat will protect your kiddo from those dangerous UV rays.
- Budget-friendly
- Easy base installation
- Large canopy
- Click Connect system
- Not enough head support
It would be best if you did not miss the Graco infant car seat, as the unit has the well-known SnugFit Technology.
The system will allow you to install the car seat in your vehicle using either the LATCH system or the seat belt system.
So, you can choose the better option and make your kiddo more stable.
In addition, the infant car seat grows with your little one and helps protect your baby in the rear-facing mode, so it's suitable for infants and babies between 4 and 35 pounds and up to 32 inches in height.
Furthermore, the Graco infant car seat has an adjustable base, offering four different reclining positions, and provides the best position for a proper installation process.
So, once you find the right angle, you can easily install the seat and make it stable and secure.
Regarding the installation process, the car seat has an easy-to-read level indicator that helps eliminate the guesswork and helps you with the easy installation. Therefore, the seat will help you to install it correctly.
Of course, you can effortlessly install the car seat with the strollers and create a perfect travel system for your needs.
The Click Connect System will ensure the seat is attached to the stroller and provide supreme stability and security.
Most of all, the car seat is super-lightweight, so it will be effortless to transfer it between more vehicles, between a car and a stroller, etc.
- Easy to install
- Support
- Easy to use
- Comfortable
- Lightweight
- No padding in the seat
Next off, the Extend2Fit infant car seat will blow your mind, as it has four extendable positions.
As you will find, the infant car seat contains a four-position extendable panel, which offers 3.5 inches of extra legroom.
So, your baby can ride in a rear-facing mode for an extended period, even if they surpass maximum size, for more safety.
Moreover, the car seat contains the SnugLock Technology for effortless installation. Therefore, you can either install it with LATCH attachment points or via a regular vehicle seat belt. In both cases, the seat will be secure and stable for more security.
In addition, the Extend2Fit car seat is perfect due to its growing design and support.
Namely, the car seat will support all infants between 4 and 35 pounds and up to 35 inches in height, but thanks to the expandable system, it will add more support and legroom for bigger kids, allowing for more security in this mode.
When a frontal car crash occurs, the anti-rebound bar minimizes and eliminates car set rotation. Therefore, both the seat and kiddo will be safe and secure in the back seat of your vehicle. Even if something happens to the seat, your baby will remain intact.
Of course, the Simply Safe Adjust Harness has flexible height; therefore, the safety system will manage your headrest and harness, ensuring your kid's stability and safety, all with one motion
So, it will be flexible and easily manageable for maximum safety features.
- Safety features
- Comfort
- Legroom
- Not visible flaws
What's so unique about this travel system?
First of all, the travel system contains a durable and soli, yet lightweight frame, full of aluminum. So basically, the travel system is unbeatable, and you can easily manage it and adjust to your needs.
As you will also find, the travel system is a reversible stroller, allowing you to move and moderate the infant car seat as you like. Thus, you can place your car seat in a rear-facing or a forward-facing mode to either face you or the world around them.
Additionally, the travel system has a three-in-one system. This is crucial since you can use it as an infant car seat carrier, infant bassinet, or a toddler stroller to effortlessly stroll from an infant to a toddler mode of use.
So, you will find your best option and make the stroller work for you.
However, the travel system works best with the Graco SnugRide 35 Lite Elite Infant Car Seat, serving in a rear-facing position for all infants between four and thirty-five pounds and up to 32 inches in height.
The system also ensures the most straightforward transition from a vehicle to the stroller.
An, when you attach it to the stroller, you will find a massive storage basket beneath the seat to place baby gear, essential items, and other valuables necessary for the best travel experience, or a trouble-free strolling around.
But, you can easily fold it when you don't need it for storing away.
- Maneuverable
- Easy to fold and assemble
- Sturdy
- Not so functional
Best Graco Convertible & All-in-One Car Seats
If solely car seats for infants are not in your alley, how about a convertible car seat that you can use both with infants and toddlers?
The Graco Extend2Fit 3 In 1 is there for the long run!
This one is suitable as an infant car seat in rear-facing rides supporting the weight limit between 4 to 50 pounds. When you want to use it as a forward-facing car seat, you can also do so since this mode supports 22 to 65 pounds.
But, wait a second. Isn't this a 3 in 1 model? That's right.
The Graco convertible car seat supports bigger kids from 30 to 100 pounds in forward-facing mode, offering you more extended service until your child is ready for its first booster seat.
Since AAP recommends you secure the child in a rear-facing seat for as long as possible, this convertible car seat offers a 4-position extension panel.
Meaning, your little one can ride rear-facing longer with the 5 inches additional legroom. God only knows how important this is, especially if you have a small car.
As for the additional features, Graco Extend2Fit 3 In 1 offers cup holders bound to keep the little ones entertained.
Also, the maintenance could not be easier! Just wipe the car seat cover, and if things get messier, throw the cover in the washing machine.
- Additional legroom
- Easy maintenance
- 10-position headrest
- Crash tested
- Easy LATCH system installation
- No conversion to a booster seat
- Seat belt installation can be tricky
Behold! The most significant Graco pick for small car owners.
This convertible car seat is specially designed for narrow spaces while giving your child the optimal comfort feel. Stick around for full Graco Slim Fit car seat reviews.
So, how does this convertible car seat compare to other models?
Well, for starters, it supports kids in both rear-facing and forward-facing car seat mode and switches to a high back booster in seconds.
In the forward-facing installation, you can use the Simply Safe Adjust Harness System, allowing simultaneous headrest and harness adjustment.
Since this one has a 10-year life span, you can also pass it down to the younger sibling if the older one outgrows the mark.
Here's the trick.
While other convertible car seats have fixed cup holders, the SlimFit model has removable ones that rotate to the sides, giving the car seat a slimmer profile. In standard-sized cars, this car seat allows for three across the installation.
Graco knows that busy mommas do not always have the time to give the car seat a deep clean. That's why the machine washable cover is going to be your best companion.
Another nifty space-saving trick this car convertible seat has is the secret storage compartment.
When your child is not using the harness, they can be stored away while installing the car seat with a belt-positioning strap. This will not be the most crucial feature you need, but it sure does come in handy.
- Swivel cup holders
- 3-in-1 use
- Slim design
- The harness is tricky for clean-ups
Hands down, this is probably going to be your top Graco purchase. Not only this, but it will be the only purchase regarding car seats, you will have to make.
Here is why you should consider the impressive Graco4Ever DLX car seat.
When you opt for the Graco4Ever model, your kid has everything they will ever need from a child's restarting device. With ten years of use, DLX offers rear-facing, forward-facing seats, fullback, and backless booster. How amazing is that?
Having all of these installations, it's also worth mentioning that the Graco car seat can support infants from 4 pounds when used in rear-facing mode up to 120 pounds when you use it as a backless booster.
The design is quite impressive since it's made out of plush padding and soft material that will not irritate the baby's skin.
With the unique harness system, there is no need for rethreading. I know a couple of parents who will appreciate this the most!
The most significant benefit has got to be the InRight Latch system. It provides a quick and effortless one-second attachment with the audio click noise to make sure your car seat is installed correctly.
Since this is a 4-in-1 model, it can get a bit crowded in the back seat if you own a smaller car.
However, it fits perfectly well in a midsize SUV along with another seat, and there was even an additional middle room for toys!
- 4-in-1 model
- Cup holders
- Easy installation
- Not suitable for smaller cars
The following four-in-one Graco car seat will wow you since it offers a fantastic ten years of use.
Namely, the car seat has four modes of use and fits your growing kiddos. So, you can use it:
As you can see, the Graco 4-in-1 car seat follows your kids' growth and fits their body postures for more extended use.
Moreover, the car seat is an ideal model, as it contains a proper fit for your kiddo.
Namely, you can adjust the headrest and harness together without any rethreading. The option is not required since the Simply-Safe Adjust Harness System easily fits your child and follows their demands.
In addition, the seat provides six-position reclining options and ten-position headrest reclining options to keep your baby comfortable and cozy for more extended use.
So, when you obtain this set, you won't need any other! It will adjust to your kid's posture, growth, and development.
Of course, you can easily install and place the car seat in the proper position, thanks to the LATCH installation system. Therefore, the seat will be stable and secure once you set it correctly, and it won't move around so quickly.
Finally, with the ProtectPlus engineering, the car set will significantly protect your kid from all pressure and impacts in the car crash and keep them intact and stable. So, they won't be hurt even if the seat breaks.
- Sturdy
- Comfortable
- Easy to install
- Safe
- Not for newborns
The following Graco convertible car seat will win your heart since it's designed to fit and protect your rear and forward-facing children.
Thus, it includes kiddos between 5 and 40 pounds in the rear-facing mode and between 22 and 65 pounds in a forward-facing way.
Thanks to the Simply Safe Adjust Harness, you can effortlessly moderate the headrest and harness together, with one motion and with no rethreading demanded.
So, it will significantly adjust to your kid's needs, making them stable, comfortable, and supported inside the seat.
In addition, the seat is ProtectPlus Engineered; therefore, it contains a combination of the most robust materials and side-impact protection that absorbs energy and keeps your little one secure and safe while inside the seat. So, the set will keep your baby intact in front, back, rear or side crashes.
Of course, the seat was tested with the brand-new temperature programs, especially when the interior temperatures were extremely high. So, the set will protect your kid from all conditions.
As you will also find, the seat contains a hassle-free installation process in the rear-facing mode, thanks to the easy-to-read level indicator and LATCH installation system.
So, you can effortlessly find the best angle and position and adjust the seat to your kid's needs.
And, the 5-point harness system is highly adjustable, so it makes your little ones getting in and out of the car a piece of cake. Moreover, you don't have to install and reinstall it.
- Safe
- Easy to install, and clean
- Comfortable
- Minor design flaws
Best Graco Booster Car Seats
When it's time to switch from a car seat to a harness booster, you cannot go wrong with the Graco Tranzitions.
This forward-facing booster car seat is light enough for families on the go, as well as for those who often embark on carpool adventures. The narrow, high-back design makes it a piece of cake to carry it from car to car.
Since it is recommended to keep children restrained in a belt-positioned booster or a harness one for as long as they do not reach 4 ft, 9 inches of height, this booster will serve the purpose for the transition period.
One of the most impressive features of the booster seat is the material.
Other car seats and boosters are made out of EPS lining, but not this one. The blow-molded plastic works in your benefit actually, by reducing the weight and delivering a lightweight booster.
Since the belt path is relatively high, it may be trickier to install it in some vehicles. Unlike the push connectors, which are significantly more comfortable, this booster seat uses a hook system. This may present an issue in cars with deep-set anchors.
The installation issue is compensated with the Simply Safe Adjust Harness System, which is the constant praise in multiple Graco seats in this review.
It offers easy harness adjustment along with eight different height positions, all with no rethreading the harness!
Sounds impressive coming from budget-friendly booster seats.
- Affordable
- Eight position headrest
- Narrow and slim design
- Tricky installation
A slightly expensive model, then the Graco Transitions, is the impressive Graco TurboBooster reviews that blow us away with its innovative features and sleek design.
Firstly, the high back booster seat supports children between 40 and 120 pounds, a whopping weight limit if you take a look at other car seats by Graco.
The secret trick lies in the booster seats' ability to switch to three different models.
It can be used as a high back booster, forward-facing backless booster, and a RightGuide portable seat belt trainer.
Both the belt-positioning mode and the seat belt trainer work along with the car's safety belt to keep your child protected in accidents.
Your child will love the comfort and the adjustable positions offered by the forward-facing TurboBooster. With seven headrest positions and flexible headrest wings, your little one can take a quick nap during longer rides.
Believe it or not, even a child can install this booster.
That's just how easy it is to install in on your vehicle seat. With the straightforward guide system, you will have no problem with installation whatsoever.
Even short travels can become a mess once you give them snacks to keep them occupied. For this reason, you will value Graco even more for including a machine-washable cover.
As soon as your child reaches 50 pounds and more, you can only use the trainer instead of struggling with a full-sized booster.
- Three different uses
- Comfortable
- Easy to install
- Cup holders are not removable
The last Graco booster we will review is the backless TurboBooster LX because, let's face it. You are going to need one eventually, and what other brand better than Graco?
The backless model has a slightly lower weight limit than the previous one I reviewed. To be exact, it can support kids from 40 to 100 pounds, which is still quite impressive, and it's bound to serve you for a long time.
Along with the Affix LATCH system, the booster provides a secure and tight connection to the vehicle car seat.
The installation process is made even more accessible with the one-hand-front adjust system that delivers in quick buckling-up for your child. When you are trying to install a booster in a taxi or an Uber, the TurboBooster has your back.
For those longer rides, the Graco LX booster is equipped with padded armrests, which are also height adjustable.
And, since long rides mean extra snacks, the cover of the booster is machine-washable if your child makes a mess.
The hideaway cup holders are always a nifty feature to have! Although they will not necessarily make the purchase worthier, it sure is a great trick for your child to store toys or snacks.
A favorite of mine is the comfort that TurboBooster offers. If you have a wiggly child that gets cranky during longer trips, you will not regret buying this one.
Read more —
- Easy installation
- Comfortable padding
- Padded armrest
- Not fit for three across installations
Get to Know About Graco
1. What should you know about Graco?
As one of the most trustworthy baby gear companies, Graco car seats have earned the respect of many parents who rely on its safety and comfort for their child's secured ride.
They have been on the market for over 65 years, focusing on convenience, comfort, and security.
Its story begins back in 1953 when engineer Rex Thomas constructed its first Swyngomatic automatic baby swing.
The innovative product was estimated to sell in around 10,000 models, but little did they know the swing would hit a million sales by a heartbeat.
From that moment on, Graco became the world's largest baby gear equipment factory.
When you take a look at the selection the brand offers, you can notice a variety of car seats and boosters in the offer.
Graco designed an appropriate child restraint system from infancy to teenagehood until your little one is ready for front car seat rides.
Besides car seats, booster seats, and strollers, Graco is well known for its Pack 'n Play playards accompanied by features such as diaper changes, bedside bassinets, etc.
2. Hand in hand with safety
Graco is one of those companies that puts focus on safety first.
All of their car seats and child restraints devices meet and exceed US Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213.
Every parent deserves to have a sound mind as soon as they secure their child in car seats/ booster seats.
For that reason, Graco operates its very own car crash testing facility located in Atlanta, Georgia.
Along with the testing, the Graco hard-working team of 90+ certified passenger safety technicians works together in educating the local areas in proper car seat installation.
All of the technicians are trained by Safe Kids Worldwide.
3. Why do parents love Graco?
Ask any parent what they are looking for in car seats? Their number one answer will be safety, followed by ease of use.
Here is where Graco shines the most when it comes to quick installations in rear-facing infant car seats and booster seats for busy parents.
The rear-facing infant car seats are straightforward to click in and out of the base, while the 5 point harness could be handled one-handed.
When your hands are full, it's good to know that Graco car seats have indeed thought of everything.
4. Why should Graco be your number one pick?
Let me sum it up in four words: flexibility, comfort, and user experience.
When you are purchasing car seats, you want to make sure it can cope with your child's growth.
In most of their convertible car seats and boosters, they offer multiple headrest positions that go along with the child development, all while giving them comfort.
From numerous comments, reviews, and second-hand parent experience, the impressive Graco does not cease to amaze.
Parents feel confident in securing their child in Graco's car seats, whether for the daily commute or long travels.
FAQs
Is Graco a good car seat?
No matter which model you choose, Graco offers impeccable car seats.
As a brand, Graco is a reliable solution for parents who want a trustworthy companion in transport from infancy to youth.
Their car seats are designed to follow the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations and pass crash tests outlined by US FMVSS Safety Standards.
Which is the best Graco car seat?
The best one is the ultimate Graco Extend2Fit 3 in 1 Car Seat.
It serves as an all-in-one car seat, with top safety features, best quality, and performance.
Also, it offers supreme protection and stability for your little one, and you can use it for around ten years.
What is a Graco 3-in-1 car seat?
A Graco 3-in-1 car seat refers to three riding modes you can use.
The first one will usually stand for the rear-facing infant car seat, the second for forward-facing installation, and the third is reserved for a high-back booster.
One of the most recognizable 3-in-1 Graco car seat models is the Extend2Fit car seat. It follows the growth of your little one with three installation modes and saves you money in the long run!
This car seat can support kids between 4-100 pounds in total!
Is Graco 4Ever for newborn?
Yes, the Graco 4Ever is a suitable car seat for a newborn!
The all-in-one car seat can support babies from 4 to 120 pounds. The car seat also offers six recline positions. However, the majority of parents consider them not to be enough for a newborn.
Also, the car seat design is a bit spacious, especially for preemies, so you might have opted for a better choice if you want a snug fit.
What is the difference between SnugLock and SnugFit?
Both SnugLock and SnugFit are one of the most recognizable features of Graco car seats, and they refer to a similar car seat base installation system.
The SnugLock system is present in most Graco car seats, allowing for quick and easy installations. With the SnugLock, you can install the base using the LATCH system or the car's seat belt.
It helps with the belt lock-off mechanism, which keeps the car seat stable in the vehicle.
In comparison, the SnugFit system includes a base with an anti-rebound bar that limits the movements of the car seat.
What does LX mean in Graco car seat?
The LX marking on the Graco seat implies that the car seat in question uses the SnugLock system.
The SnugLock base installation system will allow you to reach a quick and easy setup in under a few minutes!
This system uses the anti-rebound bar, which keeps the car seat in place once installed in the vehicle seat.
It limits any movement and offers parents a sound mind with each installation! Additionally, it lets you install a car seat with either a LATCH or the vehicle seat belt.
Is SnugLock the same as Click Connect?
No, SnugLock is not the same as Click Connect.
The SnugLock system uses the latch system with car seat base installations.
It limits the movement of the car seat by using a latch system or the vehicle seat belt and assists in belt lock-off, preventing unnecessary movement.
The Click Connect system refers to the technology that uses the one-click system to attach the car seat to the stroller.
It allows the car seat to simply click on the stroller frame, while the audible click lets you know the installation was successful.
What weight should a baby face forward in a Graco car seat?
According to the AAP, once your baby overgrows the rear-facing car seat, you should use the forward-facing one.
But, the standard rule is that babies must be between 22 and 65 pounds to use forward-facing seats.
How long are Graco car seats good for?
Graco car seats are suitable for around 7 to 10 years of use.
The company defines a "useful life" of 10 years in belt-positioning boosters and steel-reinforced belt path car seats.
For plastic-reinforced car seats, the life expectancy is around seven years.
How long are Graco infant car seat bases good for?
Just like the majority of car seat bases, Graco infant car seat bases are suitable for around seven years from their manufacture date.
You can check the expiration date on the bottom of the car seat base. From that on, only use the car seat base within its life expectancy!
Once it has expired, it's no longer considered safe for use.
Does Graco replace after accident?
Every car seat, including Graco, has to be immediately replaced after the accident! Even if there weren't any visual signs of damage, the car seat's safety is compromised.
Often, the internal structure of the car seat has been damaged due to an accident. Therefore, you must discontinue the use of a car seat in this case.
The internal damage further impacts the car seat's overall safety and performance.
Are all Graco car seat bases compatible?
Sadly, no. Not all Graco bases are interchangeable with every car seat.
Graco is known for having various lines of car seats available. However, for the car seat to be matched with a base, it must be from the same line.
For instance, if you see a car seat marked with SnugLock or SnugRide, you will know it's compatible with a base with the same name.
However, as of recently, Graco has made a significant update.
All of the car seat bases that have been created in 2020 and beyond can be used with all Graco car seats.
Can any Graco car seat fit in any Graco stroller?
All Graco infant car seats are compatible with Graco strollers.
One of the best parts about the Graco stroller mechanism is that you do not need a separate car seat adapter.
Since all car seats are compatible, simply click your car seat on the stroller and wait for the audible confirmation!
Graco uses the ClickConnect system with most of their strollers and car seats, allowing for this easy compatibility and even easier installation process!
How to put Graco car seat back together?
After giving the car seats cover a wash, you will need a quick way of putting the Graco car seat back together.
Here is a helpful video demonstrating the removal and attachment of the cover on the Graco 4ever car seat.
Can I put Graco car seat cover in washing machine?
Yes, you can put a Graco car seat cover in a washing machine. However, be careful not to run it on a fast cycle.
Graco car seat covers are gentle and should be washed with care. The cover can be washed on a delicate cold water cycle or spot cleaned.
Both are perfect brands.
However, the Graco brand is more affordable, and their travel systems offer more choice, while Chicco is more stylish and more higher-end.
In addition, both deliver powerful safety features.
Final Words
So, what's the best Graco car seat in 2022? Well, let's sum up and find out!
The best one is the superior Graco Extend2Fit 3 in 1 Car Seat, as the best overall.
You will love it for the safety benefits, quality, performance, and protection it offers to your baby. However, the seat is also all in one and lasts for ten years, so you don't have to spend money on others.
Sounds impressive, right?
I hope you enjoyed the review and let me know in the comments what is your Graco go-to pick.
- 3-in-1 car seat grows with your child from rear-facing harness (4-50 lb) to forward-facing harness (22-65 lb) to highback booster (40-100 lb)
- Extend2Fit 4-position adjustable extension panel provides up to 5" additional legroom, allowing your child to safely ride rear-facing longer
- Up to 50 lb rear-facing, allowing your child to safely ride rear-facing longer
- Graco ProtectPlus Engineered: a combination of the most rigorous crash tests that helps to protect your little one in frontal, side, rear and rollover crashes
- No-Rethread Simply Safe Adjust Harness System allows the headrest and harness to adjust together in one motion