Who’s the Graco King? Graco Grows4Me vs 4Ever: The Best 2023 Guide!

When planning on saving more money, you usually pick the best convertible car seats, all-in-one, or 4-in-1 models.

The car seats meet all car seat ages and stages, growing with your kids, following their development, offering maximum safety and comfort benefits.

For this reason, you should pick either the Graco Grows4Me or the Graco 4Ever convertible car seat. We have compared the two and found multiple exciting facts.

But, who's our final winner? Stay tuned.

Graco Grows4Me vs Graco 4Ever: Who Takes the Crown?

1. Main purpose & configurations

Both the Graco Grows4Me and the Graco 4Ever convertible car seats are 4-in-1 car seats. They offer four modes of use:

- rear-facing infant seat for kids 5(4)-40 pounds of rear-facing weight limit

- forward-facing position for kids 22-65 pounds

- high back booster mode for kids 40(30)-100 pounds

- backless booster seat 40-110(120) pounds of maximum weight limit

As you see, the Graco 4Ever offers more booster mode weight limit than the Graco Grows4Me, but the Graco Grows4Me uses more minimum weight limit than the Graco 4Ever when in the rear-facing mode.

To convert the seats into the booster methods, raise the headrest, unsnap the cover and uncover the storage compartment.

Next, clip two parts of the chest clip, place the buckle tongues and the chest clip into it, and close the door on the compartment.

Finally, pull the cover back down & snap it back into its place.

In addition, none of the convertible car seats offer the extended rear-facing harness position for your little ones. However, if you need it, you can switch to other car seats with such a feature.

The Graco Grows4Me convertible car seat measures ‎20 x 21.5 x 24 inches and weighs 22.5 pounds. On the other hand, the Graco 4Ever measures ‎20 x 21.5 x 24 inches and weighs ‎22.8 pounds.

As you see, both convertible car seats have the same proportions and are slightly different in car seat weight. So, you can choose both of them.

However, you can also try the Graco 4Ever DLX, the new-generation, highly popular convertible car seat, as it offers the same features as the regular 4Ever convertible car seat.

I will leave the decision to you, but I would go with the Graco 4Ever or Graco 4Ever DLX, as they offer more weight limits in the backless booster mode for kids with such preferences.

2. Safety features

If the car seats are not safe, they cannot be on the market, right? But, of course, the Graco Grows4Me and Graco 4Ever are perfectly fine, safe, and secure for an extended period.

Both booster seats meet and exceed all NHTSA, AAP, IIHS, and similar safety standards to keep your children safe and sound on the road.

The two seats have a steel reinforced frame to reduce and slow the motion in the case of a car accident. Therefore, they will keep your baby safe in the back seat of the vehicle.

Moreover, the steel-reinforced frame works in the combination of the EPS side-impact tested energy-absorbing foam and the side-impact tested layers of paddings and walls.

Thus, both car seats will keep your child's head, neck, spine, and torso safe and intact in the collision. In addition, they will prevent injuries in the frontal, rear, side, and rollover crashes.

Not many car seats can meet the rollover crashes, but Graco generally sets a standard for others.

And both seats have a five-point harness system for extra stability.

When using the rear-facing or forward-facing harness car seat, the safe adjust harness system covers all crucial body parts, increasing safety standards and keeping your kiddos secure and stable.

So, the result is a tie, and you can pick either of the seats. Or, again, if you prefer a brand-new model, you can go for the Graco 4Ever DLX, as it offers the same benefits as the Graco 4Ever.

It's up to you what model is the best one.

3. Installation process

You already know that the safest place for the car installation is the central/middle position in the back seat of your vehicle.

However, if you cannot install the car seat there, it would be best to install the child safety seat behind the driver or the passenger.

You should never install a seat in the front seat, but even if you must, ensure the airbag system is OFF! Otherwise, it causes severe injuries and fatal consequences for your little ones.

So, once you pick the best mode:

- rear-facing harness

- forward-facing harness

- highback booster seat

- backless booster mode

You can either install the seats with either the LATCH system or the seat belt installation.

However, the manufacturer suggests you install the seats with the LATCH system instead of the vehicle seat belt.

You will quickly find the LATCH connectors and car seat attachments for the most straightforward installation.

Connect all parts, and tighten the LATCH strap to ensure the seat is stable.

On the other hand, when installing the seats with the seat belt, you will have to thread the seat belt straps through the belt path and find the best positions.

Additionally, you must tighten the seat and shake the car seat to ensure it's stable and secure for instant use.

However, the Graco 4Ever and the Graco 4Ever DLX (for those preferring it) have the InRight LATCH system, while the Graco Grows4Me uses the Hook LATCH system.

There are not too many points between the two LATCH systems since you must connect the lower anchors and the attachments.

Then, you tighten the LATCH strap and top tether to ensure a stable connection and secure installation.

Of course, when installing the seat forward-facing, don't forget to attach the top tether accurately.

It will prevent the shaking and movement of the car seat, and the steel-reinforced frame will only increase the stability.

So, if you want only one car seat with the proper LATCH installation or the seat belt system, you can use both competitors and the Graco 4EVER DLX as the third option.

I would go with the Graco 4Ever DLX or 4Ever models, as they offer more high-quality points overall. But, the Graco Grows4Me is also a solid car seat with maximal accuracy.

4. Comfort benefits and the convenient use

The Graco Grows4Me or the Graco 4Ever/DLX might be the only safety seat your child will ever need, as you can use the seat rear-facing, forward-facing harness, high back booster, or backless booster seat.

In addition, the Graco Grows4Me and the Graco 4Ever (Graco 4Ever DLX) have a safe adjust harness system.

The harness car seats have multiple harness strap positions and ten positions of the adjustable headrest. So, the car seats will grow with your kids, reaching the maximum weight limit.

On the other hand, the Graco Grows4Me and the Graco 4Ever or Graco 4Ever DLX offer six recline positions.

These recline positions will help you find the best rear-facing, forward-facing, highback booster, and backless booster positions and maximum comfort.

But, they are especially crucial when the convertible car seat is installed rear-facing or forward-facing.

You will find the correct recline indicator and the proper angle indicator for adequate angle installation and upright position.

Still, the Graco Grows4Me convertible seat uses the infant insert, but only for the rear-facing harness car seat.

The insert must be used when the child's shoulders are below the lowest harness position, and you can use it whenever you install the convertible car seat in the rear-facing position.

In addition, the Graco Grows4Me has bottom body support. It's mandatory if your kid's shoulders are below the bottom harness slots.

You can remove them when your kid grows, and you cannot use them when the car seat is turned forward-facing.

If you pick the Graco 4Ever or Graco 4Ever DLX as your only car seat, you will find the same process for the body and infant support. So, the three seats are again similar.

But, another similarity tackles the no-rethread harness straps. The system allows you to adjust the straps as your kid grows. So, you don't need to re-install and remove it.

However, the difference is that the InRight system on the Graco 4Ever and Graco 4Ever DLX comes with an integrated harness storage compartment.

The harness storage is ideal for keeping the straps safe and easily accessible to meet all the highest safety standards.

And you can also use the harness storage for the booster seat in the Graco Grows4Me car seat.

So, which car seat do you choose? I would still go with the Graco 4Ever or Graco 4Ever DLX.

5. Extra features

You already know that I like cup holders the most. A cup holder is an ideal part of every car trip.

For this reason, the manufacturer has thought of parents and installed a cup holder on the Graco Grows4Me car seat.

However, the Graco 4Ever and Graco 4Ever DLX are more advanced due to the two cup holders. The more, the merrier!

If your kids are not too demanding like mine, you might choose only one cup holder, as it will serve you well. But, sometimes, a single cup holder is simply not enough.

So, I vote for the Graco 4Ever or the Graco 4Ever DLX as they are more advanced in this factor.

6. Cleaning and maintenance

Of course, every parent wants a simple cleaning and maintaining process to keep the car seat fresh for subsequent use.

Both the Graco 4Ever and the Grows4Me models have removable, machine-washable covers and pads to ensure the best cleaning and freshness for your little angels.

However, among these three models, only the Graco 4Ever DLX is the most advanced. How so?

Well, the Graco 4Ever DLX car seat has the rapid-remove cover, while the other two don't have this benefit.

The rapid-remove cover offers a simple detaching from the frame in less than 60 seconds. So, the cleaning process will be flawless.

So, if you want more advantageous maintenance, you should undoubtedly pick the Graco 4Ever DLX.

7. Travel-friendly car seats: Yes or no?

Well, both yes and no. How?

The seats are not that bulky, but they are heavy. Moving them between more vehicles might be challenging, but it's not impossible.

On the other hand, they are perfect for everyday errands and stable for car collisions. So, believe me; you do want a durable and robust car seat in an accident, as it's a life savior.

What's also unique about the seats?

Well, both seats, including the third Graco 4Ever DLX modes, are FAA-approved car seats.

The only heck is that you can use them only in the rear or forward-facing harness and never in the booster modes.

But, they are suitable for aircraft, and you can freely take them to the airport. Then, woohoo, you can let the game begin!

8. Price tags

Are Graco seats budget-friendly? Generally, yes, but they may not be that friendly to parents with a tight budget.

Depending on the models, you have to pay more or less, but you can find all the price and availability information displayed on Amazon.

All data are up to date, and you can find all crucial details for extra money when transporting and delivering the seats.

The Graco Grows4Me costs $297, while the 4Ever model has a higher price of $339.

On the other hand, the Graco 4Ever DLX as a new car seat has a smaller price of $329, while it's more advanced than the 4Ever.

Naturally, you can find other car seat brands for similar or even the same price tags, but I would still prefer the Graco 4Ever DLX as the leading car seat.

It matches quality with price and offers more advanced features than the two other models. And its price is in the middle, so it's the most approachable for its quality.

Graco Grows4Me: Pros and Cons

Pros:

- Six recline positions

- Quick installation

- Harness storage for booster method

- Machine-washable cover

- Ten years of lifespan

- Steel frame

Cons:

- Backless booster is not comfy for all kids

- High back booster mode has a shorter belt guide

- The inner buckle slot might be more straightforward for some kids

Graco 4Ever: Pros and Cons

Pros:

- Fast setup

- Comfortable

- Safety benefits

- Quality

- Harness storage

- Ten years of lifespan

- Steel-reinforced frame

- No-rethread harness

- Two cup holders

Cons:

- No rapid-remove cover as in Graco 4Ever DLX

- Might be more expensive for families on the budget

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Graco Grows4Me FAA approved?

Yes, Graco Grows4Me is FAA approved, but only if you use the seat in the harness mode, either rear or forward-facing. You can't use it in the booster way, as the aircraft doesn't allow it.

What is the difference between Graco 4Ever all in one and 4-in-1?

The question refers to the Graco 4Ever and the Graco 4Ever DLX models.

The DLX is very similar to the classic seat. The primary difference is that the DLX has an extra layer of safety.

The ProtectPlus Engineered system helps protect your children in the side, rear, frontal, and rollover collisions. It also offers a rapid-remove cover that the regular model lacks.

Does Graco Grows4Me have a base?

Yes, it has a base with six reclining options: three rear, three forward-facing, and one extra booster position.

What is the difference between the Graco 4Ever DLX and Graco 4Ever?

The DLX is very similar to the previous seat. The main difference is that the DLX has an extra layer of safety, referring to its side-impact protection.

With the ProtectPlus Engineered technology, the seat helps protect your children in the side, rear, frontal, and rollover crashes.

It also provides a rapid-remove cover that the regular model lacks.

What is the difference between Graco 4Ever DLX and DLX platinum?

The crucial difference is in the installation. The Platinum has the EZ LATCH, while the DLX has the InRight LATCH.

The first is preferable, as it doesn't need straps to pull, only the anchors to connect. The Platinum also has breathable material, while the DLX has relatively breathable content.

There's only a slight difference in proportions and weight, but other than these, they are pretty much the same seats.

And, the Platinum is more expensive.

How long does the Graco 4Ever last?

It has ten years of expiration from the date of manufacture.

Graco Grows4Me vs 4Ever: Which has a higher safety rating?

The Graco 4Ever has a higher rating on multiple safety experts' sites, but the Graco 4Ever DLX has the highest rating.

Is the Graco 4Ever bulky?

Yes, Graco 4Ever is bulky. Though it's lighter than most 4-in-1 seats, it's still heavy and robust for effortless movement between more vehicles.

Graco Grows4Me vs Graco 4Ever: Who's Your Favorite?

Are you ready to select the best car seat? Hopefully, the article helped you choose your favorite model.

I would pick the 4Ever model among the two due to its overall standards and performance.

But, among the three, I would undoubtedly select the DLX version as the top one due to the maximum benefits and advanced design over the previous two models.

Let me know if you agree or disagree. 🙂