The Most Reliable Graco 4Ever DLX 4 in 1 Reviews for the Endless Road Fun!

A baby, a toddler, an older child - an infant car seat, a forward-facing car seat, a booster car seat, a seat belt system. It seems like a never-ending circle. But does it really have to be this way?

Of course not! Our experts and manufacturers came up with an extraordinary idea - an all-one car seat. What's so unique about it?

Hmm, the car seat offers the most extended using modes and covers all car ages and stages. So, you don't have to spend much money on different car seats.

So, what's the big deal? Well, that's precisely the Graco 4Ever DLX 4 in 1 car seat!

The Graco 4Ever DLX 4 in 1 car seat is an excellent all-in-one car seat, offering ten years of use, suitable; for all children - from their infancy to youth.

The Bottom Line:

In the end, I can only say that the Graco 4Ever DLX 4 in 1 car seat is an excellent all-in-one car seat, suitable for all rear-facing, forward-facing, and booster seats children.

Although there's room for improvement, especially with the support issues, the car seat is still one of my favs, as it offers maximum safety features and the best stability during the ride. So, I highly recommend it as the most supreme among all-in-one car seats.

And, you can get your best deal HERE, as the car seat costs less than $300, which is excellent, being an all-in-one seat. So, don't miss it!

Graco 4Ever DLX 4 in 1 Car Seat: The Complete 2023 Guide

1. The best design

Let's start from the very beginning. The car seat arrived in a big box, and at first glance, it seemed bulky and heavy.

Well, I guess I was right. With a seat weight of 22.8 pounds, the Graco 4Ever DLX 4 in 1 car seat might not be your favorite travel-friendly model.

However, it has an entirely different purpose, so it's somewhat OK. But I would still like it more if it had less seat weight.

Further, upon receiving the item, I spotted its marvelous system technology. And what's a big deal?

Well, as you can see above, the Graco 4Ever DLX 4 in 1 car seat is a 4 in 1 car seat. Therefore, it offers four different user modes, including:

- rear-facing mode with harness

- forward-facing mode

- highback belt-positioning booster mode

- backless booster mode

- harness booster mode

Note that the car seat offers ten years of use and follows your child's growth from infancy to youth, and all that in one car seat.

Once your child outgrows the infant carrier car seat, it's time for the infant seat.

Since the NHTSA and AAP recommend your child should remain in the rear-facing seat as long as possible, this child restraint safety system offers exactly that - the extended rear-facing mode, to keep your little one safe, comfortable and stable for an extended period. So, I'm very fond of it.

Overall proportions include 20 x 21.5 x 24 inches and massive weight, but trust, it's even better this way.

Your car seat should be bulkier to protect your baby better in collisions whenever you travel longer distances. The impacts & forces will hardly move it around, and even if the frame crooks, your baby will remain intact and secure inside the car seat.

I remember when I had an accident, my daughter could have died if it weren't for the sturdy and reliable construction. So, yes, I'm a supporter of bulkier seats when it comes to car crashes.

2. Who is the Graco 4Ever DLX 4 in 1 car seat intended for & will your child fit in?

As the safety rules dictate, your child should ride forward-facing until they're ready for boosters, the seat is extraordinary, and you'll see why!

I was really impressed with the 40 pounds of the maximum weight limit in the extended rear-facing mode. Other car seats support between 30 and 35 pounds, so I was thrilled to know this convertible car seat actually offers more. However, the size chart might be a bit confusing, so it would be better to keep your car seat user manual next to you.

So, the using modes work this way:

- rear-facing car seat support kids between 4 and 40 pounds, and their head must be one inch below the headrest adjustment button if you fully extend the headrest

- forward-facing car seat for children 22-65 pounds, between one or two years old, or more, preferably, and less than 49 inches

- high-back belt-positioning booster seat for kids 40-100 pounds, between 43 and 57 inches, at least 4, and able to hold themselves properly

- backless booster seat for kids between 40 and 120 pounds, between 40 and 57 inches, and at least 4 years of age

3. What about vehicle fit?

As with the majority of convertible car seats, this one is also bulky. Thus, the Graco 4Ever DLX convertible car seat is perfect for a larger vehicle. So, if you have an SUV, it will fit it properly.

But, it might not be the best option for smaller and narrower cars, which I don't really like since I had trouble installing the smaller car properly.

Hence, I had to change it and get a bigger one. Numerous parents complain about this, so I genuinely hope Graco will consider our wishes and update the design, if possible.

Also, you need to know that the convertible car seat is not at all practical for fitting three across, especially in a narrower vehicle seat. Therefore, you must measure your vehicle seat and interior and check if the convertible car seat fits you.

Additionally, the broader seat base may not fit the bucket seats, and they also may affect the rear view in the booster seat mode. So, again, check the proportions before placing the high-back booster or backless booster into your vehicle.

However, if you have compact cars and sedans, you must definitely measure the proportions and make sure the Graco 4Ever DLX convertible car seat fits them.

Some parents claim that there isn't much legroom for passengers in the front when the car seat is rear-facing, even with the minimal recline positions. I didn't have this problem, but I believe it occurred due to narrower conditions.

4. What about safety benefits?

And, here we are! Safety features are always my favorite parts, as I want my little ones to be secure and stable on the road. So, let's see.

The Graco 4Ever DLX convertible seat is crash tested to meet and exceed all AAP, NHTSA and FMVSS, and other regulations and safety rules. However, this is only related to the USA, so if you're outside the states, don't hesitate to get in touch with Graco and examine your country's safety & security standards.

I really like the Graco 4Ever DLX car seat regarding the overall safety standards, as it has a steel-reinforced frame. Now, this is crucial, as it will protect your baby from all kinds of crashes. Thus, even if the construction breaks, your child remains stable and undamaged. So, my vote goes to the steel-reinforced frame.

In addition, the Graco 4Ever DLX car seat is an ideal option as it has the ProtectPlus engineered design, helping you in the frontal, side, rear, and rollover crash. This is essential as the materials and content will add more to your child's stability.

However, you will also find the EPS energy-absorbing foam that will absorb and equally arrange the external pressure, forces, and impacts, along with the frame, keeping your child intact and undamaged. So, there won't be a single scratch on them, even if the structure is damaged.

You can apply LATCH connectors even in the booster mode for extra stability. But, there are a few points to notice.

Firstly, if you extend the Graco 4Ever DLX car seat to its full height, the car seat might block some of the rear visibility, again, depending on the vehicle type. However, it should increase the safety risks. So for those with narrower cars, make sure you measure them correctly to determine if the visibility will be a problem or not.

Secondly, there might be some minor issues regarding comfort here. For example, numerous parents complain that the car seat seems too loose when used rear-facing. Others found the car seat was not so comfortable for their babies if they removed the infant insert. Or, some did complain about the lack of ventilation. So, their children were pressured and sweaty during long distances.

But, here are valuable tricks to help you moderate the harness straps and keep them tight for extra stability. You know that the Graco 4Ever DLX car seat has a 5-point harness system. The harness covers all crucial body parts and prevents your child from getting hurt.

So, you have to ensure you pull all the slack in the harness and the hip area first and then eliminate the space in the harness behind the car seat before tugging the adjuster strap to tighten the harness. In addition, you have to moderate and pull the harness before buckling and locking the chest clip.

If you completed the process successfully, the harness covers your baby correctly and keeps the crucial body parts in a stable position.

It's crucial to remember that the manufacturer requires you don't remove the cup holders when using the Graco 4Ever DLX car seat. The main reason for it is that the car seat was not tested for safety standards without the cup holders.

I have noticed that many parents remove the cup holders to get more space in the vehicle's back seat. Still, I recommend you stick to the manufacturer's instructions and safety guidelines.

5. What about the installation process?

Don't worry - you won't have issues with the installation process, as the Graco 4Ever DLX car seat is effortless to set up in all modes - rear-facing/forward-facing, backless booster mode/ highback booster mode.

Thanks to the base width, if you have a sports car with a limited backspace, you might have struggled when installing the car seat.

Otherwise, you will find the seat belt path with labels and colors so that you can install it even without the car seat manual. If you still feel insecure, please your nearest Child Passenger Safety Technician to help you and guide you through this process. And find numerous videos on YouTube for secure installation.

Thus, you can choose between the vehicle seat belt installation and the LATCH installation system.

Regarding the LATCH system, unlike other convertible car seats, the Graco 4Ever DLX car seat has more than one LATCH strap for both forward-facing and rear-facing use. Thus, you don't have to switch the straps when installing the car seat manually and to convert it from one mode to another.

It's crucial to remember some of the steps when setting the Graco 4Ever up.

Firstly, make sure the LATCH webbing fits the forward-facing belt path. If that's not the case, consult the seat manual and move the webbing to the forward-facing belt path to make a proper fit for security.

Next, when you have matched the webbing and the forward-facing belt path. Once you have finished, place the Graco 4Ever seat in the back of your vehicle, drape the tether over the back of the seat for easy access later in the process. Recline the seat for the kid's weight. Follow other steps in the manual.

So, please, stick to your vehicle's manual and ensure you're using the adequate LATCH belt path. And, don't forget to attach the top tether when installing the LATCH system for extra stability!

Also, you cannot find the belt lock-off device when installing it with the vehicle seat belt installation, so you have to look for the vehicle owner's manual, especially if you have an older vehicle model. You must know how your vehicle seat belt works. So, check the specific car seat installation points and requirements.

When installing rear-facing, ensure you thread the vehicle belt through the rear-facing belt path and buckle it for stability. And, for easier threading, tug the cover back to expose the rear-facing belt path.

Next, drag the seat belt to tighten and press firmly for the pan area. Finally, check the recline indicator and see if the bubble shows that you have correctly done the process.

However, you can easily install it in the high back booster mode or backless booster mode as well. You can store the harness in the compartment - don't remove it from the seat, or you might lose it.

Your first step is pulling the cover to discover the back of the shell. Next, find the gray door and pull it open. Next, buckle the chest clip, place it in the compartment and secure them inside. The crotch buckle goes to the seat's bottom.

Also, the high back booster mode offers either LATCH or seat belt attachments.

For LATCH, simply connect the points and top tether to the vehicle's seat attachments to keep it fixed. If you use the seat belt system, the belt must cover the unoccupied seat to reduce the risk of injuries and movement in car crashes.

And, to convert it properly, you will need only a few seconds to transform your Graco 4Ever DLX car seat and moderate it from the rear-facing to forward-facing to highback booster mode or backless booster seat. So, pay attention to the following:

- The rear-facing mode contains three recline positions - 1-3, and your kid will have superior comfort.

- The forward-facing mode also has 3 recline positions - 4-6, but the recline position number 4 suits only kids under 40 pounds.

You will also find a bubble level indicator that helps you with the perfect leveling with the rear-facing installation process.

Of course, the Graco 4Ever DLX car seat might be installed in specific Ford models with inflatable seat belts. So, if your Ford has inflatable seat belts, make sure you consult the manual to ensure you install them correctly. Otherwise, your kids won't be secure.

However, the car seat has a few drawbacks, including the harness straps. In addition, they are not removable, so many parents find them hard to clean and maintain. But, according to the Graco 4Ever DLX review, the car seat cover is removable and effortless to clean and maintain.

Another disadvantage might be the head rest. Namely, it might stick out and not fit your child correctly, although it should. Thus, it might not offer the proper support, pushing their heads forward.

So, parents use insert pillows to reduce the forward tilt and find them more comfortable body posture. So, they will prevent head and neck pain and adjust their babies better.

6. Is the seat comfortable?

Well, yes and no. Ahhh...It sounds strange, I know, but you know that it's not perfect.

The high-quality seat is comfortable for your little ones since it grows with them. The Graco car seat also offers body inserts, an adjustable headrest, and rear-facing recline positions for more softness and coziness during the ride.

However, the infant insert might not provide sufficient support and softness for your kid's head and neck, especially when they're sleeping. So, it's not really the best option for fragile babies and infants.

But, you will find the adjustable harness with ten adjusting positions, so you can moderate it to fit your little ones appropriately. As a result, they won't be under pressure or limited.

Also, you can loosen or tighten the straps to find the best fit for your child. Once you find the best position, lock the chest clip to keep them stable and secure.

And the 6-recline position modes will offer more comfort for children on the road. So, it might not be perfect, but it does its best.

In addition, the Graco 4Ever DLX is a particular seat as it has two cup holders for snacks and drinks to keep your little ones occupied on the road and for you to focus on the road better. But, if they get too messy, you can effortlessly clean and maintain the seat and cup holders. How?

7. Quick & uncomplicated maintenance

If your kids are too messy, prone to spilling food and drinks, don't bother - you can straightforwardly clean and maintain the seat.

As you will find, the Graco 4Ever seat contains removable cup holders, easy to clean. You can wash the dual cup holders with water and soap and wipe them clean with a cloth.

In addition, the seat has a machine washable rapid remove cover and a machine-washable seat pad as well, so you can wash them, dry-safe, and keep them clean for subsequent use.

The machine-washable rapid remove cover has five steps for removing, but you can find the process in the manual for supreme maintenance. Also, the machine-washable content and seat cover won't lose their quality when cleaned in the machine.

However, as the harness and vehicle seat belt straps are not removable, you cannot wash them in the machine. So, you can surface wash with a damp cloth and wipe them clean for more freshness and scent.

And, all metal and plastic parts can also be washed with cool water and mild soap when cleaning and maintaining the seat.

8. What are the alternatives?

As with other seats, our model also has other alternatives. Some of them include:

a. Graco 4Ever Extend2Fit 4 in 1

Graco 4Ever Extend2Fit 4 in 1 car seat is a new car seat with easily accessible belt paths, an integrated fuss-free harness storage compartment, reclining handles on front and back base parts, and forward-facing seat belt lock-offs.

It's an upgraded version of the 4Ever. It supports up to 50 pounds in the rear-facing mode. But, it's bulkier than our model. So it's slightly smaller, yet more expensive.

b. Graco 4Ever All-in-One

Graco 4Ever All-in-One car seat is as a previous alternative to the DLX car seat.

The seat is hard to transform, as you have to take it out of the seat, and then it requires plenty of time to moderate it and change to a forward-facing or booster seat.

It has only one set of LATCH attachments, so you have to switch between the straps for proper fit. It also weighs 22.8 pounds, as our model. It doesn't have a fuss-free harness storage compartment.

c. Graco 4Ever DLX SnugLock 4 in 1

Yet another alternative would be the Graco 4Ever DLX SnugLock 4 in 1 car seat.

The seat is extraordinary since it includes ten years of use with all four stages, similar to the DLX seat model.

However, it has an even faster installation process due to the specific SnugLock technology, so it ensures your seat is stable with the LATCH installation or seat belt system installation. However, it's heavier than the DLX model and, of course, more costly.

FAQs

Is the Graco 4Ever worth it?

Yes, it definitely is! Although it might be less advanced than our DLX version, it's still the original model, with all pros and cons a seat might have. But, overall, it's a stable and safe model, suitable for longer distances and longer rides.

Is the Graco 4Ever DLX FAA approved?

Yes, it is! The seat is approved for aircraft, but only when used as a forward-facing harness. Otherwise, it's not approved in a backless booster and highback booster mode. The standard rule is that boosters are not allowed for planes, so you can only use harness systems.

Does the Graco 4Ever DLX have a removable base?

No, the seat does not have a detachable base.

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

The DLX model is an upgraded version of the 4Ever seat.

It's easier to transform it between modes; it has the complete LATCH and seat belt connectors and attachment points for the quickest installation, unlike the previous seat.

Also, the DLX version is more comfortable than the old model, with extra ProtectPlus side-impacts protection, which the older model lacks.

How to recline Graco 4Ever DLX?

Find the recline button on the front part of the seat. Press it, and make sure you follow the level indicator on the side. You will find six different reclining options, and you can adjust it until your baby's body posture is correct for longer rides and more comfort.

Also, find the best reclining angle with the same level indicator.

Final Verdict

So, are you ready to try the DLX seat? I'm sure you are, so you can hurry up and order it now. It undoubtedly won't let you down!

The seat has full safety features, upgraded supreme comfort (although there's still room for improvement), and the best reclining options.

Also, the installation part is effortless, and you can select either a seat belt system or LATCH for effortless installation. If you use a seat belt system, you will find extra lock-offs to make it easier for you.

So, don't waste your time anymore and make the DLX seat yours now!