Best Graco SlimFit 3 in 1 Convertible Car Seat Reviews: The Ultimate 2023 Guide

Are you tired of numerous car seats for different life stages? Well, it doesn't have to be that challenging, you'll agree. You can find the best car seat to meet your needs.

So, I suggest you take a look at our Graco SlimFit 3 in 1 reviews here! The convertible car seat will wow you due to its three working modes, suitable for children from infancy to youth.

Unlike other car seats, this convertible car seat offers all three positions (forward-facing and booster), so you don't need a different infant car seat for your baby.

And, what are other benefits? Find below!

The Graco SlimFit 3 in 1 car seat is a fantastic convertible car seat for all parents who want more prolonged use and a narrower design.

The Bottom Line

My final verdict is that the Graco SlimFit is one of the best car seats you will ever find on the market! It has won my heart with different modes, supreme safety standards, exceptional installation, and comfort benefits, and I always gladly choose it for longer rides.

And, you can find other accessories and gifts easily, so make sure you pay attention to details.

In addition, you can get your best deal HERE (for less than $200!)

The Graco SlimFit 3 in 1 Reviews: Yes or No?

1. Overall design

As always, I'd like to start from the basics. When I first saw the seat, it reminded me of the Tranzitions 3 in 1, with its overall appearance and functions. Of course, there are extreme differences, but the overall impression was somewhat similar.

Firstly, the Graco SlimFit 3 in 1 car seat has three working modes, including:

- rear-facing mode

- forward-facing mode

- highback belt-positioning booster mode

However, the Transitions also included backless booster mode, whereas the SlimFit 3 in 1 convertible car seat does not offer that option.

In addition, its proportions measure 21.5 x 19.9 x 25.5 inches and weigh 19.47 pounds. Therefore, it will be easy to carry it around and move between the vehicles. Thus, the versatile car seat will quickly adjust to your needs, and you can straightforwardly moderate it as you like.

However, although it weighs less than the Tranzitions booster car seat model, some parents still find it too bulky and high for their cars.

But, this shouldn't really be an issue, as the Graco SlimFit 3 in 1 car seat has a specific design. So, read below.

2. Will Graco SlimFit 3 in 1 car seat fit your car?

To cut the story short: YES, it definitely will! How?

As you will find, the convertible car seat has a unique SlimFit system. Therefore, it will be a narrow convertible car seat, suitable even for smaller cars, and you can easily place it in the middle seat, even when you have multiple children and you need three car seats across.

Also, if you have only one child, you have to install it in the center position of the back seat, as the safest place for car seats in your vehicle. Never install it in the front seat, especially with the airbags turned on.

Of course, the SlimFit design of this narrow convertible car seat is excellent as it offers a space-saving system, earning you 10% of the space in the vehicle, and you can operate as you like.

But, the Graco SlimFit 3 in 1 car seat is really an impressive model, as it never compromises the comfort and room for your little one, despite being a narrower car seat.

And, as always, I highly recommend you first measure the car interior and your vehicle seat for exact proportions and correct for the comfiest car ride.

3. Does the Graco SlimFit 3 in 1 car seat fit your little one?

Absolutely YES!

The convertible car seat offers an impeccable seat range between 5 & 100 pounds so that it will keep your baby, toddler, or older child comfortable. So, it covers and supports your growing child or other kids in your family.

It's also effortless to transform it among all three working modes, and here are the included settings & specifications:

- rear-facing position for children between 5 and 40 pounds, and their had must be one inch below the handle

- forward-facing harness mode for kids between 20 and 65 pounds, with 27-49 inches of maximum height

- high-back belt-positioning booster seat for children between 30 and 100 pounds, between 38 and 57 inches of maximum height

Although there is no backless booster mode, the 3 in 1 convertible car seat has plenty of flexible and versatile functions that you can regulate for your child's maximum comfort.

Some of them include the Simply Safe Adjust Harness System, so you can loosen or tighten the harness straps and moderate the headrest for the best body posture and your kid's comfort.

Another one is the removable body support pillow, harness straps cover, and removable headrest pillow.

The last two units are not required so that you can remove them for more comfort and save-space option inside the 3 in 1 convertible car seat.

However, the body support pillow is necessary if your child's shoulder is below the lowest harness setting options.

4. The installation process: Pass or fail?

When you compare numerous parents' comments, you can find multiple positive reviews.

Namely, the Graco SlimFit 3 in 1 car seat offers a quick, secure, and simple setup process, even for compact cars. Other seats might be too heavy and robust for slimmer options, but our 3 in 1 convertible car seat doesn't occupy too much space in the back seat.

So, the 3 in 1 convertible car seat provides the InRight LATCH system, ensuring a one-second connection with four recline positions. Of course, we cannot forget the adjustable harness system for more comfortable kids.

Hence, you will need a safe and tight LATCH installation to make it a stable and secure car seat. Now, some parents don't have any troubles, yet others find numerous issues when using the LATCH system.

Therefore, follow these steps if you have some installation issues:

- Watch numerous YouTube videos with trained CPSTs and parents installing them

- Consult your Graco SlimFit 3 in 1 car seat manual for step-by-step installation

And here's the overall installation process

a. Rear-facing installation

You will find the clip on the cover regarding the LATCH installation, so remove it and access the lower anchor strap.

Next, pull it straight up to the webbing with one hand while pushing it down to the seat pan with another hand. Easy peasy lemon squeezy!

Ensure the LATCH strap remains attached to the car seat all the time. This unit is connected via a handy bar - you have to pull the lower anchors into the seat shell, slide the attachments to the other belt path, and feed them through the different belt path.

Concerning the vehicle seat belt installation, you might again need a rolled towel, but if you have a vehicle with a flatter seat, you don't need it. So, you can turn the car seat sideways on the vehicle seat to make the seat belt path straight up & down.

Next off, you can extend the vehicle belt to make it long enough for falling through the belt path. Finally, drop the vehicle seat belt through the rear-facing course, use the buckle, and buckle the seat belt.

b. Forward-facing installation

Regarding the LATCH installation, you mustn't forget to attach the top tether. The top tether will keep the car seat stable and secure, regardless of the vehicle's seat belt or LATCH installation.

Also, the Graco SlimFit 3 in 1 can be installed at recline 3 or 4, but first, find the best angle for setting it up. The process is almost the same as with the rear-facing procedure. But, you must check the label and manual, as the seat's lower anchors support up to 45 pounds.

But since it's a narrow belt path and a bit high, the seat is trickier than the rear-facing mode. So, you have to press the seat pan down into the vehicle seat and simultaneously pull it up straightforwardly via the vehicle belt or the lower anchor webbing.

So, depending on the setup mode you use, the installation might differ slightly.

c. The harness adjustment

The system is effortless & straightforward to moderate. The seat's back is also closed. And, as the harness is a non-rethread one, the straps won't meddle with the vehicle seat belt.

Also, the seat was rated as the "Best Bet Booster" by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety - IIHS. Thus, it fits almost every car - SUV, minivan, and other cars.

But, some parents find it effortless to match multiple Ford models with inflatable seat belts found in their systems.

But, other multiple inflatable seat belts are impossible to fit. Thus, if you're not confident whether the belts would provide the seat, please, contact Graco directly.

5. What about safety standards?

I can assure you, as well as the Graco SlimFit review, that the Graco SlimFit provides exceptional safety standards, with numerous positive benefits, including:

So, as you can see, the entire seat offers maximum protection and safety for your baby, which is excellent for longer distances and all accident types.

So, the steel-reinforced frame and the side-impact protection will protect your child's head and torso, keeping the back and spine stable and secure so that they won't be hurt in accidents. But, even if the frame cracks, the child remains untouched.

However, the pillow and harness strap covers their critical body parts, offering more support. In addition, the harness keeps their body more potent, and the buckle prevents falling off the seat and accidents.

And, if you use it in the booster car seat mode, the seat belt system will work flawlessly. Namely, the shoulder belt guide will cover their shoulder and chest, while the lap belt will cross their upper thighs, not their stomachs, for superior child safety standards.

Numerous parents confirm that the car seat has protected their children in accidents and kept them untouchable. But, if you have an accident, make sure you replace the seat immediately!

And, please follow the NHTSA and AAP rules, and keep your baby in the rear-facing seat as long as possible! The same goes for the forward-facing position - keep them forward-facing until they're ready for the booster seat.

6. Comfort benefits

As you will see, the Graco SlimFit 3 in 1 car seat offers ten headrest and harness recline positions for the safest fit for your kiddo. So, you can find the best fit for their body posture and adjust to their needs.

Also, the four recline positions with the recline indicator will help you install and place it correctly in the back seat of your vehicle.

Also, the SlimFit design and lightweight system will help you move it and easily install it in numerous vehicles, so you will find it parent-comfortable as well.

And, as the seat follows its growth and development, your kid will have enough leg room for the most comfortable and softest rides, which is particularly essential for more extended travel. So, you can easily adjust it to meet your demands.

7. Maintenance

Of course, as with numerous Graco convertible car seats, this one is also straightforward to clean and maintain.

The seat cover is machine washable for a quick and trouble-free cleaning process. Also, the machine-washable cover is dry-safe and saves your time and energy.

In addition, you will find the two cup holders. The cup holders are removable and rotational as well, so once you remove or rotate them, you will get more space for the seat's installation.

But, the cup holder is easy to remove and clean with water and soap when your kid gets too messy. Also, the cup holder is an ideal place for drinks and snacks to keep your baby entertained on the road.

8. FAA approval

It's crucial to remember that the Graco SlimFit has the FAA-approved label on the seat's base so that you can use it for aircraft, but only in the harness mode.

So, you can use it as a rear-facing and a forward-facing seat with the harness system. Otherwise, you cannot use it as a proper child restraint safety system in the booster mode.

9. What are the alternatives?

If you still find the SlimFit inadequate, you can try other Graco convertible car seats. Some of them include:

a. Graco Milestone

The Graco Milestone is an ideal alternative, as it also offers rear-facing, forward-facing, and booster modes. However, when comparing the two convertible car seats, the Milestone is more expensive.

Also, the Milestone model does not have the SlimFit, space-saving design between these convertible car seats. So, it's bulkier than our original car seat.

In addition, the Milestone car seat has only one cup holder whereas the SlimFit has two, it lacks recline options, and same as SlimFit, it doesn't include the backless booster option.

b. Evenflo EveryStage DLX

Another alternative is the Evenflo EveryStage DLX Convertible Car & Booster Seat. Comparing these two car seats, they have the same price. However, the Evenflo model offers more recline options and more support for heavier kids - up to 120 pounds. And, regarding the installation process, the car seat is the same as the SlimFit with the InRight LATCH technology.

But, the Evenflo model includes extended rear-facing use for kids up to 50 pounds, whereas the SlimFit model doesn't have that benefit.

FAQs

How safe is the Graco SlimFit 3 in 1 for your child?

Extremely safe! Due to side-impact protection, energy-absorbing foam, numerous crash tests, and a strong, reliable, durable, and solid frame, the car seat offers maximum safety features, so your children will be safe and sound on the road.

Is the Graco SlimFit 3 in 1 FAA approved?

Yes, it is if you use the seat with a harness. Otherwise, if you use it as a booster, you cannot use it on a plane, according to the FAA rules and demands.

Is the Graco SlimFit car seat easy to setup and install?

Yes, it is, thanks to the LATCH installation. You can refer to the 'installation' section to find the proper ways to install it safely and find the necessary steps.

Also, you can watch videos with safety technicians and parents installing the seat. Finally, you can consult the manual and see the step-by-step installation process.

Does Graco SlimFit fit three across?

Yes, it does, due to the SlimFit design offering more space for the car interior and vehicle's seat. So, it never compromises the children's comfort, still providing more room for more kids.

How long is Graco SlimFit suitable for?

The seat grows with your children and supports them for ten years of expirations.

With three modes of use, you can use it for kids between 5 and 100 pounds, which is excellent for kids from infants to more than eight years old.

They can use the belt-positioning booster until they're 12, and then they're ready for the belt, but only if it fits them properly, in the back of the vehicle.

Summary

So, what do you think? Do you like this Graco SlimFit 3 in 1 reviews? It's the only car seat you'll ever need when your child is ready to get out of the infant carrier.

Thus, it offers maximum safety benefits, overall comfort, flawless design and maintenance process, and the most straightforward installation.

And, if you like it, hurry up & purchase it while you still have time. Bear in mind that it's one of the most popular car seats; hence, you have to act quickly!