7 Best Graco Infant Car Seats Reviews

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Graco was established in 1942 but eventually took off after their first major product in 1953.

Since then, Graco has committed itself to make quality baby products, fully tested to ensure they are up to the standards in security and durability and provide a comfortable and enjoyable setting for children of all ages.

I have recently reviewed multiple car booster seats and have repeatedly seen the Graco brand top the leaderboards.

Hence in this article, I will list the very best of the best. Here are the best Graco car seats ever made by the company!

7 Top Rated Graco Car Seats Comparisons

IMAGEPRODUCTEDITOR'S RATINGPRICE
TOP PICK
Graco 4Ever DLX 4 In 1 Car Seat

Graco 4Ever DLX 4 In 1 Car Seat

9.7
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Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 Elite Infant Car Seat

Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 Elite Infant Car Seat

9.5
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Graco Modes Nest Travel System

Graco Modes Nest Travel System

9.1
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BEST BUDGET
Graco TurboBooster Stretch Booster Seat

Graco TurboBooster Stretch Booster Seat

8.8
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Graco Extend2Fit 3 In 1 Car Seat

Graco Extend2Fit 3 In 1 Car Seat

8.6
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Graco Contender 65 Convertible Car Seat

Graco Contender 65 Convertible Car Seat

8.2
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Graco SlimFit 3-In-1 Car Seat

Graco SlimFit 3-In-1 Car Seat

8
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1. Graco 4Ever DLX 4 In 1 Car Seat

TOP PICK
Graco 4Ever DLX 4 In 1 Car Seat
$230.00
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11/09/2023 05:19 am GMT

In the market for car seats, you might find yourself looking for many things if you are interested in setting things up long-term.

But, what if I told you that there is only one thing you need to buy regarding car seats?

I can tell you about the Graco 4Ever DLX 4 In 1 Car Seat, a 4 in 1 car seat just waiting to be bought. To be honest, this seat has almost everything.

By everything, I mean that it has a whopping four modes for you to choose from.

It has both a forward-facing and a rear-facing mode, and it also allows you to convert it into both a fullback and a backless booster car seat.

It is also very convenient for parents as it is machine washable, and the cover can be uninstalled without removing the seat entirely.

This makes the seat easy to clean if the child makes a mess.

These installations add a significant amount of time to this seat’s lifetime. This seat is guaranteed to give you well over ten years of usage.

Not just because of the number of modes alone, but also because of the huge range of weight that it can support, up to 120 pounds.

This product has special padding, and the outer material is soft, so it will not irritate a baby’s skin.

The material is also very easy to clean. Along with this, the seat has an amazing installation mechanism.

This is thanks to the especially dedicated Latch system in the seat, which allows it to lock right into place, no matter which model you are setting it into.

The click will let you know that you have installed it correctly.

However, this seat has a downside, and it is a major one. This thing is gigantic. It will not fit in a small-sized car. I think it would barely be able to fit in a midsize car, honestly.

So, the target demographic seems to be SUV owners. The product has received mostly praise from its customers and is recommended most of the time.

Some customers had varied complaints, which can be summarized by the product being slightly inconvenient.

Other than that, there are no major negative aspects which I could find.

PROS
  • Four modes
  • Convertible to both types of booster seats
  • Long lifetime; over ten years
  • Extremely easy installation
CONS
  • It cannot fit in small-sized vehicles
  • Sometimes inconvenient

If you are an SUV owner or you have a car that has the space for this seat, this is a must-buy specifically because it’s just too good of a deal to pass upon.

2. Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 Elite Infant Car Seat

Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 Elite Infant Car Seat
$224.99
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11/09/2023 06:39 am GMT

Graco is one of the best brands in the market, well known for manufacturing modern, contemporary child care products of the finest quality.

Graco is a very trusted brand in the market at present. The Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 Elite Infant Car Seat is from the snug lock range, as you can tell by its name.

This snug lock is a new technology designed for easy, hassle-free installment while keeping the child safe! It features a hassle-free 3 step installation.

This seat helps protect infants from four to thirty five pounds. This means it is easy to install and fully ensures your child’s safety.

Not only does this seat have a harness but a headrest as well. A headrest is an important feature to ensure that the child’s head has a proper place to get support.

When a sudden break while driving occurs, if the headrest is not present, it can result in severe trauma to the head and neck region.

You do not have to worry about that as a proper harness and headrest are present with this seat. A canopy is present whenever your kid wants some rest from the sunshine.

This canopy is rotating, so you can let your child have the sunlight and block it whenever necessary, hence making it totally up to your child’s mood.

The seat is very nicely padded with cushions maintaining your child’s comfort as much as possible.

Moreover, this cushioned seat makes it a pleasant car ride for your child as he is sitting in complete comfort. The base of this seat is adjustable, along with four recline positions.

You will find the special lock technology makes the attachment easy and gives you various recline positions and a latch attachment, making the seat secure and stable!

The seat only has a rear-facing but no forward or other facing views. This can cause a bit of trouble to some parents but depends totally on preferences.
PROS
  • Hassle-free installment
  • It has a harness and headrest
  • Rotating canopy
  • Cushion seat
  • Four recline positions with latch attachment
CONS
  • It is only rear-facing

This car seat would be a perfect fit for new parents with an infant. It has maximum security features as well.

3. Graco Modes Nest Travel System

Graco Modes Nest Travel System
$408.49
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11/09/2023 08:48 am GMT

Imagine having a seat that is an all-in-one deal. Graco’s Travel System is that deal.

This is because it is specifically designed to eliminate any need for you to go out looking for anything else to maneuver your child around. It provides everything you need in one package.

The Graco Modes Nest Travel System is a unique product. It is made with a very solid and durable frame that is still very lightweight.

This is because it is made out of aluminum. This makes it extremely portable and easy to use in terms of maneuverability while making sure it is durable.

It is a 3 in 1 system as it allows itself to be used as a car seat carrier, stroller, or bassinet. It also allows you to easily switch between using it in infant mode and toddler mode.

This way, you will be able to find the way that works best for you. The stroller mode is very interesting as well. It allows you to fix the seat in either front-facing or rear-facing modes.

Furthermore, it also has a basket underneath the seat that allows you to store things like other essential items, baby gear, or anything else you might be carrying around.

Height adjustable, multiple modes, and an easy self-standing folding system make this product a very nice investment if you are looking for all the products this booster seat can transform into.

Simply put, it is a great investment.

One disappointing thing about this product is that it works better with Graco’s 35 Lite Car Seat, better than it does with the one it comes with.
PROS
  • Lightweight and maneuverable
  • Foldable, this makes it easy to assemble
  • Durable and sturdy
CONS
  • It works better with a different seat than the one it comes with

If your child is under the weight limit for this seat, it is a solid purchase. However, you should be ready to invest some more if your child grows heavier.

4. Graco TurboBooster Stretch Booster Seat

Graco TurboBooster Stretch Booster Seat
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The Graco TurboBooster is a booster seat designed specifically for grown-up children.

The target audience is not infants, and purchasing it for them should be avoided as it could lead to injury or other complications.

With that out of the way, I can easily say that this Graco TurboBooster Stretch Booster Seat will do wonders for your child. This car seat will last you long as it is also meant for big kids.

Hence, it is built to cater to your growing child with adjustable side impact protection, hence not compromising on safety at all.

It contains features such as an open-loop belt which can easily adapt to your growing child. This seat allows complete ventilation even on a hot summer day.

The seat is made up of a mesh that is breathable along with airflow channels thus, not allowing the seat to get heated up due to constant airflow through it with full ventilation.

This feature keeps your child cool and comfortable and avoids fussing and nagging due to the seat heating up.

Graco products undergo serious testing to ensure they satisfy safety standards, and this product is no less.

Each product is carefully tested by going through simulated crash tests and adjusting by providing the durability and reinforcement they require.

This reinforcement stretches to all sides of the product. The seat provides complete ease to its consumers with the features it contains.

These include an open-loop belt making the buckle-up process very easy that even the child can do it on his own as we already know, grown-up kids like to do stuff on their own.

And not to forget the integrated cup holder which keeps the Child’s drink close to him.

Even though many features are present in this seat, there is an absence of a padded/cushion seat which means less comfort will be provided to your child.

This is very disappointing as the product is aces in every other aspect.

PROS
  • Easily adapts to a growing child
  • Breathable mesh seats
  • Features provide ease to parents and children alike
CONS
  • No padded seat

This Graco car seat is a good pick that facilitates parents with ease and support; however, only if you are ready to compromise a little on your child’s comfort.

5. Graco Extend2Fit 3 In 1 Car Seat

Graco Extend2Fit 3 In 1 Car Seat
$179.00
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11/09/2023 12:54 pm GMT

If you are looking into something that will last long, then the Graco Extend2Fit 3 In 1 Car Seat is something that you should be looking into.

This is because, as the company itself states, this seat ‘grows with your child.’ The car seat allows you to have children sitting in both rear-facing and front-facing modes.

The rear-facing mode of this seat accommodates children between 4 pounds to 50 pounds.

The weight limit increases with the front-facing mode, which allows children from 22 pounds to 65 pounds.

This seat is a convertible one that allows you to use the front-facing mode with children of up to 30 pounds to 100 pounds.

However, this seat is a 3 in 1 model because it allows you to increase the weight limit.

This means that you can use this seat without any worry until the kid is ready for his or her first booster seat.

According to AAP recommendations, you should secure your child in a rear-facing seat for as long as possible.

This car seat allows you to do just that with a 4 position extension panel.

It also allows you to adjust the headrest in 10 different positions for the child to be in the most comfortable position.

The product itself is very comfortable, having ten distinct headrest height settings and six recline positions to keep your young one comfy.

The harness system provides an extra layer of security to an already secure product.

The seat does not allow for conversion to a booster seat.

This is quite disappointing because the seat becomes useless when the child goes over the maximum weight. Seat belt installation with this can also be a little difficult.

PROS
  • Three seating modes are available
  • Adjustable positions for seat and headrests
  • Cup holders on each side of the seat
CONS
  • It cannot be converted into a booster seat
  • It can be tricky to install a seat belt

This one is a pretty good seat and will last long without a doubt, but that inability to convert it into a booster seat may turn some people away.

So if that is something that is important to you, then you should know about it.

6. Graco Contender 65 Convertible Car Seat

Graco Contender 65 Convertible Car Seat


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Graco continues to innovate, releasing new and exciting products.

This particular product is the Graco Contender 65 Convertible Car Seat, a convertible car seat capable of being converted from a front-facing booster seat to a rear-facing one.

This seat has quite a big range of height and weight. The height can go up to 49 inches, with the weight range being from 5 to 65 lbs.

This is all accompanied along by up to 8 recline positions for the child. These features prove how the seat is made by completely focusing on the consumer’s ease.

The part I liked most about this seat is the fact that it is a convertible. It can be converted because of the removable body.

This enables the multi-use of this seat so you can make the most use of it. It can seamlessly switch from one mode to another, and by having the choice, it appeases a broader audience.

The seat is very easy maintenance as it has removable body support along with a machine-washable seat pad. This makes the maintenance quite effortless, so you can get rid of that worry.

Graco is considerate of all the busy working parents out there.

Hence the seat pad can be thrown into the washing machine instead of having to deep clean the seat, which is super time taking. Even the buckle may be cleaned with a damp cloth.

Let me also point out the two buckle positions and the fact that this seat comes with the signature Graco protected plus, which means that the product has been engineered with the sole purpose in mind to protect your little one in frontal, side, rear, and rollover crashes.

Protection from all sides This shows that Graco always keeps security as their top priority, just like all parents.

With all the ease of this seat, the cup holders, however, are not removable. This can make their cleaning process a little difficult.

Customers have also complained that the latch present is very difficult to release.

This is amplified further in the rear-facing mode, which makes it even harder to release the latch.

PROS
  • Wide range of height and weight
  • Convertible
  • Easy maintenance
  • Ensures security 
CONS
  • Cup holders are not removable
  • Latch Difficult to release

Overall, this one is a fine product with a wide range of height and weight availability. You can definitely go for this one as its maintenance is also quite easy.

7. Graco SlimFit 3-In-1 Car Seat

Graco SlimFit 3-In-1 Car Seat
$208.99
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11/09/2023 09:33 am GMT

If you are someone looking for a good and comfortable car seat for your child that could also fit into a small car, then you are in luck because Graco SlimFit 3-In-1 Car Seat is just the right kind of car seat for you.

Now, why is it called the optimum option for small car owners?

Well, for starters, the seat itself is made to have a very slim design, as hinted by the name SlimFit. This allows it to easily fit in the car without taking up much space in the vehicle.

If, however, you need it to be even slimmer than that, you can remove the cup holders on the sides to have an even slimmer profile.

The installation process is very simple for this one because of the “Simply Safe Harness System”.

This allows you to adjust both the headrest and the harness simultaneously in the forward-facing mode. It can also be set to a rear-facing mode.

The biggest selling point of this product is that it is convertible to a high back booster car seat. The switching process takes only a few seconds.

This adds a lot of time to its lifespan. Some estimates show that it can easily last for over 10 years.

Along with all of this, the product is labeled under the protected plus engineered. By this point, we all should know what this means.

The product no doubt lives up to the standard set by other products with the same label by providing high-grade durability and reinforcement to all four sides of the product, ensuring the safety of the child.

The seat’s material itself is removable and is machine washable, which is a plus point, but the harness can be quite tricky to clean.

This is because of the complicated design that allows for simultaneous adjustments of the headrest along with the harness.

PROS
  • Slim design takes very little space
  • Convertible to the high back booster car seat
  • Removable cup holders that allow for an even slimmer profile
CONS
  • The harness can be difficult to clean up

All in all, this is a fantastic product due to the diversity in its usage. I would recommend this to anyone looking to purchase a car seat and is a small vehicle owner.

What To Look For When Buying A Graco Car Seat

Graco has offered a lot of variety regarding car seats over the years.

This has reached the point where many car seats operate the same but have unique and distinct features that you should be aware of.

Here are the ones that I have chosen to talk about:

  • Height And Weight Capacity
  • Seat Type
  • SnugLock & SnugFit
  • Harness & Latches

The below section will look at what you should look for when browsing for a Graco car seat.

Height And Weight Capacity

The first thing you need to know when looking for a Graco car seat is what height and weight capacity you need it for.

Make sure your child’s height and weight are on hand so you can get one that fits. You should generally do this for all brands of car seats.

Seat Type

Another aspect of Graco car seats that you should be on the look for is the type of seat.

Depending on the child’s age, you will want to get a rear-facing, front-facing, or a Booster seat. You can also look for a convertible that can toggle between them.

SnugLock & SnugFit

One of the main features that Graco has to offer are the SnugLock and SnugFit technologies.

The SnugLock latch system will ensure the secure and easy attachment of the seat in the vehicle. SnugFit car seats will also have an anti-rebound bar, which will further help this.

Harnesses & Latches

For your child’s safety, you should ensure that the car seat has a good set of latches and harnesses. Many states enforce car seats to have 5-point harness systems.

This is usually the standard when it comes to car seats. Having a harness also helps for the safety of infant children.

Graco has always been a top choice for people regarding car seats. This is because of the many features it can provide and the great durability and comfort.

Graco’s variety of car seats should definitely be on your radar if you are in the market for a car seat for your infant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Why Should I Choose Graco?

Graco products offer maximum comfort, security, user experience, and adjustability for your child as they grow.

Each product has multiple recline and headrest positions for your child’s comfort. This, paired with the most positive reviews, should put Graco high up on your list.

Q2. What Is Protected Plus Engineered?

Graco products go through rigorous testing to make sure they are up to the safety standards and protocols.

This means that they must undergo various crash tests to ensure they are safe for carrying children in the event of a car crash.

This label simply means that the booster seat has high durability and protection on all four sides, making it exceptionally secure.

Q3. Which Graco Car Seat Should I Buy?

Every Graco car seat is a good potential candidate; however, the choice should be according to you and your child’s special requirements.

Each booster seat may or may not be tailored to infants or grown children and may not support the other.

Your child’s weight, height, and other factors such as personality also affect how one can consider these products.

Simply put, the choice depends on your certain needs, and you should carry out your own research to see which booster seat fulfills your specific requirements.

Q4. Are Graco Car Seats Suitable For Growing Children?

Yes! Most Graco car seats are designed to be made to handle growing children. This is achieved by adjustable headrests, which can alter their heights.

The weight capacity is also general enough to handle growing children, but one should always double-check.

Some booster seats may be designed for specific ages, which should also be on your radar.

Q5. Which Is The Safest Graco Car Seat?

One of the most agreed picks for the safest Graco car seat is the Graco SnugRide SnugLock Extend2Fit 35.

Not only is it easy to install and provides a great amount of comfort, but it is also extremely safe. An honorable mention goes to the 4Ever DLX 4 in 1, which is also renowned for its safety.

Q6. What Does LX Mean For Graco?

LX is a letter indicator that refers to the presence of SnugLock technology in the Graco car seat.

If you see the letters LX in the name of the car seat or on the car, it means that it comes with SnugLock Technology.

This means that it will come with an anti-rebound bar and be easy to install.

Q7. How Long Does A Graco Car Seat Last?

You should expect anything between 6 to 10 years if you are dealing with a Graco car seat. Most infant seats that are steel reinforced can last up to and over ten years.

The plastic ones can linger around the seven-year mark. With exceptional care, you should see your Graco car seat last at least this amount.

Conclusion

Let's compare what are the most popular Graco car seats for your newborn through my buyer's guide

Graco has defined itself as one of the top global brands in child care, releasing a multitude of different booster seats which cater to the needs of any and every parent and child.

Each product fulfills a certain requirement, but this does not mean that the product is incapable of doing anything else.

On the contrary, Graco products though they specialize in certain areas, still manage to be good contenders in other areas.

The best Graco car seat has to be, in my own opinion, The Graco 4Ever DLX 4 In 1 Car Seat.

The simple fact that this seat can change into four different modes shows how Graco will have mastered the art of creating high-quality products.