Safety 1st Grow And Go vs. Graco (2021): Which Convertible Car Seat Is Better? - Compare before you buy (2023)

Investing in a quality car seat is paramount to your child's safety. In fact, its use is required by law in all US states. Because your child's well-being depends on these specially designed seats, it's good to look for models that meet and exceed federal safety standards. Well, Safety 1st and Graco are two of the best brands to consider. Their catalog of car seats includes convertible models that will last until your kids outgrow them. Here we compare their highly rated onesSafety 1st Grow and Go All-In-OneandGraco Extend2Fit 3-in-1car seats to see which one is better.

Comparison table Safety 1st Grow And Go vs. Graco

Design and build quality

Both the Safety 1st Grow and Go and the Graco Extend2Fit are durable and comfortable car seats.

As you would expect, the Safety 1st and Graco 3-in-1 car seats emphasize safety and comfort. The Grow and Go and the Extend2Fit are both made from steel reinforced frames for durability. These convertible car seats also feature thick, shock-absorbing foam pads for extra cushion and support. The pads are removable and can also be machine washed. You also get two cup holders on either side of these seats - something that will come in handy as your child grows.

Now the Grow and Go car seat is slimmer and more compact than the Extend2 Fit. This also results in a slightly lighter and more portable model. However, due to their size, these car seats are not suitable as carriers. You can get Safety 1st's Grow and Go in 9 different colors, while Graco's Extend2Fit comes in 7 different styles.

In terms of ease of adjustment, these convertible car seats come with their brand's respective harness systems. Safety 1st calls their system QuickFit Harness, while Graco markets their system as the Simply Safe Adjust Harness System. Despite the different branding, both systems allow the user to adjust the seat's headrest and harness simultaneously.

In terms of comfort, the Graco Extend2Fit has an advantage over the Safety 1st Grow and Go. Graco's 3-in-1 car seat features 6 recline positions versus Safety 1st's 3. The Extend2Fit also features a 4-position adjustable extension panel that provides up to 5 inches of extra legroom. This is particularly beneficial if your child has to ride rear-facing for a long period of time.

Sub-Specifications

Graco's Extend2Fit has higher weight and height restrictions compared to Safety 1's Grow and Go.

The Safety 1st and Graco 3-in-1 car seats are designed to "convert" into three modes depending on your child's age and size. Like car seats, Safety 1st Grow and Go and Graco Extend2Fit have a rear-facing harness. This position is typically used for newborns and smaller infants. Once your child outgrows this position, you can adjust the seats to a forward-facing position. Finally, you also get a High Back Booster for kids that exceed the child's forward-facing specs but aren't ready for an adult seatbelt yet.

In rear-facing mode, Graco can carry children weighing up to 50 pounds, while the Grow and Go's maximum allowable weight is only 40 pounds. This is particularly beneficial for Graco as experts recommend itChildren should ride rear-facingas long as possible. Toddlers and preschoolers, on the other hand, are usually suited for the front-facing mode. Here both car seats support the same range of 22 to 65 pounds.

Safety 1st's Grow and Go and Graco's Extend2Fit can also handle the same 40- to 100-pound range when converted to a booster seat. However, Graco's supports an additional 5 inches of height. The Extend2Fit also has 10 adjustable headrest positions, while the Grow and Go only offers three. Nonetheless, the Safety 1st convertible car seat has special headrest positions for newborns.

Click here for more Graco car seat comparisons.

installation and security

Graco's convertible car seat is easier to install than Safety 1st's Grow and Go.

Both Safety 1st Grow and Go and Graco Extend2Fit are compatible with theLATCH-System, albeit with different variations of it. For example, the Safety 1st car seat uses the standard connectors found on LATCH-equipped vehicles. This consists of a vehicle's lower anchorages and tethers specially made for child car seats. Although it is a reliable mechanism, it takes a while to install and a careful reading of your car's manual may be required.

Meanwhile, the Graco Extend2Fit uses a proprietaryInRight LATCH-System. While it still uses the anchors and tethers on your car, Graco includes a one-second LATCH attachment for them. This allows for a faster yet equally secure installation of the car seat. You also get a visual height indicator that makes it easier to adjust the recline position of the seat. If your car is not LATCH compatible, you can secure both the Graco Safety 1st and Graco convertible car seats using your vehicle's seat belts.

When it comes to safety, both Grow and Go and Extend2Fit meet and exceed federal safety standards. These car seats are side impact tested and also approved for use in airplanes.

Verdict

The Graco Extend2Fit car seat has higher weight limits than the Safety 1st Grow and Go. However, if you are on a budget, the Safety 1st 3-in-1 convertible car seat is a great alternative.

Amazon product

The Safety 1st Grow and Go andGraco Extend2Fitare high-quality and sturdily built convertible car seats that impress with convincing safety features. However, Graco's 3-in-1 model has higher weight limits, allowing it to be used for longer periods of time, whether in rear-facing, front-facing, or booster mode. It also has several handy features, including an easy-to-connect LATCH system and a visual indicator that takes the guesswork out of installing and deploying the car seat.

All of these features naturally result in a more expensive product. So if you don't want to break the bank, then theSafety 1st Grow and Go All-In-One Autositzis a great alternative. Despite being cheaper than Graco car seats, it doesn't compromise on safety. The Grow and Go meets all federal safety standards and is actually easier to buckle on and off compared to the Extend2Fit. Like the Graco car seat, the All-In-One has been side impact tested by Safety 1st and is approved for use on airplanes.

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