Graco Extend2fit 2 in 1 Or 3 in 1? While it may seem like a simple choice between two car seat models, these options go beyond mere numbers. Consider not only the price but also the aspects of safety, convenience, and versatility.
Does the 3 in 1 model offer features that make it worth reconsidering your initial inclination towards the 2 in 1?
Let’s see.
Graco Extend2fit 2 in 1 | Graco Extend2fit 3 in 1 | |
Rear-Facing Weight: | 4 to 50 pounds | |
Rear-Facing Height Limit: | the head must be at least 1-inch below the headrest adjustment handle | |
Forward-Facing Weight: | 22 to 65 pounds | |
Forward-Facing Height Limit: | Up to 49 inches | |
High Back Booster Weight: | NA | 40 to 100 pounds |
High Back Booster Height Limit: | NA | 43 to 57 inches |
In rear-facing mode, both Extend2fit 3 in 1 and 2 in 1 can accommodate children weighing from 4 to 50 pounds.
The child's head must be at least 1 inch below the headrest adjustment handle when using the rear-facing mode. This is a safety requirement to ensure proper head protection.
In the forward-facing mode, both support children weighing between 22 to 65 pounds. Their forward-facing height limit is up to 49 inches.
Both Extend2fit 2 in 1 and 3 in 1 come with a 4-position adjustable extension panel. This panel can provide up to 5 inches of additional legroom for your child when riding rear-facing, making it more comfortable for taller children in this mode.
The Graco Extend2fit 3 in 1 model has the additional feature of being a high-back booster. It accommodates children weighing between 40 to 100 pounds and has a height limit of 43 to 57 inches in the high-back booster mode. The booster mode is not available for the 2 in 1 model.
Graco Extend2fit 2 in 1 | Graco Extend2fit 3 in 1 | |
Width | 19.5 inches | 19 inches |
Height | 23.5 inches | 24.5 inches |
Depth/Length | 21.5 inches | 20.75 inches |
Out of the box, the Extend2fit 2 in 1 has slightly larger dimensions with a width of 19.5 inches, a height of 23.5 inches, and a depth/length of 21.5 inches. In contrast, the Extend2fit 3 in 1 is slightly smaller, measuring 19 inches in width, 24.5 inches in height, and 20.75 inches in depth/length.
Both car seats offer a 4-position adjustable extension panel, which can provide up to 5 inches of additional legroom for rear-facing use. This feature is advantageous for accommodating taller children and ensuring their comfort during extended rear-facing periods.
The 3 in 1 model may be more space-efficient when the anti-rebound bar is not in use. It's important to note that the total depth of the 3 in 1 model increases to 26.75 inches when the anti-rebound bar is utilized, which may necessitate more space in your car.
Graco Extend2fit 2 in 1 | Graco Extend2fit 3 in 1 | |
Do I need to use a pool noodle/rolled towel? | No | |
Easy To Install Rear-Facing | LATCH: Relatively Seatbelt: Yes | Yes |
Easy To Install Forward-Facing? | LATCH: Relatively Seatbelt: Yes | Yes |
Easy To Uninstall? | Yes | |
Both the Graco Extend2fit 2 in 1 and the Graco Extend2fit 3 in 1 car seats are notable for not requiring the use of additional items like pool noodles or rolled towels during installation.
These car seats feature the InRight™ LATCH system, designed for easy, one-second attachment with an audible click to ensure a secure installation. However, it's intriguing to observe that feedback for the Graco Extend2fit 2 in 1's LATCH installation tends to be more on the negative side compared to the 3 in 1 model, despite both seats sharing this LATCH system.
Regarding the Graco Extend2fit 3 in 1, it's important to be aware that some parents mention that the car seat may extend further out onto the vehicle seat, so it's vital to ensure it doesn't hang over the edge.
Although neither car seat comes with a seatbelt lock-off feature, both offer an easy seatbelt installation process, which parents find to be a reliable alternative.
Graco Extend2fit 2 in 1 | Graco Extend2fit 3 in 1 | |
Country Of Origin: | China | |
Steel-Reinforced Frame: | Yes | |
Five-Point Harness? | Yes | |
Side Impact Tested: | Yes | |
Approved For Airplane Use: | Yes | |
Easy To Buckle And Unbuckle? | No | Yes |
The Graco Extend2Fit 2 in 1 and 3 in 1 car seats are both made in China and share several key safety features, including a steel-reinforced frame, a five-point harness, side-impact testing, and approval for airplane use. They are also part of the Graco ProtectPlus Engineered™ line, designed to provide protection in various crash scenarios, including frontal, side, rear, and rollover crashes.
The Extend2fit 2 in 1 and 3 in 1 car seats incorporate energy-absorbing foam for impact management, meet or exceed US FMVSS 213 frontal crash test criteria, and have been tested for occupant retention in side-impact situations, rear-impact, and rollover testing.
However, the 3 in 1 model offers an additional safety feature in the form of an Anti-Rebound Bar, which limits seat and child rotation in the event of an impact. It has been tested under more rigorous conditions, with approximately twice the impact force required by the US FMVSS 213 standard, as well as for structural integrity in extreme temperatures.
It's important to note that there is mixed feedback about the harness tightening mechanism for the Graco Extend2Fit 2 in 1 model. Some parents have found it challenging to secure the harness snugly when their child is in the seat, and one-handed tightening is difficult. The issue becomes more pronounced when the child is forward-facing. However, there is a workaround for achieving a secure fit in the rear-facing position by pulling excess slack from the back of the seat and then tightening the strap at the bottom.
The 3 in 1 model may be a better choice for those who prioritize additional safety features, while those considering the 2 in 1 model should be prepared to potentially work with the harness tightening workaround mentioned in the feedback.
Good Convertible Car Seats Of 2023
Consider narrowing down your options by focusing on those made with EPP or EPS foam for impact management. Both materials meet government safety regulations, but EPP foam is more elastic and less brittle than EPS foam, making it better at withstanding multiple impacts and regaining its shape.
Keep in mind that any seat involved in an accident should be replaced, regardless of the foam type.
Good Convertible Car Seats With EPP Foam:
| Product name | Price | |
|---|---|---|
 | Baby Jogger City Turn Rotating Convertible Car Seat | Unique Turning Car Seat Rotates for Easy in and Out, Pike * | |
 | Graco® Turn2Me™ 3-in-1 Car Seat, London * |
Good Convertible Car Seats With EPS Foam:
Graco Extend2fit 2 in 1 | Graco Extend2fit 3 in 1 | |
Is The Material Breathable? | Relatively | Yes |
Seat Weight: | 19 pounds | 20.61 pounds |
Machine Washable Cover? | Yes | |
Roomy? | Yes | |
No-Rethread Harness? | Yes | |
Easy To Remove Cover? | Relatively | Yes (Rapid Remove) |
Expiration | 10 years | |
Comes With A Cup Holder? | 2 | |
Shoulder Harness Has Pads? | Yes | |
Headrest Positions | 10 | |
Recline Positions | 6 | |
The Graco Extend2fit 2 in 1 and Extend2fit 3 in 1 car seats share several key features, such as being lightweight, having machine washable covers, ample space, a no-rethread harness, multiple headrest and recline positions, and two built-in cup holders. Additionally, both models come with a generous 10-year expiration period.
However, there is a notable concern with the Graco Extend2fit 2 in 1 car seat that potential buyers should take into account. Specifically, the labels affixed to the seat cover have a tendency to become quite hot during use. This heat can lead to discomfort and, in some cases, even skin irritation. This issue is particularly significant in hot climates or if your child is sensitive to heat, as it may affect their comfort while using the car seat.
On the other hand, the Graco Extend2fit 3 in 1 car seat offers a distinct advantage not present in the Extend2fit 2 in 1 model: the Rapid Remove cover. The Rapid Remove cover is a convenient feature that simplifies the process of removing and cleaning the seat cover without the need to remove the entire seat or detach the harness straps.
This Rapid Remove feature enhances the overall convenience for parents and caregivers, making maintenance and cleaning of the car seat a much more straightforward task. Therefore, if ease of cleaning is a critical factor in your car seat decision-making, the Graco Extend2fit 3 in 1's Rapid Remove cover could be a compelling selling point.
There is an approximately USD 55 price difference between the Graco Extend2fit 2 in 1 and the 3 in 1 model. The 2 in 1 is cheaper.
With the Graco 2 in 1 car seat, you have a
- A slightly lighter seat
With the Graco Extend2fit 3 in 1, you get
- A highback booster mode of up to 100 pounds and 57 inches
- A seat that is easier to install in all modes
- An Anti-Rebound bar
- A seat tested twice the impact force required by the US FMVSS 213 standard
- A seat tested for extreme temperatures
- A 5-point harness that is easier to buckle and unbuckle
- More breathable seat materials
- A Rapid Remove seat cover
Do You Need More Help To Decide Between
Graco Extend2fit 2 in 1 Or 3 in 1?
What do you think?
I’d love to know your thoughts in the comments section below!
Cheers!
Pitin
Graco Extend2fit 3 in 1 With Anti Rebound Bar Vs
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