Are you struggling to decide between the Graco Extend2fit 3 in 1 Car Seat and the Graco Slimfit? While both car seats offer distinct features, you may be wondering which one is a better investment.
To make an informed decision, let's take a closer look at what each car seat has to offer and which one provides the most value for your money.
Graco Extend2fit 3 in 1 | Graco Slimfit | |
Rear-Facing Weight: | 4 to 50 pounds | 5 to 40 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 | 27 to 49 inches |
High Back Booster Weight: | 40 to 100 pounds | 30 to 100 pounds |
High Back Booster Height Limit: | 43 to 57 inches | 38 to 57 inches |
One notable difference between the Graco Extend2fit 3 in 1 and Graco Slimfit is the rear-facing weight limit. The Graco Extend2Fit 3-in-1 can accommodate rear-facing children weighing up to 50 pounds, while the Graco Slimfit has a slightly lower rear-facing weight limit of 40 pounds.
It's important to note that the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends keeping children in a rear-facing car seat until they reach the highest rear-facing weight or height limit allowed by the car seat's manufacturer.
One feature that sets the Graco Extend2fit 3 in 1 car seat apart from the Graco Slimfit is its adjustable foot extender, which can provide additional legroom for rear-facing infants and toddlers. With a 4-position extension panel, the Extend2fit can offer up to 5 inches of extra legroom, which can be particularly useful for parents who wish to keep their child in the rear-facing position for an extended period. By accommodating growing legs, the Graco Extend2fit can help ensure a more comfortable and safe fit for rear-facing children as they continue to grow.
Graco Extend2fit 3 in 1 | Graco Slimfit | |
Width | 19 inches | 19.88 inches |
Height | 24.5 inches | 25.5 inches |
Depth/Length | 20.75 inches | 21.5 inches |
When comparing the two car seats, it's worth noting that while the Graco Extend2fit may be more compact out of the box, its additional features, such as the leg extension panel and Anti-Rebound bar required for rear-facing installation, can take up more space in the car. These features are designed to improve safety and comfort for rear-facing children, but they do mean that the car seat may require more room to accommodate them.
On the other hand, the Graco Slimfit's slimming feature, which includes collapsible cupholders, can make it more compact. This may be a particularly useful feature for parents who are tight on space in their car or need to fit multiple car seats in one row.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:
Good Convertible Car Seats With EPS Foam:
Graco Extend2fit 3 in 1 | Graco Slimfit | |
Do I need to use a pool noodle/rolled towel? | No | |
Easy To Install Rear-Facing | Yes | |
Easy To Install Forward-Facing? | Yes | |
Easy To Uninstall? | Yes | |
The InRight™ LATCH system is designed to simplify the process of installing car seats using the LATCH system, providing a hassle-free experience for parents and caregivers. With the easy-to-use one-second attachment, it's effortless to secure both the Graco Extend2fit 3 in 1 car seat and Graco Slimfit models, ensuring a snug and secure fit every time.
While the Graco Slimfit comes with an integrated belt lock-off feature that allows for easy installation using a vehicle seat belt, this feature is not included in the Graco Extend2fit 3 in 1 model. However, both models are designed to be easy to install, regardless of the method used.
Graco Extend2fit 3 in 1 | Graco Slimfit | |
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? | Yes | |
Both the Graco Slimfit and Extend2fit 3 in 1 car seats offer a number of safety features, including Graco® ProtectPlus Engineered™, a steel-reinforced frame, and EPS energy-absorbing foam.
They both also meet or exceed safety standards for frontal crashes under the US FMVSS 213 criteria, and have been side-impact tested for occupant retention. Both models have undergone testing for rear impacts and rollovers, too.
However, the Extend2fit model has an additional safety feature in the form of an anti-rebound bar, which limits the rotation of the seat and child during rear-facing impacts. This feature is not present in the Slimfit model.
Additionally, the Extend2fit has been tested using approximately twice the impact force required by the US FMVSS 213 car seat safety standard, providing an extra layer of safety as well as tested for structural integrity in extreme temperatures.
Overall, both car seats appear to offer a high level of safety for children, but the Extend2fit may provide some additional safety benefits due to the anti-rebound bar and higher impact force testing.
Graco Extend2fit 3 in 1 | Graco Slimfit | |
Is The Material Breathable? | Yes | |
Seat Weight: | 20.61 pounds | 19.5 pounds |
Machine Washable Cover? | Yes | |
Roomy? | Yes | |
No-Rethread Harness? | Yes | |
Easy To Remove Cover? | Yes | |
Expiration | 10 Years | |
Comes With A Cup Holder? | Yes, 2 | |
Shoulder Harness Has Pads? | Yes | |
Headrest Positions | 10 | |
Recline Positions | 6 | 4 |
The Graco Slimfit and Extend2fit 3 in 1 car seats differ in weight and the number of recline positions.
The Slimfit is lighter than the Extend2fit, which could make it easier to move from one vehicle to another or for air travel.
However, the Extend2fit has more recline positions (6 compared to 4 in the Slimfit) which can provide greater flexibility for parents to adjust the seat to their child's needs.
In particular, Extend2fit’s ability to recline in four different positions in the rear-facing position can be especially helpful for young infants who need more support for their head and neck.
There is an approximately USD70 price difference between the Graco Extend2fit 3 in 1 car seat and Graco Slimfit. The Extend2fit is more expensive.
With the Graco Extend2fit 3 in 1, you get
- An extendable leg panel for additional 5 inches of legroom in the rear-facing position
- A higher rear-facing weight limit
- An Anti Rebound bar for added safety
- A higher level of safety as it has undergone testing that is equivalent to approximately twice the impact force necessary for compliance with the US FMVSS 213 safety standard for car seats.
- More recline positions
With the Graco Slimfit, you get
- A collapsible cupholder to save space in a vehicle if you need to install 2 or 3 car seats in a row
- A seat belt lock-off for an easier seatbelt installation
- A lighter seat
Do You Need More Help To Decide Between
Graco Extend2fit 3 in 1 Car Seat And Graco Slimfit?
What do you think?
I’d love to know your thoughts in the comments section below!
Cheers!
Pitin
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