Graco Grows4me is a popular choice among parents, but is it truly the best option available in the market? What if there was a car seat that not only offered more safety features but also had easier installation and a more comfortable ride for your little one?
In this comparison, we will take a closer look at how the Graco Grows4me and Graco Extend2fit 3 in 1 measure up against each other.
Graco Grows4me | Graco Extend2fit 3 in 1 | |
Rear-Facing Weight: | 5 to 40 pounds | 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: | 40 to 100 pounds | |
High Back Booster Height Limit: | 43 to 57 inches | |
Backless Booster Weight Limit: | 40 to 110 lbs | NA |
Backless Booster Height Limit: | 43 to 57 inches | NA |
While the Graco Grows4me car seat can accommodate rear-facing children weighing between 5 and 40 pounds, the Graco Extend2fit 3 in 1 model can accommodate even smaller infants starting from 4 pounds and has a higher weight limit of up to 50 pounds for rear-facing mode.
The Graco Extend2fit 3 in 1 also features an extendable tray that provides up to 5 inches of extra legroom for rear-facing children, which can be a major advantage for parents who want to keep their child rear-facing for longer.
However, the Graco Extend2fit does not have a backless booster mode, while the Graco Grows4me can be used as a backless booster for children weighing between 40 and 110 pounds and measuring between 43 and 57 inches tall.
Graco Grows4me | Graco Extend2fit 3 in 1 | |
Width | 21.5 inches | 19 inches |
Height | 24 inches | 24.5 inches |
Depth/Length | 20 inches | 20.75 inches |
Parents with narrower back seats may find the Graco Grows4me car seat problematic as it is wider than the Graco Extend2fit 3 in 1 at 21.5 inches compared to just 19 inches.
However, both car seats have an almost similar height at 24 inches for the Grows4me and 24.5 inches for the Extend2fit 3 in 1.
When it comes to depth/length, the Graco Grows4me has a slightly shorter length of 20 inches compared to the Extend2fit 3 in 1's length of 20.75 inches.
Remember that the Extend2fit 3 in 1 has a unique feature with its 4-position adjustable extension panel, which provides up to 5 inches of additional legroom. This is a great feature for a more extended rear-facing position but may make it challenging to fit the car seat in smaller cars.
Moreover, when using the anti-rebound bar, which is included with the Graco Extend2fit 3 in 1, the car seat's total depth increases to 26.75 inches. This may require more space in the car, and parents should measure their back seat carefully to ensure it can accommodate the car seat's size.
Graco Grows4me | 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? | Relatively | Yes |
Easy To Uninstall? | Relatively | Yes |
Installation of the Graco Grows4me car seat has been challenging for some parents, particularly in the rear-facing position. The latch hooks, which are of the old-school J-hook type, and seat belts have been reported to provide insufficient security, leading to a few instances of the seat shifting even when tightened. As a result, the car seat has received mixed reviews with regard to installation.
The Graco Extend2fit 3 in 1 has garnered positive feedback for its installation process, which is considered user-friendly. The InRight™ LATCH system, which is the more modern push-on type, makes installation easy, and rear-facing installation is a simple process. It is worth noting, however, that the car seat extends further out onto the vehicle seat, and therefore it is important to ensure that it does not hang over the edge.
Both car seats lack a seatbelt lock-off feature, which may make seatbelt installation challenging for some parents.
However, the overall feedback indicates that the installation process for the Graco Extend2fit 3in1 is quick and easy, making it a convenient option for parents who prioritize ease of use.
Graco Grows4me | 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? | Relatively | Yes |
Both the Graco Grows4me and Graco Extend2fit 3 in 1 car seats have several safety features in common. They both have a steel-reinforced frame that provides strength and durability, as well as EPS energy-absorbing foam for effective impact management. They are also side-impact tested for occupant retention with the built-in 5-point harness system.
However, there are some differences between the two car seats. Aside from the usual crash safety tests, the Graco Extend2fit car seat has also been tested for rear impact using the European Rear-Impact Crash Pulse, and it has been subjected to Graco's RollSafe™ testing standard, which is based on the European rollover testing procedure.
The Graco Extend2fit 3-in-1 car seat also features an Anti-Rebound Bar, which offers an extra level of safety in the rear-facing position by restricting the rotation of the seat and protecting your child in the event of a collision. The Graco Extend2fit car seat undergoes testing using roughly double the impact force mandated by the US FMVSS 213 car seat safety standard. Additionally, it is tested for structural integrity under extreme temperatures, both high and low.
One potential issue with the Graco Grows4me mentioned by at least three parent reviewers is the 5-point harness straps cannot adjust properly, making it difficult to keep the shoulder straps on the shoulders. In contrast, there are no similar concerns mentioned by parent reviewers regarding the Graco Extend2fit 3 in 1.
Overall, both car seats have strong safety features and are Graco® ProtectPlus Engineered™. Still, the Graco Extend2fit 3 in 1 car seat has more advanced safety features and is tested to more rigorous standards than the Graco Grows4me, making it a potentially safer choice for parents looking for extra safety features.
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 Grows4me | Graco Extend2fit 3 in 1 | |
Is The Material Breathable? | Yes | |
Seat Weight: | 27.93 lbs | 20.61 pounds |
Machine Washable Cover? | Yes | |
Roomy? | Yes | |
No-Rethread Harness? | Yes | |
Easy To Remove Cover? | Yes | Yes (Rapid Remove) |
Expiration | 10 Years | |
Comes With A Cup Holder? | Yes, 1 | Yes, 2 |
Shoulder Harness Has Pads? | Yes | |
Headrest Positions | 10 | |
Recline Positions | 6 | |
In terms of weight, the Graco Grows4me is heavier, weighing 27.93 lbs, while the Graco Extend2fit 3 in 1 is lighter, weighing 20.61 lbs.
Both car seats have easy-to-remove covers, although the Graco Extend2fit 3 in 1 has the advantage of having a Rapid Remove feature.
When it comes to cup holders, the Graco Extend2fit 3-in-1 wins with two cup holders, while the Graco Grows4me only has one.
In terms of comfort, the Graco Grows4me is praised for its comfort, especially on long trips. However, for chubbier babies, belt extensions are not offered, which can be uncomfortable for their waist and private area. On the other hand, the Graco Extend2fit 3 in 1 does not have this issue.
Both car seats have their minor drawbacks, such as gaps in the Graco Grows4me which can make it difficult to retrieve dropped toys or pacifiers, and the cup holders in the Graco Extend2fit 3 in 1 that tend to detach easily.
There is an approximately USD10 difference between the Graco Grows4me and Graco Extend2fit 3 in 1. The Extend2fit 3 in 1 with Anti-Rebound Bar is more expensive.
With the Graco Grows4me, you get a backless booster mode with a weight limit of up to 110 pounds.
Going for the Graco Extend2fit 3 in 1, you get
- A leg extension panel for a more comfortable ride
- A higher rear-facing weight limit
- A narrower seat
- An Anti-Rebound Bar for extra safety
- A push-on type of LATCH which is easier to use
- An easier-to-install seat (in all modes)
- A seat that has been more rigorously tested for safety
- A 5-point harness that is easier to buckle and unbuckle
- A lighter seat (for air travel)
- A Rapid Remove cover
- An extra cup holder
Do You Need More Help To Decide Between
Graco Grows4me and Graco Extend2fit 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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