Step into the world of the Graco Extend2Fit 2 in 1 car seat, a choice that raises questions for parents. It offers the promise of extended rear-facing comfort and safety but also brings some puzzling aspects. This car seat excels in safety tests, ensuring a secure ride for your child.
Yet, there are some perplexities to unravel. The installation system has left some parents puzzled, and the 5-point harness can be tricky when facing forward. Even the seat's cover has some quirks.
So, is the Graco Extend2Fit 2 in 1 the right choice for your child's safety, or should you explore other options? The decision depends on your priorities and your tolerance for these puzzles.
Read on.
Rear-Facing Weight: | 4 to 50 pounds |
Rear-Facing Height Limit: | The head must be at least 1" below the handle |
Forward-Facing Weight: | 22 to 65 pounds |
Forward-Facing Height Limit: | up to 49 inches |
In the rear-facing mode, the Graco Extend2fit 2 in 1 car seat is suitable for children weighing between 4 to 50 pounds, and it has a specific height requirement: the child's head must be positioned at least 1 inch below the top of the car seat's headrest.
When it comes to forward-facing mode, the Graco Extend2Fit can accommodate children weighing between 22 to 65 pounds and can accommodate children up to 49 inches in height.
Width | 19.5 inches |
Height | 23.5 inches |
Depth/Length | 21.5 inches |
The Graco Extend2Fit 2 in 1 car seat measures 19.5 inches in width, 21.5 inches in height, and 23.5 inches in depth/length. It also features a 4-position adjustable extension panel that can provide up to 5 inches of additional legroom for your child when riding rear-facing.
The Graco Extend2Fit 2 in 1 offers the advantage of extended rear-facing seating, allowing your child to stay in this safer position for a longer period, which can enhance their safety and comfort as they grow. It's a practical choice for parents looking to provide their child with more legroom and rear-facing protection.
Do I need to use a pool noodle/rolled towel? | No |
Easy To Install Rear-Facing? | LATCH: Relatively Seatbelt: Yes |
Easy To Install Forward-Facing? | LATCH: Relatively Seatbelt: Yes |
Easy To Uninstall? | Yes |
The Graco Extend2fit 2 in 1 car seat receives mixed feedback regarding its LATCH installation system. On the positive side, many parents found it significantly easier to install compared to their previous infant seats, particularly praising the ease of pressing the release button.
However, there are some drawbacks mentioned as well. Some parents find it challenging to pull tight enough. While the majority of reviewers found the LATCH installation process straightforward, this point highlights a potential area for improvement in the design.
In contrast, installation via the seatbelt is considered easy.
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 |
When it come to safety features, the Graco Extend2fit 2 in 1 car seat has been rigorously tested in various crash scenarios, including frontal, side, rear, and rollover crashes, ensuring that it provides comprehensive protection. It meets or even exceeds the stringent criteria set by the US FMVSS 213 for frontal crash safety.
Additionally, it conforms to Graco's RollSafe™ testing standard, which is based on European rollover testing procedures. In essence, this car seat is designed to offer top-tier safety for your child in a wide range of potential accident scenarios.
On the other side, parents have provided feedback regarding the Graco Extend2Fit 2 in 1 car seat's 5-point harness tightening mechanism, and their experiences have been mixed. Many parents have encountered difficulties when attempting to secure the harness once their child is in the seat, making it a challenging task to achieve a snug and safe fit.
A common sentiment expressed by these parents is that it's nearly impossible to tighten the straps using just one hand. Even after a year of regular use, some parents continue to struggle with the harness adjustment, finding it hard to pull the straps tight.
Parents also note that tightening the chest straps becomes notably problematic when their child is in a forward-facing position. However, they have identified a workaround when the child is rear-facing.
This workaround involves pulling the excess slack from the back of the seat and then pulling the strap tight at the bottom to attain a secure fit. It's worth mentioning that this technique is effective for rear-facing installations, but parents have expressed concerns about a lack of a similarly efficient method when the child is forward-facing.
Easiest Convertible Car Seats To Install (2024)
Is The Material Breathable? | Relatively |
Seat Weight: | 19 pounds |
Machine Washable Cover? | Yes |
Roomy? | Yes |
No-Rethread Harness? | Yes |
Comes With An Infant Body Support? | Yes |
Easy To Remove Cover? | Relatvely |
Expiration | 10 years |
Comes With A Cup Holder? | 2 |
Shoulder Harness Has Pads? | Yes |
Headrest Positions: | 10 |
Recline Positions: | 6 |
The Extend2fit 2 in 1 car seat is comfy with its cushion and padding, but there's a problem with the labels on the cover – they can get really hot and might make you uncomfortable or even burn your skin.
Cleaning the seat cover is also a hassle because you have to take the whole seat out and remove the harness straps. Other car seats let you remove the cover more easily without messing with the straps.
People have complained about the cup holders too. They get in the way if your child likes to sit like a butterfly facing the rear, and while you can take them off, it doesn't look good, and it might not be safe too.
The Graco Extend2Fit 2 in 1 car seat offers a range of features and benefits, as well as some drawbacks that potential buyers should consider.
One of its standout features is the extended rear-facing seating, allowing for enhanced safety and comfort as your child grows. This is a significant advantage for parents looking to keep their child in the rear-facing position for an extended period.
The car seat has undergone rigorous safety testing and meets or exceeds several safety standards, providing comprehensive protection in various crash scenarios, including frontal, side, rear, and rollover crashes. It's designed to offer top-tier safety for your child, which is a crucial factor in any car seat.
However, there are some concerns to keep in mind. The LATCH installation system has received mixed feedback, with some parents finding it challenging to achieve a tight fit. While installation via the seatbelt is considered easy, this aspect of the LATCH system could be improved.
The 5-point harness tightening mechanism also presents issues for some parents, particularly when the child is in a forward-facing position. Many struggle to secure the harness properly, which can be a significant drawback in terms of safety and ease of use.
The car seat's cover labels getting hot and potentially causing discomfort or skin irritation is another concern, as is the difficulty in removing the cover for cleaning, which may not be as convenient as some other models.
The cup holders can be problematic for children who like to sit in certain positions, and their design might not be ideal for everyone.
Ultimately, whether the Graco Extend2Fit is the right choice for you depends on your specific needs and priorities. If extended rear-facing is a top priority and you are willing to work with some of the minor inconveniences mentioned, it could be a suitable option. However, if ease of use and a hassle-free harness-tightening mechanism are critical for you, you may want to explore other car seat models on the market. It's important to carefully consider your requirements and weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.
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What do you think?
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Cheers,
Pitin
Graco Extend2fit 2 in 1 Vs
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