Using this comparison review of the Graco Slimfit and the Graco Extend2fit car seats, see why I’d choose the Graco Slimfit. Read on.
Vs
| | Graco Slimfit | Graco Extend2fit |
| Rear-Facing Weight: | 5 to 40 pounds | 4 to 50 pounds |
| Rear-Facing Height: | the head must be at least 1" below the handle | Up to 45 inches |
| Forward-Facing Weight: | 22 to 65 pounds | |
| Forward-Facing Height Limit: | 27 to 49 inches | Up to 49 inches |
| Booster Weight: | 30 to 100 pounds | N/A |
| Booster Height Limit: | 38 to 57 inches | N/A |
The rear-facing weight capacity of the Graco Extend2fit is 10 pounds more than the Slimfit. It is highly advised that you keep your child seated rear-facing for as long as possible.
The Extend2fit complements the higher weight limit with its additional 5-inch legroom which can be used for taller children who are still below 50 pounds but needs more room height-wise.
The Graco Slimfit, on the other hand, competes by making the seat usable until your child no longer needs to be in a car seat. It can be used until booster mode while the Extend2fit stops being useful after the 49-inches/65 pounds limit is reached in the forward-facing mode.
| | Graco Slimfit | Graco Extend2fit |
| Width | 19.88 inches | 19.2 inches |
| Height | 25.5 inches | 22.1 inches |
| Depth/Length | 16.25 inches | 25.2 inches |
The Graco Extend2fit is a little “slimmer” by default. However, you can make the Slimfit lesser in width by rotating the cupholders inwards. It’ll be a few inches less if you do this.
| | Graco Slimfit | Graco Extend2fit |
| Do I need to use a pool noodle/rolled towel? | No | |
| Easy To Install Rear-Facing? | Yes | |
| Easy To Install Forward-Facing? | Yes | No |
| Easy To Uninstall? | Yes | |
It seems that the Graco Slimfit is easier to install in all modes, whether you use seat belt or LATCH.
10 Best Convertible Car Seats Of 2021
| | Graco Slimfit | Graco Extend2fit |
| Steel Frame: | Yes | |
| Five-Point Harness? | Yes | |
| Side Impact Tested: | Yes | |
| Approved For Airplane Use: | Yes | |
| Easy To Buckle And Unbuckle? | Yes | No |
There are few safety issues that the Graco Extend2fit seat seems to face.
First, some parents cannot get to tighten the seat harness enough to pass the pinch test. The seat harness buckles can also be stiff sometimes, making it hard to unbuckle.
The recline of the seat also seems to be a problem. Some parents are bothered finding their young children too slouched - making an immediate press of their heads to their chests.
| | Graco Slimfit | Graco Extend2fit |
| Is The Material Breathable? | Yes | No |
| Seat Weight: | 19.5 pounds | 18.5 inches |
| Machine Washable Cover? | Yes | |
| Roomy? | Yes | |
| No-Rethread Harness? | Yes | |
| Comes With An Infant Body Support? | Yes | Body Pads |
| Easy To Remove Cover? | Yes | No |
| Expiration | 10 Years | |
| Comes With A Cup Holder? | Yes | |
| Shoulder Harness Has Pads? | Yes | |
| Leg Straps Has Pads? | No | |
The Slimfit seems to be more padded and comfortable for long rides. The covers of the different colors are made of breathable fabrics. It is also easier to remove the cover of the Slimfit seat should you need to wash it.
As for the Graco Extend2fit, it is lighter in weight - something that is an advantage if you need to bring it with you for air travel.
*affiliate links
There is an approximately USD 30 price difference between the Graco Slimfit and the Graco Extend2fit. Slimfit is more expensive.
Let’s see why is that so.
- It’s an all-in-one seat which means you can use it until booster mode.
- It has a unique feature for its cup holders where you rotate them inwards to save some vehicle space.
- It is easier to install in all modes, whether by using the LATCH or vehicle seat belt.
- It is easier to use the seat harness buckles.
- The seat is more padded and comfortable for long rides.
- The cover of the seat is easier to remove if it needs to be washed.
Now let’s see what’s unique with the Extend2fit should you decide to go with it instead of the Slimfit.
- It has an extended rear-facing capacity. It is very important to keep your child seated in the rear-facing mode for as long as possible.
- There is an extendable footrest for the rear-seated passengers’ added comfort.
- It is lighter in weight.
Between the two, I’d go with the Graco Slimfit.*
Do You Need More Help Deciding Between
The Graco Slimfit Or Extend2fit?
Read My Graco Slimfit Review
See My Graco Extend2fit Review
What Do You Think?
I’d love to know your thoughts in the comments section below!
Cheers!
Pitin
Which one would you recommend for a truck or do you think it would really matter?
Hi Nicki,
By default, the Graco Extend2fit can eat up more space especially in the rear-facing mode because of the extendable footrest. If you have a generous space inside your vehicle, the Graco Extend2fit is okay. However, that’s only a deciding point if the rear-facing space is an issue.
Kind Regards,
Pitin
I love Graco extend2fit convertible. I believe it is not complicated to use the seat. With the highlighted safety issue, it is still very much recommended. Parents using this who are concerned about their children just need to master the functioning.
Thanks for leaving your thoughts Olonisakin. You have a point there. 🙂 Some parents can make the seat work as expected.
Regards,
Pitin
To me, the weight of the convertible car seat is irrelevant to any parent. The weight of the car seat will matter more for those seats that detach and allow you to move a sleeping baby into the house with a carrying element on the seat.This type of seat is rear facing for the duration of its usefulness in my experience.
For the seats compared here, my advice is to be guided by the weight of the child. For a heavier or taller child, you will appreciate the 10 extra pounds of capacity, however at a certain point after you can switch to the booster: the height of the child will be your guide. Boosters are very affordable these days. For new parents, a booster is a purchase that may be worth putting off a while as new models are always being designed and tested.
Thank you so much for your valuable inputs Casey! 🙂 I find it very helpful and I am sure that my readers will appreciate them as much as I do. 🙂
Regards,
Pitin