With so many options on the market, two options, in particular, have caught the attention of many parents: the Safety 1st Grow And Go And Triride 3 in 1.
Are they as good as people say they are? Or is there a better option out there? Let's find out.
Safety 1st Grow And Go | Graco Triride | |
Rear-Facing Weight: | 5 to 40 pounds | |
Rear-Facing Height Limit: | 19 to 40 inches | Head must be at least 1-inch below the handle |
Forward-Facing Weight: | 22 to 65 pounds | |
Forward-Facing Height Limit: | 29 to 49 inches | up to 49 inches |
High Back Booster Weight: | 40 to 100 lbs | |
High Back Booster Height Limit: | 43 to 52 inches | 43 to 57 inches |
The Safety 1st Grow And Go and Graco Triride have comparable weight and height limits, with only slight differences. However, the Graco Triride has a higher height limit for the high-back booster mode, making it a better option for taller children.
Safety 1st Grow And Go | Graco Triride | |
Width | 19 inches | |
Height | 24 inches | 23.5 inches |
Depth/Length | 23.75 inches | 20 inches |
The Graco Triride car seat height is slightly shorter than the Safety 1st Grow and Go, measuring 23.5 inches compared to the Grow and Go's height of 24 inches.
Additionally, the Triride is shorter in depth/length, measuring 20 inches, whereas the Grow and Go has a length of 23.75 inches.
It's worth noting that both car seats share the same width.
Safety 1st Grow And Go | Graco Triride | |
Do I need to use a pool noodle/rolled towel? | Yes, allowed according to manual | No |
Easy To Install Rear-Facing | Relatively | LATCH - Relatively Seatbelt - Yes |
Easy To Install Forward-Facing? | Relatively | Yes |
Easy To Uninstall? | Yes |
Both the Safety 1st Grow and Go and the Graco Triride 3 in 1 car seat have their own set of advantages and disadvantages regarding installation.
The Graco Triride, for instance, appears to be more straightforward to install for most parents, and it reclines easily without the need for pool noodles or rolled towels. Additionally, it features an easy-to-read level indicator that assists with installation. However, some parents have reported issues with the LATCH system (J-hook style), indicating that it doesn't function well with their car or that the seat moves excessively.
The Safety 1st Grow and Go also has a challenge with its LATCH system (similar to Triride's J-hook LATCH style), which makes it challenging to tighten the seat. Nonetheless, some parents have discovered a workaround by employing the car seat belt to secure the installation. Furthermore, Safety 1st Grow and Go lacks a ball or bubble level, making it difficult to level the seat precisely, which is a drawback.
Safety 1st Grow And Go | Graco Triride | |
Country Of Origin: | USA | China |
Steel-Reinforced Frame: | No | Yes |
Five-Point Harness? | Yes | |
Side Impact Tested: | Yes | |
Approved For Airplane Use: | Yes | |
Easy To Buckle And Unbuckle? | Yes |
While the Safety 1st Grow and Go is made in the USA, the Graco Triride is made in China. The Graco Triride has a steel-reinforced frame, which offers better protection in case of an accident, while the Safety 1st Grow and Go does not have this feature.
Both car seats have a five-point harness system and have been side-impact tested. However, the Graco Triride offers additional safety features like Graco ProtectPlus Engineered™ technology, EPS energy-absorbing foam, and rear-impact testing based on European standards. It has also been tested for rollover crashes using Graco's RollSafe™ testing standard.
Both car seats are approved for airplane use. However, if safety is the primary concern, the Graco Triride offers more advanced safety features and better protection in case of an accident.
The quality of the straps on the Safety 1st Grow and Go has been criticized as somewhat flimsy and prone to twisting. In contrast, the Graco Triride's no-rethread harness makes it easy to adjust the headrest to loosen and tighten the straps. However, some parents have found putting their baby in the Graco Triride seat challenging without setting the baby on the straps.
In contrast, Safety 1st Grow and Go harness holders ensure that the harness stays visible and within reach, eliminating the need to search for it underneath your child's bottom when securing it.
Easiest Convertible Car Seats To Install (2025)
Safety 1st Grow And Go | Graco Triride | |
Is The Material Breathable? | Yes | |
Seat Weight: | 15.4 pounds | 18.45 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 | |
Recline Positions | 3 | 6 |
In terms of breathability, both car seats have breathable materials. They are also both roomy, have no-rethread harnesses, and have easy-to-remove covers that are machine washable.
However, the Graco Triride is heavier than the Safety 1st Grow and Go, which may concern some parents. The Graco Triride also has more recline positions (6 vs 3).
Both come with two cup holders.
Regarding comfort, both car seats are padded and come with head cushions and strap covers. Some parents have complained that the pad on the Graco Triride seat slides around, exposing the hard plastic and mechanics behind it, which can be uncomfortable for the child. On the other hand, the Safety 1st Grow and Go seat is described as "extremely comfortable" by many parents.
There is an approximately USD30 price difference between the Safety 1st Grow And Go And Triride 3 in 1. The Triride is more expensive.
With the Graco Triride 3 in 1, you get
- a higher high back booster height limit
- a slightly more “compact” seat
- a seat that is relatively easier to install
- a steel-reinforced seat
- a seat that has been rigorously tested for safety
- more recline positions
With the Safety 1st Grow and Go, you get
- a seat that is made in the USA
- a lighter seat (for air travel)
- an incredibly comfortable seat
- harness holders to keep the harness in sight and easily accessible.
In comparing the Graco Triride 3-in-1 and the Safety 1st Grow and Go car seats, both options present distinct advantages suited to different user preferences and priorities.
If safety, durability, and long-term use are your primary concerns, the Graco Triride 3-in-1 offers excellent value with its reinforced construction and extended high back booster height limit. However, the Safety 1st Grow and Go might be better if you value comfort and portability.
Ultimately, I'd recommend the Graco Triride 3-in-1 for its comprehensive safety features, longevity, and ease of installation. While the Safety 1st Grow and Go offers some compelling advantages, the Graco model's reinforced structure and extended usability make it a solid investment in your child's safety and comfort for years.
Do You Need More Help To Decide Between
The Safety 1st Grow And Go And Triride 3 in 1?
What do you think?
I’d love to know your thoughts in the comments section below!
Cheers!
Pitin
Safety 1st Grow And Go Vs


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