With so many options on the market, there are two options, in particular, that have caught the attention of many parents: the Safety 1st Grow And Go And Triride 3 in 1.
Are they really 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 stands out with 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 height of the Graco Triride car seat is slightly shorter than the Safety 1st Grow and Go, measuring at 23.5 inches compared to the Grow and Go's height of 24 inches.
Additionally, the Triride is shorter in depth/length with a measurement of 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 when it comes to 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 around 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, the 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 appears to offer 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 up and down to loosen and then tighten the harness straps. However, some parents have found it difficult to put their baby in the Graco Triride seat without setting the baby on the straps.
In contrast, the harness holders of Safety 1st Grow and Go ensure that the harness stays visible and within reach, eliminating the need to search for it underneath your child's bottom when securing them.
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:
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 easy to remove covers that are machine washable.
However, the Graco Triride is heavier than the Safety 1st Grow and Go, which may be a concern for some parents. The Graco Triride also has more recline positions (6 vs 3).
Both comes with two cup holders.
In terms of 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 extremely comfortable seat
- harness holders to keep the harness in sight and easily accessible.
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
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