Graco makes a number of additional all-in-one seats, including the Graco SlimFit 3-in-1, the Graco SlimFit3 LX 3-in-1, and the Graco Milestone 3-in-1. We have not tested them because the other Graco models that we did test are more popular and widely available. However, the SlimFit3 LX 3-in-1 is only 16.7 inches wide and designed to fit three across in a back seat, which may be appealing to some families. From a value standpoint, it can be hard to justify spending over $500 on a car seat when there are great alternatives that cost about half as much—including our top pick, the Graco Extend2Fit Convertible.
Because the Liing lasts for nine years before it expires—two years more than our top-pick seat from Graco and three years more than the Chicco KeyFit 30 or KeyFit 35—it’s the most hand-me-down-worthy of our picks. It also has a three-year warranty, if you register it within 90 days of purchase, or a one-year warranty, if you don’t. The sun canopy on the Liing is made from a stretchy material that unzips to expand, providing more coverage than the sunshade on any other infant seat we tested. At the rear of the shade is a peek-a-boo flap that opens to a mesh window, so you can check on your baby through the canopy. Note that in 2021, Clek issued a recall on the Liing concerning a canopy stay that could be forcefully broken and introduce a choking hazard.
The car seat harness has to be coming from below the shoulders when rear-facing, and it’s unlikely a smaller baby will meet this requirement in this seat as the lowest harness height is about 7 inches high. Also, ensure the seat cover is machine-washable and easy to clean to avoid germs and infections. With premium safety features and a durable, lightweight body for easy carrying, these car seats will keep your child comfortable and protected. We hope our list of the best Graco car seats can help you in your search.
We were unable to find similar complaints online, but reviews of the Liing are fairly limited in number. Once our editor installed the new harness, she did not have any further issues with the crotch buckle; however she never heard from Clek if the first buckle was indeed faulty. Whether you’re installing the base with the LATCH system or the seat-belt method, color-change indicators let you know when the components have properly locked in (red means not locked; green indicates locked). Additionally, you’ll find a color-change indicator at the foot of the load leg; you lower the load leg with the tab labeled “Pull” until the indicator turns green.
The portable car seat is equipped with a silent shade canopy that you can adjust with a single hand. It features the InRight latch system that allows you to install the seat quickly, making it a trusted choice among parents. You can also easily customize graco turbobooster this dad- and mom-approved car seat for toddlers to fit your vehicle with its four-position adjustable base. The well-designed three-in-one toddler car seat can be used as a rear-facing harness, a forward-facing harness, and a high-back booster seat.
All of them have the same proprietary, innovative install system, and all of them are by far easier and quicker to install than any other convertible car seat we’ve come across. We found the Boulevard model to be the most appealing—it’s mid-range price-wise, and it has extra padding on the headrest. But all of the ClickTight seats are stylish and user-friendly, with a high-end feel. However, where the ClickTight line falls short in our book is that it’s not nearly as good graco car seat as the Graco Extend2Fit Convertible or Clek Foonf for extended rear-facing use, which experts agree is the safest way for toddlers and preschoolers to ride. This seat may only be installed with lower anchors for children weighing under 42 or 45 pounds, depending on when your 4Ever was manufactured. If your child weighs more than the lower anchor weight limit, it can always be installed with vehicle seat belt and top tether instead of the lower anchors and top tether.
It isn’t exactly easy for adults to climb into the car around the installed car seats, but because it isn’t a daily occurrence for our family, it rarely presents a challenge. For a long time, the 4EverExtend2Fit Platinum in backless booster mode was her very favorite car seat so I was eager to see what she thought of the 4Ever in backless booster mode. In backless booster mode, this seat is a bit taller than many backless booster seats so it worked well with the very high backed seats in my 2011 Mini Countryman. I also tried the 4Ever in backless booster mode for this kiddo in a 2009 Mazda 5 and found that the booster seat was so tall that it didn’t fit her well on those shorter vehicle seats. To install the seat forward facing with the vehicle seat belt for a child who weighs between 20 and 65 pounds, store the lower anchor connectors in the rear facing lower anchor connector storage spots and thread the vehicle seat belt through the belt path. Then, set the 4Ever on the vehicle seat with the harness facing the front of the vehicle.
Some infant seats—including three of our picks in this guide—come with an anti-rebound base or a load leg, added safety features that can improve the seat’s performance and stability in a crash. The tether is located on the top rear of convertible, combination, and all-in-one car seats. It’s adjustable and has a hook and strap that connects to one of your vehicle’s tether anchors. Most rear-facing car seats in the United States do not use a tether for installation. However, installations vary from model to model, so you must review your particular car seat’s instructions and your vehicle’s owner manual carefully. If you travel with your children often, you should consider choosing from our list of the best Graco car seats to ensure optimal security.