12 Best Graco Car Seats Worth the Money (2024)

I want to keep my children safe in the car without sacrificing their comfort. There is nothing worse than hearing my children cry because they hate being strapped into their car seats.

Graco car seats offer top-tier security while ensuring they are comfortable and happy.

The best Graco car seat options come with gentle fabric, side impact protection, and are easy to install.

Our Favorites

best graco newborn seat

Best for Infants
Graco Snugfit 35

graco convertible seat

Best Convertible
Graco Turn2Me

best graco booster seat

Best High-Back Booster
Graco Nautilus 65

Best Graco Car Seat

1. Graco SnugRide SnugFit 35 Elite Infant Car Seat

This Graco newborn car seat has been designed to comfortably see your newborn through until 35lbs.

Designed with additional cushioning and head support, the Graco car seat gives the child full support and comfort. Whilst still ensuring their safety.

Importantly this car seat comes with the base included. Ideal for making it quick and easy to maneuver your little one in and out of the car.

The biggest improvement from the previous model for this Graco baby car seat is that the bases are now compatible with all Graco seats. Unlike the previous model that only worked with specific carriers.

The only disadvantage is that the button to loosen the straps isn’t the easiest to locate under the fabric.

What We Liked

  • Car seat base is included with the car seat. 
  • Large extendable hood to keep your little one protected from the sun. 
  • Base can be secured with a seatbelt or inbuilt latch system. 
  • Easy to remove seat covers that are machine washable.
  • Best Graco infant car seat is compatible with a variety of strollers.

What Can Be Improved

  • The strap loosening button is hidden under the fabric and can be difficult to locate. 
  • Depending on the ‘upgrade options’ the material can be a little stiff. 
  • Doesn’t include one hand adjustable handle setup.

Type: Rear-Facing
Base: SnugLock
Seat Weight: 7.5 lbs (3.4 kg)
Dimensions: ‎29 x 17.5 x 25.5 inches
Safety Rating: US FMVSS 213
Expiration Date: 7 years from the manufacturing date
Child Height: Up to 32 in (81 cm)
Child Weight: 4-35 lbs (1.8-15.9 kg)

2. Graco Turn2Me 3-in-1 Rotating Car Seat

What makes the Turn2Me 3-in-1 the best Graco rotating car seat is the rotating feature.

Suitable from birth, it makes it easy to twist and place your baby in and out of the car seat. Without twisting to place them in it saves injuring your back. 

As the best Graco all-in-one car seat, it can grow with your little one. Saving you the need and cost of buying new seats every few years. 

The biggest improvement from the prior model is how it has been adapted to accommodate larger children. 

The only disadvantage of this car seat is its size and weight. It can make it difficult to move between vehicles if and when needed.

What We Liked

  • The rotation feature makes it easier to place the baby in the seat. 
  • Compatible with both the cars’ built-in seat belt or LATCH.
  • No need to rethread the harness to adjust the sizing. 
  • 10 headrest positions to ensure maximum safety as your child grows. 
  • Extended rear-facing option up to 40lb baby weight.

What Can Be Improved

  • The car seat is heavy when lifting into your vehicle.
  • The rotation feature can only be used in the rear-facing position. 
  • It can be difficult to keep the seat clean.

Type: Rear-Facing + Forward-Facing
Base: Built-in base.
Seat Weight: 30 lbs (13.6 kg)
Dimensions: 20.75 x 19.13 x 24.4 inches
Safety Rating: US FMVSS 213
Expiration Date: 10 years from the manufacturing date
Child Height: unknown
Child Weight: 4-100 lbs (1.8-45.3 kg)

3. Graco Nautilus 65 3-in-1 Harness Booster Car Seat

Specifically designed as one of the front-facing Graco models. This seat is designed for toddlers through to children up to 100lbs. As either a backless or high-back booster. 

Importantly this seat offers a variety of positions to keep your little one comfortable in your vehicle. With the added bonus of being able to change the harness in one motion without needing to re-thread it. 

With the added improvement of the armrest storage from previous models, this seat is practical. Ideal for aiding in keeping your car tidy and kids entertained whilst traveling. 

The only disadvantage is that it doesn’t support rear-facing travel.

What We Liked

  • The covers can be removed for machine washing. 
  • Can be used with the Latch system and seat belt. 
  • You can adjust the headrest with ease and this can be done one-handed.  
  • The seat can be reclined to 3 different positions to keep your little one comfortable. 
  • Includes a cup holder and storage compartment within the armrest.

What Can Be Improved

  • The crotch buckle strap is short and it can be tight around the legs. 
  • The car seat only includes one cup holder, unlike other models. 
  • It is relatively large and may be problematic if you have multiple kids.

Type: Forward-Facing
Base: Latch
Seat Weight: 20.5lbs (9.2 kg)
Dimensions: ‎18 x 20 x 28 inches
Expiration Date: 10 years from the manufacturing date
Child Height: Up to 57 in (144.7cm)
Child Weight: 19.8-99 lbs (9-45 kg)

4. Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 Elite Infant Car Seat

Perfect for newborns up to around 2 years of age (depending on height and weight). The Graco baby safety seat comes with 4 different positions, keeping your little one comfortable as they grow.

With a generous-sized rotating canopy, this Graco rear-facing car seat provides excellent protection from the sun.

Also, the large canopy makes it perfect for letting your baby continue to get those essential snoozes whilst being moved from the car to home.

The Simply Safe Adjust Harness System is the best upgrade from the past car seat version. Easy to change there is no longer a need to rethread the harness.

The only con is that you do need both hands to adjust and maneuver the hood.

What We Liked

  • Built-in a canopy to protect your baby from the sun. 
  • The cover is removable and easy to keep clean. 
  • It is easy to adjust the harness to ensure the fit is correct and comfortable. 
  • Four reclining positions to keep your little one comfortable. 
  • Newborn cushions can be easily removed to support your growing baby.

What Can Be Improved

  • You need both hands to adjust and position the canopy. 
  • The car seat is heavier than others on the market. 
  • It can be difficult to pull the harness tight and secure your baby.

Type: Rear-Facing
Base: Graco SnugLock
Seat Weight: 18.8 lbs (8.5kg)
Dimensions: 29.09 x 18.31 x 16.22 inches
Safety Rating: US FMVSS 213
Expiration Date: 7 years from the manufacturing date
Child Height: Up to 32 in (81 cm)
Child Weight: 4-35 lbs (1.8-15.8kg)

Also, check out the best Nuna car seats that, while super comfy, still provide the maximum security for your LO.

5. Graco 4Ever All-in-One DLX 4 in 1 Car Seat

This top-rated Graco car seat is perfect for seeing your little one through from being a newborn to the Graco booster. Importantly this seat covers your child as they continue to grow.

Being easily converted to this best Graco convertible car seat saves you the hassle and cost of buying new seats every few years. 

The rapid removal of covers is the best upgrade since the earlier model. With the ability to remove the cover in 60 seconds, washing the car seat is now quick and simple. 

The only improvement that could be made to this car seat is for the car seat to be lighter, allowing it to be installed easier.

What We Liked

  • The seat is suitable for any age and weight option.
  • Easily adapted to booster and high back booster as your child grows. 
  • Range of positions to ensure your little one remains comfortable in the car. 
  • Easy to remove the covers and for the car seat to be kept clean. 
  • Soft material to keep your little one comfortable.

What Can Be Improved

  • The car seat is heavy and this can make installation tricky. 
  • The seat doesn’t rotate, so it can be difficult to place the baby when rear-facing. 
  • Having more variety of colors would be desirable.

Type: Rear-Facing + Forward-Facing
Base: Built-in base.
Seat Weight: 22.2 lbs (10.3 kg)
Dimensions: ‎20 x 21.5 x 24 inches
Safety Rating: US FMVSS 213
Expiration Date: 10 years from the manufacturing date
Child Height: 57 inches (144.7cm)
Child Weight: 4-120 lbs (1.8-54.4 kg)

6. Graco 4Ever All-in-One Extend2Fit 4 in 1 Car Seat

Designed to see your little one through from birth to booster. The seat can be easily changed to support your growing child and becomes the best Graco toddler seat. 

With the additional 5 inches offered in the rear-facing position, you can take advantage of the extended rear-facing option. Keeping your precious ones safer for longer whilst maintaining their comfort. 

The most recent change since the last version is the added ease of securing the seat when fitting. The Ez tightening makes it easy to secure now and the added peace of mind knowing it is fitted correctly. 

A small disadvantage to this seat is that the crotch buckle is short and it can make it uncomfortable against chunky thighs.

What We Liked

  • Added depth making extended rear facing more comfortable as your child grows. 
  • The ability to adjust the seat as your child grows. 
  • Built-in cup holders to allow snacks and juice to be placed. 
  • Removable covers to keep the car seat clean. 
  • Option to use latch or seatbelt to secure the car seat in your vehicle.

What Can Be Improved

  • The crotch buckle could be more easily extendable to make a more comfortable fit. 
  • When using the Graco highback booster seat it may impact your rear window view. 
  • The cup holders are narrow and may impact the juice containers that you can use.

Type: Rear-Facing + Forward-Facing
Base: Built-in LATCH system
Seat Weight: 24 lbs (10.9 kg)
Dimensions: ‎21 x 19 x 23 inches
Safety Rating: US FMVSS 213
Expiration Date: 10 years from the manufacturing date
Child Height: 57 inches (144.7cm)
Child Weight: 4-120 lbs (1.8-54.4 kg)

7. Graco All-in-One TriRide 3 in 1 Car Seat

Suitable for little ones, safe and comfortable from baby to a big kid.

One of the favorite features making this best Graco seat a go-to choice for parents is the ease of adjusting the harness.

When compared to the previous version, the no-rethread harness adjustment makes this seat easy to change to get the perfect fit. 

Another important feature included within these Graco seats is the level indicator. The inclusion of this visual made takes away the guesswork and provides the confidence of knowing the seat is fitted correctly. 

The only con is that when rear-facing, it can be difficult to change the position of the seat due to where it is located.

What We Liked

  • You don’t have to re-thread the harness to adjust the strap heights. 
  • The covers are machine washable.
  • It supports newborns to children needing a high-back booster seat.
  • 6 recline positions to ensure the perfect fit and your child being comfortable. 
  • Compatible to fit in the majority of vehicles with ease.

What Can Be Improved

  • It can be difficult to press the button to release the straps when rear-facing. 
  • Due to its size, it can be trickier to remove and change between vehicles. 
  • Made from polyester, it isn’t overly breathable.

Type: Rear-Facing + Forward-Facing
Base: LATCH base
Seat Weight: 21lbs (9.5 kg)
Dimensions: 20 x 19 x 23.25 inches
Safety Rating: US FMVSS 213
Expiration Date: 10 years from the manufacturing date
Child Height: Up to 57 in (144.7 cm)
Child Weight: 5-100 lbs (2.3-45.3 kg)

8. Graco SlimFit3 All-in-One LX 3 in 1 Car Seat

The Graco slimfit is the ideal car seat that provides car safety without taking a large amount of space in your vehicle. Ideal for those parents with multiple children or smaller cars. 

Being compatible to allow 3 seats to be placed together in the same car this slim line car seat provides safety whilst being adaptable to support older children. With the ability to be adjusted from a newborn setting to a Graco front-facing car seat, it can grow with your little one. 

Now including breathable mesh panels, this car seat has been updated from previous models to keep your child cool. 

The only con is that the sticker in the middle of the seat can get hot on warm days, making your little warm heat up quickly.

What We Liked

  • Slim design means you can fit 3 car seats along the bar of the car. 
  • Mesh breathable panels to keep your little one call. 
  • Rapid removal covers to make cleaning your seat easy. 
  • You don’t need to rethread the harness when adjusting the seat. 
  • The same seat can be converted from newborn to high back booster.

What Can Be Improved

  • It can be difficult to use the LATCH system when front facing. 
  • With only 4 recline positions, you are limited to the position of the seat. 
  • The base is built in and the seat is not detachable from it.

Type: Rear-Facing + Forward-Facing
Base: Built-in LATCH base
Seat Weight: 19.47 lbs (8.8 kg)
Dimensions: ‎21.5 x 19.9 x 25.5 inches
Safety Rating: US FMVSS 213
Expiration Date: 10 years from the manufacturing date
Child Height: Up to 57 in (144.7 cm)
Child Weight: 5-100 lbs (2.3- 45.3kg)

9. Graco Grows4Me 4 in 1 Convertible Car Seat

Designed to be a car seat that can see your child through from birth until they are able to go in your vehicle without a car seat being needed. Specifically, being able to be adapted to your child’s needs, this car seat saves you financially. 

With 6 recline positions, it ensures that newborns are not only safe but comfortable and fully supported. The built-in latch system allows this seat to be firmly attached whilst being quick and easy to get in place. 

Now offering 10 different headrest positions, this new model offers higher Graco safety ratings. 

The only con is that newborn head support is not included and some parents may opt to purchase this separately.

What We Liked

  • 6 recline positions provided, especially good when using for a newborn. 
  • Offers 10 headrest positions to provide enhanced head and neck support.
  • The same seat can be used from newborn until no boosters are needed. 
  • The harness can be adjusted one-handed without the need to rethread. 
  • It is easy to remove and refit the covers after each wash.

What Can Be Improved

  • No additional infant head support or padding is included. 
  • When rear-facing as the seat doesn’t rotate it can be hard to secure the baby. 
  • No additional padding around the crotch to make the seat more comfortable.

Type: Rear-Facing + Forward-Facing
Base: Latch base
Seat Weight: 22.5lbs (10.2 kg)
Dimensions: ‎20 x 21.5 x 24 inches
Safety Rating: US FMVSS 213
Expiration Date: 10 years from the manufacturing date
Child Height: 57 inches (144.7cm)
Child Weight: 5-110 lbs (2.3-49.8 kg)

10. Graco 4Ever DLX SnugLock Grow 4-in-1 Car Seat

Designed to be compatible with both a seat belt and the built-in latch system, this car seat is extremely easy to install. 

With the backrest widening as the headrest gets moved up into a Graco toddler car seat.

The seat ensures that your child won’t be squished as they grow into a larger child. Providing them with maximum comfort and the correct fit as they develop. 

From the previous model, this car seat has been improved to incorporate the no-rethread technology. Making it even easier now to adjust the harness with the headrest in one motion. 

A disadvantage is that the seat is quite heavy, making it awkward to move between different vehicles if needed.

What We Liked

  • Snuglock technology makes it easy to install in the majority of vehicles. 
  • Highly padded, making it safe and comfortable for younger babies. 
  • The back widens to support your child’s comfort as they grow. 
  • It is economical as the seat adjusts to the different stages. 
  • The fabric is soft and gentle against your child’s skin.

What Can Be Improved

  • Due to its weight, it can be bulky to move between vehicles. 
  • It doesn’t have a range of colors or patterns to choose from. 
  • Due to its size, you are unlikely to get more than 2 on the rear seats of your car.

Type: Rear-Facing + Forward-Facing
Base: LATCH base
Seat Weight: 25 lbs (11.3 kg)
Dimensions: ‎20.25 x 20 x 26 inches
Safety Rating: US FMVSS 213
Expiration Date: 10 years from the manufacturing date
Child Height: 57 inches (144.7cm)
Child Weight: 4-120 lbs (1.8-54.4 kg)

11. Graco Tranzitions 3 in 1 Harness Booster Seat

Designed to be lightweight and portable. The Tranzitions 3 in 1 is one of the best Graco booster seats due to its lightweight nature. It can easily be switched between vehicles and is great when out and about. 

When used in the harness setting, this seat is also FFA approved for use on planes. Ideal for travel and easily be moved into other vehicles once landed. 

From previous models, this seat has been improved to be compatible with both the seat belt or the use of the built-in latch system. 

A disadvantage of this seat is that the bottom buckle is difficult to adjust and may pinch little thighs.

What We Liked

  • It is extremely lightweight, making it nice and portable. 
  • Compatible to be used with the latch system or your seat belt. 
  • The material is soft and keeps little ones comfortable. 
  • It is easy to transition from the harness seat to booster. 
  • Added removable cushioning included to make the seat comfortable.

What Can Be Improved

  • The button to loosen the straps can be difficult to locate. 
  • Having a short bottom buckle may cause pinching to legs. 
  • The cup holders are very low down, making it difficult for toddlers to reach.

Type: Forward-Facing)
Base: Latch
Seat Weight: 1 lbs (0.4 kg)
Dimensions: ‎19 x 17.4 x 26.5 inches
Expiration Date: 7 years from the manufacturing date
Child Height: Up to 57 in (144.7cm)
Child Weight: 22-100 lbs (9.9-45.3 kg)

12. Graco TurboBooster LX Backless Booster

Specifically designed to boost your child’s independence and transition then from car seat to seat belt. With the use of the latch system, it makes it easier for your child to learn to self-buckle and secure themselves in the vehicle. 

With the built-in cup holder and integrated storage, the seat is great as ensuring your child has everything they need to hand. Meaning that you can focus on driving and not having to split your attention. 

Now using the deluxe seat cover, this Graco brand booster is now more comfortable than ever. 

The only disadvantage is that to use the latch, you need to press the button to release the hooks. This isn’t overly clear on the instructions.

What We Liked

  • Armrest heights are adjustable depending on the size of your child. 
  • The snack compartment can be withdrawn into the seat when not needed. 
  • Includes shoulder belt positions to keep the seat belt away from little necks. 
  • The covers are wipeable and machine washable. 
  • Include a latch feature so the booster can be secured within your vehicle.

What Can Be Improved

  • The cupholders, once secured to the booster seat, are not removable.
  • It is a heavier booster seat than others available. 
  • The material can get snagged easily from the velcro on shoes.

Type: Forward-Facing
Base: Latch
Seat Weight: 5.56 lbs (2.5 kg)
Dimensions: ‎15.5 x 17.5 x 8.64 inches
Expiration Date: 7 years from the manufacturing date
Child Height: Up to 57 in (144.7 cm)
Child Weight: 40-100lbs (18.1-45.3 kg)

Types of Graco Car Seats 

There are 4 types that make up the safest Graco car seat range. These consist of infant, convertible, all-in-one, and booster seats. 

The most popular ones are the all-infant and all-in-one seats. 

Graco Infant Car Seats

Specifically designed for infant babies, such as the SnugRide SnugFit and the SnugRide SnugLock. They are designed to be detachable from their base and provide the ease of transporting your little one from car to home with ease. 

Being removable, they usually are compatible with certain stroller systems and can be attached to the pushchair chassis. 

Graco Convertible Car Seats 

Suitable to provide safe travel for children up to 65lbs. Suitable to support from newborn to moving to a booster seat, they provide an economical solution. Saving the need for multiple seats to be purchased. 

Compatible with both rear and front-facing, these seats recline and grow with your little one. Models include the Extend to Fit and Size4Me. 

Graco All-in-One Car Seats 

Designed to accommodate children from birth until high-back booster. These seats are easily adapted to support safe travel in both rear and front-facing positions. 

Including the Turn2Me, Extend2Fit, and TriGrow. 

Through the use of the Latch base and the ability to be rear and front-facing and easily adapted, they grow with your little one. 

Graco Booster Car Seats

Available with or without backs, booster seats are there to support transitioning your child from car seat harnesses to a seat belt. 

Boosting them up in the seat, they provide the height to keep the seat belt from rubbing against their neck and to enhance their car safety. 

The TurboBooster LX comes with the unique technology of the Latch adaptors, securing the booster to your vehicle. 

The Graco Brand

Although founded in 1942, Graco entered the baby market in 1955. When a father of 9 created products to make their parenting journey easier. 

With making parenting easier in mind, the brand expanded and now engineers and sells all types of baby products. Including prams, car seats including the best slim Graco car seat, high chairs, baby jumpers and swings, and a variety of other accessories. 

With superior Graco car seat ratings and trust being built in all products, this US company is now a global household name.

With the majority of products manufactured in the USA, there are some elements that are sourced from further afield, including China. 

laurel

Laurel Davidson

Laurel brings her passion for parenting and years of problem-solving experiences to ParentingMode. She is the editor of ParentingMode, ensuring that the content is relevant and valuable to the readers. Laurel received her master’s degree in public administration with a certificate in economic development. She is a stay-at-home mom, raising two adorable kiddos, Aurora and Thomas. Laurel enjoys sharing her experience as a parent, traveling, and good food.

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