Hi there! We're here to help you decide between the Diono Radian 3R and the Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1.
Our goal is to provide you with the information you need to feel confident that you're choosing the optimal car seat for your family's needs and budget. Let us know if you have any other questions!
At A Glance
Diono Radian 3R | Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1 | |
Type |
Convertible Rear-Facing Forward-Facing High Back Booster |
Convertible Forward-Facing High Back Booster |
Current price |
Currently unavailable
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Currently unavailable
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Rating | 4.70 | 4.70 |
Our Thoughts
As parents, choosing the appropriate car seat for our little ones demands careful consideration for safety, comfort, and longevity. Now, we're focusing on the Diono Radian 3R Convertible Seat and the Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1 Convertible Seat, two popular choices among parents for their all-round performance.
Starting with the Diono Radian 3R, it shines through in the convertible car seat world with its robust profile and versatility. It's a three-in-one model with potential seating positions including rear-facing, forward-facing, and high-back booster. One standout feature is its slim design, allowing three of these seats to fit across in most vehicle models - a remarkable feature for families with more multiple children. This car seat has a robust steel frame, known for enhanced safety. It also has memory foam padding adding comfort for your child. However, it's important to note some users have reported difficulty in installing the car seat in small vehicles, and maintaining the seat cover could pose challenges as it can be difficult to remove and clean.
On the other hand, we have the Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1 which offers your child's much-needed comfort right from the harness stage through booster mode. This seat's capacity to cater to a weight range from 30 pounds (in the forward-facing mode) to 120 pounds (in the booster mode) lends it its longevity. Unlike the Radian 3R, the Grand 2-in-1 may lack some premium features like plush padding, but it certainly wins in terms of ease of cleaning - the seat pad is not only removable but also machine washable and dryer safe. However, the lower budget also means this car seat doesn't include a reinforced steel frame.
For both car seats, the FAA has approved their respective forward-facing modes for travel. The Diono Radian 3R also has FAA approval for rear facing configuration, giving it an edge for those who travel frequently with their little ones.
It boils down to your specific requirements and budget. If you have a larger budget and prioritize a sturdy structure, multiple seating positions and versatility, Diono Radian 3R would be an excellent choice. However, if you're on a tighter budget and need a no-fuss long-term car seat that is easy to clean and install, the Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1 could be your preferred choice.
Key Details
Radian 3R | Grand 2-in-1 | |
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Brand | Diono | Safety 1st |
Type |
Convertible Rear-Facing Forward-Facing High Back Booster |
Convertible Forward-Facing High Back Booster |
Weighted Rating | 4.70 | 4.70 |
1 yr Price Range | $155.39 - $199.98 | $74.99 - $79.99 |
Current price |
Currently unavailable
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Currently unavailable
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Value |
![]() Offers a long lifespan and versatile seating options, making it a cost-effective choice over time. |
![]() The price point combined with its dual functionality as a harness and booster seat offers substantial savings over time. |
Safety |
![]() Features a steel frame for enhanced safety and reliability, scoring high in safety ratings. |
![]() It meets standard safety requirements, but lacks advanced features like a steel-reinforced frame. |
Features |
![]() Despite its minimalist design, it includes essential features like memory foam padding and a foldable design for travel (converts into a backpack!) |
![]() While it covers the essentials, it may not include comfort extras found in higher-end seats. |
Installation |
![]() Installation experiences vary; some find it straightforward, while others face challenges, especially in smaller vehicles. |
![]() Installation is straightforward with LATCH or seatbelt, but achieving a tight fit requires attention to detail. |
Cleaning |
![]() The seat cover is removable for cleaning, but some users report challenges in maintenance and durability. |
![]() The seat pad is machine washable and dryer safe, and the cup holders are dishwasher-safe, simplifying maintenance. |
Size |
![]() Its slim profile is a standout feature, allowing for three-across seating in most cars. |
![]() The design is space-efficient, ideal for fitting multiple car seats in the back of a car. |
Review | Click here | Click here |
Comparison of Specifications
While features and reviews provide a sense of real-world use, the specs offer quantifiable details on sizing, limitations, and more. Comparing key measurements and ranges side-by-side is crucial for ensuring you choose a seat properly fitted for your child and vehicle.
We've compiled the weight limits, height limits, dimensions, and other vital statistics for the Diono Radian 3R and the Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1. This data will confirm whether each seat can accommodate your child's current size and projected growth. Specs like seat depth and width are also important for assessing fit with your car's backseat.
Review the following key measurements for both seats. Pay special attention to the height and weight limits to ensure your child falls within the safe ranges.
Height and Weight Limits
Rear-facing
Diono Radian 3R | Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1 | |
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Height Range | 0 - 44 inches | |
Weight Range | 5 - 40 pounds |
Forward-facing
Diono Radian 3R | Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1 | |
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Height Range | 0 - 57 inches | 32 - 49 inches |
Weight Range | 20 - 65 pounds | 30 - 65 pounds |
Booster
Diono Radian 3R | Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1 | |
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Height Range | 0 - 57 inches | 43 - 57 inches |
Weight Range | 50 - 100 pounds | 40 - 120 pounds |
Dimensions and Weight
Diono Radian 3R | Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1 | |
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Width | 17.0 inches | 19.6 inches |
Height | 28.5 inches | 30.2 inches |
Depth | 16.0 inches | 18.3 inches |
Weight | 25.9 pounds | 12.2 pounds |
Core Specifications
Diono Radian 3R | Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1 | |
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Model Year | 2018 | 2021 |
Made In | China | USA |
Frame Material | Reinforced Steel | Unknown |
Safety and Compliance
Diono Radian 3R | Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Federal Safety Standards | Meets all standards | Meets all standards | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Configurations FAA-Approved for Airplanes |
Forward-Facing Rear-Facing High Back Booster Backless Booster |
Forward-Facing High Back Booster |
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NHTSA Ease-of-Use Ratings |
Rear-Facing Mode
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Forward-Facing Mode
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Previous Recalls | This car seat has never been recalled. | This car seat has never been recalled. |
Features
Diono Radian 3R | Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1 | |
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Attachment Methods |
LATCH Seatbelt |
LATCH Seatbelt |
Harness Type | 5-Point | 5-Point |
Cup Holders | Has cup holders. | Has cup holders. |
Warranty and Durability
Diono Radian 3R | Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1 | |
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Manufacturers Warranty Length | 1 year | 1 year |
Lifespan | 10 Years | 10 Years |
Additional Links
See all Diono car seats | See all Safety 1st car seats |
Full review of the Diono Radian 3R Full review of the Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1 |