Graco 4Ever DLX 4-in-1 vs. Grows4Me 4-in-1: Which is Better? (2024)

Hi there! We're here to help you decide between the Graco 4Ever DLX 4-in-1 and the Graco Grows4Me 4-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

Our Thoughts

The Graco 4Ever DLX 4-in-1 and Graco Grows4Me 4-in-1 are two excellent convertible car seats designed to seamlessly grow with your child, potentially the only seats you'll need from infancy through their growth years. Their ability to shift from rear-facing to forward-facing, and finally transforming into a high-back and backless booster, speaks of their amazing versatility. Unfortunately, neither of these car seats come without drawbacks that deserve careful consideration.

The 4Ever DLX 4-in-1 shines in safety ratings, with a steel-reinforced frame for added strength and protection. The rapid-remove cover, which comes off in 60 seconds without the need to uninstall the seat, adds convenience, especially when dealing with little messes. However, the design is considerably bulky, and it might be a challenge to fit into smaller cars. This high-end car seat also received complaints about the short harness not properly securing larger infants or toddlers, and the infant insert's head padding positioning causing discomfort because it forces the baby's chin down to the chest.

On the other hand, the Grows4Me 4-in-1 is a budget-friendly alternative with a robust steel-reinforced frame and an adjustable harness that simplifies fit adjustments as your child grows. However, its installation process lacks efficiency, and the absence of Graco's signature InRight Latch system can lead to frustrations. The seat doesn’t recline sufficiently for newborns or infants and may feel bulkier, especially for smaller cars or when there's a need to fit multiple seats.

When it comes to the weight limits, both the 4Ever DLX and Grows4Me offer similar specs for rear-facing and forward-facing modes. They comfortably accommodate children from 4 and 5 lbs respectively in the rear-facing mode and then transition smoothly up to a maximum weight of 65 lbs in forward-facing mode. However, the booster mode for the Grows4Me slightly stands out with a max weight of 110 lbs compared to the 4Ever DLX's 120 lbs limit. Both models are approved for travel in Forward and Rear-Facing configurations but are not suitable for High Back Booster and Backless Booster travel modes.

In terms of recommendation, if placing a high value on safety and are willing to maneuver around minor design flaws for the sake of remarkable convenience features, the Graco 4Ever DLX 4-in-1 could be a solid choice, prioritizing longevity and seamless transition through various stages of a child’s growth. However, if budget constraints are a significant factor and the minor weight limit difference and adjustability offer more appeal, then the Graco Grows4Me 4-in-1 might be the preferred option. Ideally, choosing a different car seat for infants and then transitioning to either of these seats as the child grows might overcome some of the challenges noted for smaller babies.