Graco 4Ever DLX Grad 5-in-1 vs. Safety 1st Grow and Go All-in-One: Which is Better? (2024)

Hi there! We're here to help you decide between the Graco 4Ever DLX Grad 5-in-1 and the Safety 1st Grow and Go All-in-One.

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

As a fellow parent, I’ve spent a solid amount of time evaluating our options for car seats and have narrowed down my assessment to two noteworthy models: the Graco 4Ever DLX Grad 5-in-1 and the Safety 1st Grow and Go All-in-One.

The 4Ever DLX by Graco is a standout for its revolutionary 5-in-1 design, meaning this is the only seat you'll need to buy from infancy through grade school. This seat really packs a punch in safety, with steel-reinforced frames and side impact protection - features we as parents would surely appreciate. Additionally, the installation process is quick and less challenging, thanks to the SnugLock system. Not only this, but we'll also love that it has a washable cover that can be removed in under a minute - a godsend for those unexpected spills. The seat does have a few minor drawbacks, however, such as its considerable bulk, which might make it a tight fit in smaller vehicles, and there have been some complaints about the harness straps being too short for larger toddlers.

Enter the Safety 1st Grow and Go All-in-One. At a lower price point, this seat presents a great value for budget-conscious families. While it doesn't offer the seat belt trainer stage like the Graco seat, it comfortably covers the infant, convertible, and high back booster stages. In terms of size, it is lighter and more compact than the Graco which gives the front seat passengers more legroom, an absolute necessity in more compact cars. The QuickFit Harness for easy headrest and harness adjustment and machine washable seat pad make this car seat user-friendly. It does fall short in terms of installation, as some users have reported difficulties getting a secure fit.

In terms of weight limits, the Graco 4Ever DLX does support a higher maximum weight limit in the forward-facing mode (65 lbs) compared to the Safety 1st (40 lbs) which could mean extended usage for your growing child. Both car seats are FAA approved for both forward-facing and rear-facing configurations, ensuring that they're suitable for travel.

In terms of choosing between these two seats, it really comes down to what you value most. If your priorities are top-of-the-line features, higher weight limits, and the convenience of one-seat-fits-all through early grade school years, go for Graco's 4Ever DLX. However, if you're on a tighter budget, or you have a smaller vehicle, and you require an easy-to-clean, lightweight, yet reliable seat, the Safety 1st Grow and Go would be an excellent choice.