Hi there! We're here to help you decide between the Graco Contender 65 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
Graco Contender 65 | Safety 1st Grow and Go All-in-One | |
Type |
Convertible Rear-Facing Forward-Facing |
Convertible Rear-Facing Forward-Facing High Back Booster |
Current price |
Currently unavailable
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Currently unavailable
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Rating | 4.77 | 4.61 |
Our Thoughts
Both the Graco Contender 65 and the Safety 1st Grow and Go All-in-One car seats are designed keeping practicality, safety, and budget in mind. They offer a remarkable balance of functionality and safety at a reasonable price and the ability to adjust with your child as they grow. However, there are some notable distinctions in their features and functionality that makes each one better suited to different needs.
The Graco Contender 65 is exceptionally appreciated for its robust safety features and ease of installation. Despite being slightly less compact, this model ensures efficient safety standards with its secure harness and impact-resistant design and is favored for its straightforward, user-friendly installation approach. It has also been noted for its versatile, growth-friendly nature which is suitable for children weighing between 5 and 65 pounds. However, the Graco Contender 65 does present some challenges in terms of cleaning, with users finding it difficult to remove and clean the seat cover. If easy cleanup ranks highly on your priority list, you might want to consider this aspect.
On the other hand, the Safety 1st Grow and Go All-in-One convertible car seat lives up to its name by offering a broad range of weight capacity and the flexibility to accommodate your child's growth over the years. This seat stands out with its 3-in-1 design allowing it to be used from infancy up to 100 pounds, making it a versatile, long-term investment. Additionally, the seat pad is both machine washable and dryer safe, making cleaning a breeze for busy parents. However, some users have reported difficulties with the installation process and problems with strap tangling.
Both seats meet federal, ASTM, and JPMA safety standards, and they both are approved for travel in rear and forward-facing modes. However, Graco Contender 65 offers a higher weight limit for the forward-facing position at 65 pounds as compared to Safety 1st’s 40 pounds limit. This means your child can stay in the safer rear-facing position longer in the Graco Contender 65, which is a significant advantage.
I would recommend the Graco Contender 65 if safety, ease of installation, and a higher weight limit in the forward-facing mode are your top priorities. It ensures robust safety standards, and its significant weight capacity for the forward-facing mode can accommodate your child's growth for a longer time. However, if versatility, long-term usability, and ease of cleaning are your top concerns, then the Safety 1st Grow and Go All-in-One will be a more suitable choice, with its wider range of use from infancy through booster seat years and its easy-to-clean design. The decision will ultimately depend on what particular features and functions align best with your family's needs and lifestyle.
Key Details
Contender 65 | Grow and Go All-in-One | |
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Brand | Graco | Safety 1st |
Type |
Convertible Rear-Facing Forward-Facing |
Convertible Rear-Facing Forward-Facing High Back Booster |
Weighted Rating | 4.77 | 4.61 |
1 yr Price Range | $118.99 - $249.99 | $159.99 - $179.99 |
Current price |
Currently unavailable
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Currently unavailable
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Value |
![]() Provides excellent features at an affordable price, making it a cost-effective choice for families. |
![]() The Grow and Go offers extended utility across multiple growth stages at a competitive price, making it a smart purchase for budget-conscious families. |
Safety |
![]() Ensures robust safety standards with its secure harness and impact-resistant design. |
![]() It meets all safety standards, although some users report challenges with installation and strap tangling. |
Features |
![]() Offers essential features like adjustable harness and recline, though lacks some advanced options. |
![]() While it includes essential features like the QuickFit Harness, it may lack some of the premium features found in higher-end seats. |
Installation |
![]() Users find it relatively easy to install, with straightforward instructions and practical design. |
![]() Reports indicate that the car seat installation can be tricky, requiring more effort to ensure a secure fit. |
Cleaning |
![]() Some users noted challenges with removing and cleaning the seat cover. |
![]() The seat pad is both machine washable and dryer safe, which is highly convenient for busy parents. |
Size |
![]() Its size is manageable, but not the most compact option available. |
![]() Its rear-facing mode offers more leg room for front seat passengers, a bonus in smaller vehicles. |
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 Graco Contender 65 and the Safety 1st Grow and Go All-in-One. 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
Graco Contender 65 | Safety 1st Grow and Go All-in-One | |
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Height Range | 0 - 49 inches | 19 - 40 inches |
Weight Range | 5 - 40 pounds | 5 - 40 pounds |
Forward-facing
Graco Contender 65 | Safety 1st Grow and Go All-in-One | |
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Height Range | 0 - 49 inches | 29 - 49 inches |
Weight Range | 22 - 65 pounds | 22 - 65 pounds |
Booster
Graco Contender 65 | Safety 1st Grow and Go All-in-One | |
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Height Range | 43 - 52 inches | |
Weight Range | 40 - 100 pounds |
Dimensions and Weight
Graco Contender 65 | Safety 1st Grow and Go All-in-One | |
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Width | 20.3 inches | 19.3 inches |
Height | 24.8 inches | 24.2 inches |
Depth | 17.3 inches | 24.5 inches |
Weight | 15.2 pounds | 18.7 pounds |
Core Specifications
Graco Contender 65 | Safety 1st Grow and Go All-in-One | |
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Model Year | 2021 | 2022 |
Made In | China | USA |
Frame Material | Plastic | Reinforced Steel |
Safety and Compliance
Graco Contender 65 | Safety 1st Grow and Go All-in-One | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Federal Safety Standards | Meets all standards | Meets all standards | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Configurations FAA-Approved for Airplanes |
Forward-Facing Rear-Facing |
Forward-Facing Rear-Facing High Back Booster |
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NHTSA Ease-of-Use Ratings |
Rear-Facing Mode
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Rear-Facing Mode
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Previous Recalls | This car seat has never been recalled. | This car seat has never been recalled. |
Features
Graco Contender 65 | Safety 1st Grow and Go All-in-One | |
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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
Graco Contender 65 | Safety 1st Grow and Go All-in-One | |
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Manufacturers Warranty Length | 1 year | 1 year |
Lifespan | 7 Years | 10 Years |
Additional Links
See all Graco car seats | See all Safety 1st car seats |
Full review of the Graco Contender 65 Full review of the Safety 1st Grow and Go All-in-One |