Graco Contender 65 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 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

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.