Graco Extend2Fit vs. UPPAbaby Alta: Which is Better? (2024)

Hi there! We're here to help you decide between the Graco Extend2Fit and the UPPAbaby Alta.

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 parent, the safety and comfort of our children are always paramount, particularly when it comes to car seats. Today, let's take a detailed look at two different car seats, the Graco Extend2Fit 3-in-1, and the UPPAbaby Alta.

The Graco Extend2Fit 3-in-1 is designed to grow with your child, transitioning easily from a rear-facing harness suitable for infants from 4-50lbs, to a forward-facing configuration for 22-65lbs children, and eventually to a highback booster mode for those weighing between 40-100lbs. This flexibility offers fantastic value for parents. Its standout feature is the adjustable extension panel that offers up to 5" of additional legroom, allowing your child to stay in the rear-facing position for longer - a crucial safety feature as per expert recommendations. Safety-wise, it has a reinforced steel frame and high rear-facing weight limits that exceed typical safety standards. However, a few parents have reported difficulties in tightening the harness and removing the cover for cleaning. The seat cover is described as challenging to remove due to tiny hooks situated in inaccessible places.

On the other hand, we have the UPPAbaby Alta, a high-back booster seat designed for older children aged between 5-10 years. It features a spacious design with thick padding for comfort, and a SecureFit belt routing system for proper seatbelt positioning. The rigid LATCH connectors and seven-position adjustable headrest add to the safety and convenience features. Parents praise its ease of installation and the machine-washable seat pad for quick cleanups. One challenge with the UPPAbaby Alta is the potential design issue that allows the shoulder belt to slip out of position frequently, which could be a safety concern.

From a side-by-side comparison, it's clear that the Graco Extend2Fit 3-in-1 offers a multifunctional solution. It can be used in extended rear-facing mode and adaptable to changes as a child grows, providing an economical option. However, the UPPAbaby Alta could be an excellent choice for those with older children ready for a high-back booster seat, given it is praised for easy installation and offers good safety features like side impact protection pods.

The recommendation, therefore, can be based on the age and weight of your child. If you have a newborn or younger child weighing less than 50lbs, the Graco Extend2Fit 3-in-1 offers value in safety, comfort, and longevity of use. For older children, who've outgrown their forward-facing harnessed seats, the UPPAbaby Alta could be a comfortable and safe choice. Keep in mind to double-check the belt placement often due to the reported issue with shoulder belt-positioning.