Graco Nautilus 65 3-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 Nautilus 65 3-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

Taking a look at the Graco Nautilus 65 3-in-1 and the Safety 1st Grow and Go All-in-One, there are several factors parents might want to consider when choosing between the two car seats. Both have reputable manufacturers, and are designed to accommodate a child as they grow, transitioning from the forward-facing mode all the way through to high-back or backless booster mode. However, they do present a few considerable differences in terms of their maximum weight allowance in certain configurations and their FAA travel approval which could make or break the decision for some parents.

The Nautilus 65 from Graco really shines through thanks to its safety features, robustness, and durability. It stays ahead of many other car seats with its impressive maximum weight capacity in forward-facing mode up to 65 pounds, making it a long-term investment for parents. Conversely, while the Safety 1st Grow and Go also supports forward-facing up to 65 pounds, it gains the advantage in rear-facing mode by accommodating children from 5 to 40 pounds. This means that you can keep your child rear-facing for a bit longer, which experts claim to be the safest position. However, the Nautilus 65 can only be used in forward-facing mode, which might be a disadvantage if you prefer to keep your child rear-facing for as long as possible. In terms of travel adaptability, the Nautilus 65 is unfortunately only FAA approved when in the forward-facing position. On the other hand, the Grow and Go offers both rear and forward-facing configurations for air travel, providing additional flexibility.

In terms of installation, user reviews suggest that the Nautilus 65 is generally straightforward, even though achieving a tight fit may prove to be quite challenging for some. On the other hand, the Grow and Go may require more effort to ensure a secure installation. These aspects might weigh in on parental preferences since a properly fitted car seat is essential for safety. Mechanisms for cleaning and maintaining hygiene show no significant discrepancy, as both seats have machine-washable covers that can be removed for cleaning.

Price may be another deciding factor. The Nautilus 65 from Graco typically comes at a slightly higher cost. If budget is a primary concern, parents might lean towards the Safety 1st Grow and Go, especially considering that it offers additional utility with a rear-facing option.

In light of these observations, I would recommend the Grow and Go from Safety 1st for parents who wish to keep their child rear-facing for as long as possible or foresee frequent air travels in the upcoming years. However, if the budget isn't a primary concern and long-lasting durability coupled with commendable safety features is what you're after, the Graco Nautilus 65 certainly offers great value, especially for those who will predominantly be using the car seat in the forward-facing mode.