Graco Nautilus 65 3-in-1 vs. Safety 1st Guide 65: 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 Guide 65.

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 parents, one of the most critical choices we make for our little one's safety is picking a car seat that's reliable, comfortable, and designed to grow with them. In this regard, two models stand out - the Graco Nautilus 65 3-in-1 and the Safety 1st Guide 65. Both have their strengths and weaknesses, and which one is preferable would depend on your specific needs and circumstances.

The Graco Nautilus 65 3-in-1 is a champion of versatility, built to adjust and adapt to your child's growth. From a toddler to an older child, this car seat takes on the role of a forward-facing harness seat, then a high back booster, followed by a backless booster seat. Capable of accommodating children weighing between 22 - 100 pounds, it's a long-term investment that pays off by ensuring your child's safety at every step of their development. Its robust steel frame, adjustable headrest, and multiple recline positions offer added safety and comfort, although some parents seem to find the initial installation to be a bit tricky.

On the other hand, the Safety 1st Guide 65 is a fine choice if you're working with a limited budget or have a smaller car. Its lightweight and compact design make it a space-saving option that can accommodate 5-65 pounds. The added benefit of converting from rear to forward-facing mode provides versatility. Yet, the car seat's smaller footprint comes with its share of trade-offs, with parents noting difficulties in installation, particularly in its rear-facing configuration.

Comparing the two, a notable difference lies in their weight limits. The Graco Nautilus has a higher maximum weight allowance for both forward-facing and booster modes (65 pounds) compared to the Safety 1st Guide 65 (forward-facing maximum weight also at 65 pounds; however, it does not have a booster mode). This difference means your child can use the Graco Nautilus for longer, making it a potentially more cost-effective choice in the long run.

Similarly, while both car seats have been approved for travel, their approved configurations differ. The Graco Nautilus is approved for forward-facing mode only, whereas the Safety 1st Guide 65 is approved in both forward-facing and rear-facing modes.

Despite being deemed safer overall by users, the Graco Nautilus 65 does seem to struggle in one area where the Safety 1st Guide 65 excels - size. The latter's compact design could be a real game-changer if you have a small car or need to install multiple car seats side by side.

Ultimately, if you're after a car seat that grows with your child and ensures safety at all stages, the Graco Nautilus 65 seems a robust choice. However, if your priority is a compact size and an economical price, then Safety 1st Guide 65 could be a suitable choice. Nonetheless, do consider the shortcomings in regard to the difficulty in installation for the Guide 65.