Hi there! We're here to help you decide between the Graco SlimFit3 LX 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
| Graco SlimFit3 LX 3-in-1 | Safety 1st Guide 65 | |
| Type |
Convertible Rear-Facing Forward-Facing High Back Booster |
Convertible Rear-Facing Forward-Facing |
| Current price |
Currently unavailable
-
|
Currently unavailable
-
|
| Rating | 4.90 | 4.58 |
Our Thoughts
The Graco SlimFit3 LX 3-in-1 and the Safety 1st Guide 65 are both convertible car seats designed with versatility and longevity in mind. They're built to adapt from rear-facing to forward-facing modes, allowing them to grow with your child.
The Graco SlimFit3 LX offers a significant advantage in terms of the weight limit. This car seat has a maximum weight limit of 100 lbs in booster mode, 65 lbs in forward-facing, and 40 lbs in rear-facing mode. This higher weight capacity means your child can remain in the more secure rear-facing position for longer and continue using the seat until they reach a higher weight. This surpasses the Safety 1st Guide 65, which while it matches the SlimFit3 LX in rear and forward-facing modes with a top weight of 40 lbs and 65 lbs respectively, it does not convert to a booster seat. Additionally, the SlimFit3 LX features Graco's ProtectPlus engineering which has undergone rigorous safety testing, making it a more reliable choice in terms of safety.
The SlimFit3 LX car seat thrives on convenience. Its no-rethread harness, machine-washable cover, and slim profile, allow it to be an excellent choice for parents who prioritize easy adaptation and maintenance. On the other hand, the Safety 1st Guide 65 presents a more affordable yet basic seat, with its strongest selling point being its compact and lightweight structure. However, it doesn't come without its flaws, with parents highlighting difficulty in installation and limited legroom in rear-facing mode.
Ultimately, while both car seats possess strengths and weaknesses, the Graco SlimFit3 LX 3-in-1 stands out for its safety, versatility, and convenience features. While it's pricier, it offers lasting value given its ability to adapt as the child grows, taking them from infancy through to when they're ready to transition out of a booster seat. If you're after a reliable, adaptable, easy-to-clean and supremely safety-focused car seat, the Graco SlimFit3 LX 3-in-1 certainly is a worthy investment. However, if budget is a significant constraint, the Safety 1st Guide 65 offers a more affordable choice but remember, it comes with certain drawbacks such as difficult installation and limited legroom in the rear-facing configuration.
Key Details
| SlimFit3 LX 3-in-1 | Guide 65 | |
|
|
|
| Brand | Graco | Safety 1st |
| Type |
Convertible Rear-Facing Forward-Facing High Back Booster |
Convertible Rear-Facing Forward-Facing |
| Weighted Rating | 4.90 | 4.58 |
| 1 yr Price Range | $195.99 - $279.99 | $74.99 - $99.99 |
| Current price |
Currently unavailable
-
|
Currently unavailable
-
|
| Value |
The price point is moderate considering its 3-in-1 capability and longevity from infant to booster stage. |
Priced under $100, this seat is lauded for its quality relative to cost. |
| Safety |
With its steel-reinforced frame and ProtectPlus engineering, it exceeds standard safety expectations. |
Offers essential safety features but has some concerns regarding stability. |
| Features |
The car seat includes a no-rethread harness, multiple recline positions, and dual cup holders, adding convenience. |
Basic features with no significant standout extras. |
| Installation |
The installation process is standard, with no specific enhancements that simplify it significantly. |
Installation, especially rear-facing, is noted as cumbersome by parents. |
| Cleaning |
The Rapid Remove cover is machine-washable, facilitating easy cleanup. |
No specific complaints or praises suggest an average cleaning experience. |
| Size |
The slim profile is ideal for fitting three across in the backseat, a rare attribute in car seats. |
Its small footprint is a significant advantage in compact cars. |
| 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 SlimFit3 LX 3-in-1 and the Safety 1st Guide 65. 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 SlimFit3 LX 3-in-1 | Safety 1st Guide 65 | |
|---|---|---|
| Height Range | 19 - 40 inches | |
| Weight Range | 5 - 40 pounds | 5 - 40 pounds |
Forward-facing
| Graco SlimFit3 LX 3-in-1 | Safety 1st Guide 65 | |
|---|---|---|
| Height Range | 0 - 49 inches | 34 - 52 inches |
| Weight Range | 22 - 65 pounds | 22 - 65 pounds |
Booster
| Graco SlimFit3 LX 3-in-1 | Safety 1st Guide 65 | |
|---|---|---|
| Height Range | 43 - 57 inches | |
| Weight Range | 40 - 100 pounds |
Dimensions and Weight
| Graco SlimFit3 LX 3-in-1 | Safety 1st Guide 65 | |
|---|---|---|
| Width | 19.9 inches | 19.0 inches |
| Height | 25.5 inches | 22.8 inches |
| Depth | 21.5 inches | 27.3 inches |
| Weight | 21.5 pounds | 11.6 pounds |
Core Specifications
| Graco SlimFit3 LX 3-in-1 | Safety 1st Guide 65 | |
|---|---|---|
| Model Year | 2022 | 2015 |
| Made In | China | USA |
| Frame Material | Reinforced Steel | Aluminum |
Safety and Compliance
| Graco SlimFit3 LX 3-in-1 | Safety 1st Guide 65 | |
|---|---|---|
| Federal Safety Standards | Meets all standards | Meets all standards |
| Configurations FAA-Approved for Airplanes |
Forward-Facing Rear-Facing High Back Booster |
Forward-Facing Rear-Facing |
| Previous Recalls | This car seat has never been recalled. | This car seat has never been recalled. |
Features
| Graco SlimFit3 LX 3-in-1 | Safety 1st Guide 65 | |
|---|---|---|
| Attachment Methods |
LATCH Seatbelt |
LATCH Seatbelt |
| Harness Type | 5-Point | 5-Point |
| Cup Holders | Has cup holders. | Has cup holders. |
Warranty and Durability
| Graco SlimFit3 LX 3-in-1 | Safety 1st Guide 65 | |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturers Warranty Length | 1 year | 1 year |
| Lifespan | 10 Years | 10 Years |
Additional Links
| See all Graco car seats | See all Safety 1st car seats |
| Full review of the Graco SlimFit3 LX 3-in-1 Full review of the Safety 1st Guide 65 |