Safety 1st Crosstown vs. Grand 2-in-1: Which is Better? (2024)

Hi there! We're here to help you decide between the Safety 1st Crosstown and the Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1.

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

If you are considering a car seat for your child that offers a balance of comfort, safety, and affordability, two options that come to mind are the Safety 1st Crosstown and Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1. While both these car seats excel in their offering, it's important to understand their respective aspects to make an informed choice.

The Safety 1st Crosstown is a great match for parents who prioritize budget-friendliness and versatility. With its 3-in-1 functionality, it can transition from a rear-facing infant seat to a forward-facing car seat, and ultimately to a belt-positioning booster. This powerful adaptation means the Crosstown potentially covers the entire car seat journey for your child, from infancy to approximately 10 years old. The Crosstown has a reasonably rated installation process, a feature that is often appreciated by parents. It is easy to clean, which is also crucial to maintain a hygienic environment for children. While some parents reported issues such as flimsy plastic parts and straps being difficult to tighten, the majority found it comfortable and straightforward to use.

On the other hand, the Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1 as the name suggests, is a 2-in-1 convertible car seat that can be used as a harness mode seat or a belt-positioning booster. Although not as versatile as Crosstown, the Grand 2-in-1 also has impressive longevity as it can be used from the age of 1 until the child is ready to transition out of a car seat. Designed to be space-efficient, the Grand 2-in-1 works best for families with multiple kids in car seats or smaller vehicles where saving space is key. This car seat has a lightweight build which makes it easy to carry and install in different vehicles. However, it's worth noting that some parents have reported the seat to lack padding and cushioning resulting in discomfort.

In terms of specific data points, the Crosstown takes the upper hand in preferred modes for travel. With FAA approval for both forward and rear-facing configurations, it gives you added peace of mind when considering air travel with your child. However, the Grand 2-in-1 only has approval for forward-facing mode. Crosstown also stands out with a higher maximum weight for forward-facing configuration, which significantly means that your child can stay in that configuration for longer than with the Grand 2-in-1.

While recognizing the unique features of each car seat, our recommendation leans towards the Safety 1st Crosstown. This is due to its 3-in-1 functionality, which not only covers the child's entire car seat journey but also offers potential financial savings, and FAA approval for both forward and rear-facing configurations which makes it ideal for family vacations. Overall, the ultimate choice between these two car seats depends on your specific needs and preferences.