Safety 1st Crosstown vs. Guide 65: Which is Better? (2024)

Hi there! We're here to help you decide between the Safety 1st Crosstown 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

When considering car seats for our little ones, many factors come into play: comfort, safety, ease of installation, and of course, budget. Two possible contenders that balance these needs are the Safety 1st Crosstown and the Safety 1st Guide 65.

The Crosstown ranks high in comfort and safety, providing soft, padded protection for your child, while accommodating growth with adjustable features. As a 3-in-1 convertible seat, it's designed to transition with your child from infancy through Booster-mode years. With rear-facing capacity up to 40 pounds, forward-facing up to 65 pounds, and booster mode up to 100 pounds, the Crosstown's extended usage makes it an economic buy that can keep pace with your growing child. Installation of the Crosstown seems user-friendly, a loved feature amongst busy parents. And let's not forget about cleaning; the fabric is easy to clean, perfect for those unavoidable little messes. However, some parents flagged issues with the quality of the plastic and the difficulty in tightening the straps properly.

On the other hand, the Guide 65 focuses on size and affordability. It nails the criteria for a lightweight, affordable car seat, suitable for smaller cars or those needing to fit multiple car seats in a row. It allows rear-facing up to 40 pounds and forward-facing until 65 pounds. However, it lacks a Booster mode which could mean additional costs down the line as your child grows. Yet, by offering extended rear-facing, a critical safety recommendation, the Guide 65 is a reasonable choice for budget-minded parents. It also provides side-impact protection and a 5-point harness, which we personally like to see in a car seat. However, there were prominent criticisms related to both the rear-facing installation - which some parents found cumbersome and doubtful in terms of safety - and insufficient rear-facing legroom for taller kids.

On balance, looking at both car seats, the Safety 1st Crosstown emerges as the more justifiable purchase. Despite the slightly higher price point, the Crosstown wins for its 3-in-1 versatility, and it addresses key parental concerns: comfort, safety, and ease of both use and cleaning. While its plastic could be sturdier, it's worth noting that difficulties in installation appear less prevalent than with the Guide 65.

Ultimately, our recommended purchase would be the Safety 1st Crosstown if your budget allows. It provides more scope for long-term use and offers more trusted safety and comfort features. However, if you have a smaller car and are on a strict budget, then the Guide 65 could serve you well, especially if you don't mind the challenge of its installation. Always remember safety first, in your choice!