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
Safety 1st Crosstown | Safety 1st Guide 65 | |
Type |
Convertible Rear-Facing Forward-Facing High Back Booster |
Convertible Rear-Facing Forward-Facing |
Current price |
Currently unavailable
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Currently unavailable
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Rating | 4.70 | 4.58 |
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!
Key Details
Crosstown | Guide 65 | |
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Brand | Safety 1st | Safety 1st |
Type |
Convertible Rear-Facing Forward-Facing High Back Booster |
Convertible Rear-Facing Forward-Facing |
Weighted Rating | 4.70 | 4.58 |
1 yr Price Range | $99.99 - $189 | $74.99 - $99.99 |
Current price |
Currently unavailable
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Currently unavailable
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Value |
![]() A price range from $99.99 to $189.00, paired with its 3-in-1 functionality, provides considerable savings over time. |
![]() Priced under $100, this seat is lauded for its quality relative to cost. |
Safety |
![]() Several positive indicators of a high level of trust in its safety among parents. |
![]() Offers essential safety features but has some concerns regarding stability. |
Features |
![]() It covers the essential features expected of a convertible car seat but lacks some of the advanced features of higher-end models. |
![]() Basic features with no significant standout extras. |
Installation |
![]() Reviews often mention ease of installation, suggesting a user-friendly design. |
![]() Installation, especially rear-facing, is noted as cumbersome by parents. |
Cleaning |
![]() The fabric is easy to clean, a convenience highly appreciated by parents. |
![]() No specific complaints or praises suggest an average cleaning experience. |
Size |
![]() With a moderate weight and footprint, it's fairly comparable to other seats in its class. |
![]() 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 Safety 1st Crosstown 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
Safety 1st Crosstown | Safety 1st Guide 65 | |
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Height Range | 19 - 40 inches | 19 - 40 inches |
Weight Range | 5 - 40 pounds | 5 - 40 pounds |
Forward-facing
Safety 1st Crosstown | Safety 1st Guide 65 | |
---|---|---|
Height Range | 29 - 49 inches | 34 - 52 inches |
Weight Range | 22 - 65 pounds | 22 - 65 pounds |
Booster
Safety 1st Crosstown | Safety 1st Guide 65 | |
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Height Range | 43 - 52 inches | |
Weight Range | 40 - 100 pounds |
Dimensions and Weight
Safety 1st Crosstown | Safety 1st Guide 65 | |
---|---|---|
Width | 19.2 inches | 19.0 inches |
Height | 28.8 inches | 22.8 inches |
Depth | 31.8 inches | 27.3 inches |
Weight | 15.4 pounds | 11.6 pounds |
Core Specifications
Safety 1st Crosstown | Safety 1st Guide 65 | |
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Model Year | 2022 | 2015 |
Made In | China | USA |
Frame Material | Reinforced Steel | Aluminum |
Safety and Compliance
Safety 1st Crosstown | Safety 1st Guide 65 | |
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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
Safety 1st Crosstown | 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
Safety 1st Crosstown | Safety 1st Guide 65 | |
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Manufacturers Warranty Length | 1 year | 1 year |
Lifespan | 10 Years | 10 Years |
Additional Links
See all Safety 1st car seats |
Full review of the Safety 1st Crosstown Full review of the Safety 1st Guide 65 |