In-Depth Review of the Safety 1st Guide 65 (2023)

Product Overview

The Safety 1st Guide 65 is a convertible car seat suitable for babies and toddlers from 5-65 pounds. It can be used rear-facing from 5-40 pounds, then transitions to forward-facing mode once your child is over 22 pounds. This seat is designed to fit 3 across in most vehicles, making it a space-saving option for families with multiple young children. The lightweight and compact frame aims to accommodate smaller cars while still providing safety through side impact protection and a 5-point harness.

However, the Safety 1st Guide 65 gets mixed reviews from parents, with tricky installation - especially rear-facing - being a primary complaint.

Key Features

What features set this car seat apart from others?

• Designed to fit 3 car seats across in most vehicles to save space.
• Lightweight and compact frame aimed at fitting smaller cars.
• Side impact protection for added safety.
• Multi-position adjustable headrest and removable body pillows for comfort.

What Real Owners Think

Here's what actual owners of the Safety 1st Guide 65 had to say based on hundreds to thousands of reviews we've analyzed from Walmart, Target, and Amazon.

Pros

Cons

The car seat is lightweight and portable, making it easy to move between vehicles. It is affordable and good value for the price. It "feels" like it is high quality, despite the low price point.

The car seat can be very difficult and frustrating to install properly, especially rear-facing. In rear-facing mode, you may be required (and are directed by the manual) to roll towels or pool noodles under the front of the seat to get the right recline angle. This makes some parents question the safety of the car seat. The car seat does not have enough leg room when rear-facing, especially for taller kids. Even when installed properly, some parents say the seat still seems loose or wobbles too much in their vehicle.

Who Should Buy the Safety 1st Guide 65?

The Safety 1st Guide 65 is best suited for families looking for an affordable convertible seat for smaller cars or who need to fit multiple seats in a row. The extended rear-facing capacity also makes it a sensible budget choice for safety-focused parents committed to keeping kids rear-facing as long as possible.

However, given the common complaints about difficult installation and potential safety issues, especially when rear-facing, this seat may be frustrating for many users. Taller children may also face cramped leg room when rear-facing. Thus, the Guide 65 may not be for everyone.

Final Verdict

With its lightweight build and compact size aimed at small cars, the Safety 1st Guide 65 offers parents an inexpensive convertible seat starting under $100. For those seeking only occasional or travel use on a tight budget, it provides adequate safety and extended rear-facing capacity. However, difficulty achieving a proper install combined with leg room complaints for older babies make the Guide 65 less than ideal for everyday use or accommodating larger toddlers.

Unless fitting 3 seats in a row or used forward-facing only, we recommend spending a little more for an easier to install convertible seat with fewer safety concerns. The price is tempting, but given the mixed experiences and potential frustration, the Safety 1st Guide 65 may not be worth the hassle for many families. Carefully assess your needs before purchase.

Specifications

Allowable Height and Weight Ranges

	Height Range	Weight Range
Rear-facing	19 - 40 inches	5 - 40 pounds
Forward-facing	34 - 52 inches	22 - 65 pounds
Booster

Dimensions and Weight

Width	19.0 inches
Height	22.8 inches
Depth	27.3 inches
Weight	11.6 pounds

Core Specifications

Model Year	2015
Made In	USA
Frame Material	Aluminum

Safety and Compliance

Federal Safety Standards	Meets all standards
Configurations FAA-Approved for Airplanes	Forward-Facing Rear-Facing

Features

Attachment Methods	LATCH Seatbelt
Harness Type	5-Point
Cup Holders	Has cup holders.

Warranty and Durability

Manufacturers Warranty Length	1 year
Lifespan	10 Years

Additional Links

See all Safety 1st car seats
See all Convertible car seats