Graco Nautilus 65 3-in-1 vs. SlimFit3 LX 3-in-1: Which is Better? (2024)

Hi there! We're here to help you decide between the Graco Nautilus 65 3-in-1 and the Graco SlimFit3 LX 3-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

Choosing the right car seat for your child involves analyzing safety, comfort, user experience, and even the longevity: how long will it serve your child as they grow? Two options, each with their own merits, are the Graco Nautilus 65 3-in-1 and the Graco SlimFit3 LX 3-in-1.

The Graco Nautilus 65 3-in-1 is a versatile and safe car seat, designed to grow with your child. It transitions smoothly between its three modes; a forward-facing harness seat, highback booster, and finally to a backless booster seat. The Nautilus 65 showcases strong safety features reinforced by its steel frame, adapting comfortably to children between 22 to 100 pounds. It also provides a reasonable size considering its multi-stage functionality, along with user-friendly characteristics such as the adjustable headrest and an easy-to-clean seat cover.

On the other hand, the Graco SlimFit3 LX 3-in-1 serves children from infancy through to their booster seat years, with rear-facing, forward-facing, and high-back booster modes. Its slim profile stands apart. Designed to save precious car space, it easily fits three across in most backseats while still catering to children up to 100 pounds. Its safety standards don't compromise, backed by a steel-reinforced frame and Graco's ProtectPlus engineering. It's also user-friendly with its easy clean-up feature, rapid remove cover, and provides ample convenience with multiple recline positions and no-rethread harness.

Analyzing the key differences; the Graco Nautilus 65 3-in-1 offers a higher maximum weight limit for its forward-facing mode (65 pounds compared to the SlimFit3 LX’s 40 pounds). This feature provides it an edge, allowing children to stay in this safer position for longer. Additionally, FAA approval also differs between these models. The SlimFit3 LX 3-in-1 boasts approval in both forward and rear-facing modes, making it a better fit for traveling families, where Graco Nautilus is only approved for forward-facing travel.

Both car seats bring plenty of value to the table, so the decision rests on the parents’ specific needs. If traveling is a consistent part of your lifestyle and you require a flexible, slim car seat, the Graco SlimFit3 LX 3-in-1 may be a better option with its additional FAA approval for rear-facing mode and compact design. Yet, if the longevity of staying in the safer, forward-facing position matters more or your child is older, the Graco Nautilus 65 3-in-1 could be a preferred choice with its higher maximum weight limit. Both provide a secure, comfortable ride for your little one, holding high standards of safety and adaptability in mind.