Hi there! We're here to help you decide between the Graco Nautilus 65 3-in-1 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
| Graco Nautilus 65 3-in-1 | Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1 | |
| Type |
Convertible Forward-Facing High Back Booster Backless Booster |
Convertible Forward-Facing High Back Booster |
| Current price |
Currently unavailable
-
|
In stock
$59.99
|
| Rating | 4.69 | 4.70 |
Our Thoughts
When it comes to choosing car seats, safety, longevity, comfort, and the ease of use are all primary considerations. Two options to consider are the Graco Nautilus 65 3-in-1 and the Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1. Let's dig a little deeper into each.
The Graco Nautilus 65 is a 3-in-1 car seat that transitions from a forward-facing harness seat to a high-back booster and then to a backless booster seat, accommodating children ranging from 22 to 100 pounds. This makes it an excellent long-term investment offering versatility and value. Safety is a clear standout, with a reinforced steel frame and a 5-point harness, ensuring your child is secure at all stages. However, there appear to be some challenges with installation and buckle adjustability, which can impact the overall ease of use.
On the other hand, we have the budget-friendly Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1, which provides both harness and booster seat options for more extended usability. Accommodating children weighing between 30 to 120 pounds, this car seat emphasizes its compact and lightweight design, ideal for larger families with multiple car seats. While the Grand 2-in-1 does not feature advanced safety features like a steel-reinforced frame, it meets the standard safety requirements, providing peace of mind. However, care should be taken with installation, as achieving a tight fit requires attention to detail.
Comparing the two, some key differences stand out. Firstly, the maximum weight limit in booster mode is noticeably higher for the Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1 (120 pounds versus 65 pounds). This means your child can use it as a booster seat for longer. Secondly, the Graco Nautilus 65 is FAA approved for travel in forward-facing mode, which could be critical for families who travel frequently. In terms of minimum weight and height for forward-facing mode, the Graco Nautilus 65 is designed to accommodate smaller kids (starting from 22 pounds and 27 inches) compared to the Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1 (30 pounds and 32 inches).
Choosing between these two car seats boils down to your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize an extended weight limit for booster mode and a budget-friendly option, the Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1 could be appropriate. However, if the ability to accommodate smaller toddlers in forward-facing mode, advanced safety features, and travel compatibility are your priorities, then the Graco Nautilus 65 3-in-1 would be the recommended choice—provided you are willing to navigate its installation and adjustability challenges.
Key Details
| Nautilus 65 3-in-1 | Grand 2-in-1 | |
|
|
|
| Brand | Graco | Safety 1st |
| Type |
Convertible Forward-Facing High Back Booster Backless Booster |
Convertible Forward-Facing High Back Booster |
| Weighted Rating | 4.69 | 4.70 |
| 1 yr Price Range | $189.99 - $209.99 | $74.99 - $79.99 |
| Current price |
Currently unavailable
-
|
In stock
$59.99
|
| Value |
Offers long-term usability across different stages of a child's growth, making it a cost-effective choice. |
The price point combined with its dual functionality as a harness and booster seat offers substantial savings over time. |
| Safety |
With its 5-point harness system and reinforced frame, it ensures top-notch safety standards. |
It meets standard safety requirements, but lacks advanced features like a steel-reinforced frame. |
| Features |
Includes adjustable headrest, multiple recline positions, and an integrated cup holder, enhancing comfort and convenience. |
While it covers the essentials, it may not include comfort extras found in higher-end seats. |
| Installation |
Installation is straightforward, but some parents note it can be tricky to get a tight fit. |
Installation is straightforward with LATCH or seatbelt, but achieving a tight fit requires attention to detail. |
| Cleaning |
The seat cover is machine washable, and the design allows for easy access to hard-to-reach spots. |
The seat pad is machine washable and dryer safe, and the cup holders are dishwasher-safe, simplifying maintenance. |
| Size |
While it's not the most compact, its size is reasonable for its multi-stage functionality. |
The design is space-efficient, ideal for fitting multiple car seats in the back of a car. |
| 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 Graco Nautilus 65 3-in-1 and the Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1. 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
Neither car seat has a Rear-facing configuration.
Forward-facing
| Graco Nautilus 65 3-in-1 | Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Height Range | 27 - 49 inches | 32 - 49 inches |
| Weight Range | 22 - 65 pounds | 30 - 65 pounds |
Booster
| Graco Nautilus 65 3-in-1 | Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Height Range | 38 - 57 inches | 43 - 57 inches |
| Weight Range | 30 - 65 pounds | 40 - 120 pounds |
Dimensions and Weight
| Graco Nautilus 65 3-in-1 | Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Width | 20.0 inches | 19.6 inches |
| Height | 28.0 inches | 30.2 inches |
| Depth | 18.0 inches | 18.3 inches |
| Weight | 20.5 pounds | 12.2 pounds |
Core Specifications
| Graco Nautilus 65 3-in-1 | Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Model Year | 2017 | 2021 |
| Made In | China | USA |
| Frame Material | Reinforced Steel | Unknown |
Safety and Compliance
| Graco Nautilus 65 3-in-1 | Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Safety Standards | Meets all standards | Meets all standards | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Configurations FAA-Approved for Airplanes |
Forward-Facing High Back Booster Backless Booster |
Forward-Facing High Back Booster |
||||||||||||||||||||
| NHTSA Ease-of-Use Ratings | Not rated by NHTSA. |
Forward-Facing Mode
|
||||||||||||||||||||
| Previous Recalls | This car seat has never been recalled. | This car seat has never been recalled. |
Features
| Graco Nautilus 65 3-in-1 | Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Attachment Methods |
LATCH Seatbelt |
LATCH Seatbelt |
| Harness Type | 5-Point | 5-Point |
| Cup Holders | Has cup holders. | Has cup holders. |
Warranty and Durability
| Graco Nautilus 65 3-in-1 | Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1 | |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturers Warranty Length | 1 year | 1 year |
| Lifespan | 10 Years | 10 Years |
Additional Links
| See all Graco car seats | See all Safety 1st car seats |
| Full review of the Graco Nautilus 65 3-in-1 Full review of the Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1 |