Graco Nautilus 65 3-in-1 vs. Safety 1st Turn and Go 360 DLX: Which is Better? (2024)

Hi there! We're here to help you decide between the Graco Nautilus 65 3-in-1 and the Safety 1st Turn and Go 360 DLX.

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

Looking at the Graco Nautilus 65 3-in-1 and Safety 1st Turn and Go 360 DLX, both present viable options for children's car seats with their unique features. The Graco Nautilus 65 is a robust and versatile 3-in-1 seat, renowned for being adaptable and comfortable while ensuring utmost safety standards. Notorious for its longevity, the Nautilus 65 transitions smoothly from a toddlers' forward-facing harness seat into a high back booster and finally into a backless booster seat for older kids. Its weight capacity ranges from 22 pounds to a considerable 100 pounds closely knit to their growth stages.

On the other hand, disembarking and boarding the Safety 1st Grow and Go 360 DLX is simplified due to its functional rotation design. This all-in-one convertible seat maintains an impressive reputation for its ability to accommodate your child from infancy through their booster phase. Its forward-facing and rear-facing modes cater to several weights, from as light as 5 pounds to a hefty 100 pounds.

Despite minor challenges such as installation difficulties and buckle adjustability, the Graco Nautilus 65 is generally praised for its user-friendly features. In terms of safety, it boasts a reinforced steel frame that contributes to its durability, providing added peace of mind for parents. Conversely, there have been concerns over the Safety 1st Grow and Go 360 DLX's sturdiness, with some parents feeling the seat is a bit flimsy.

Between the two, the Graco surpasses in weight capacity for forward-facing mode, accommodating up to 65 pounds as compared to the Safety 1st that maxes out at 40 pounds. The ability for the child to remain in the safer rear-faced position for longer is an essential factor to consider. It's also important to note that the Graco Nautilus 65 is approved for travel when placed in a forward-facing configuration, an added advantage for families who travel frequently.

Another difference between the two car seats lies within the FAA approved modes. The Graco Nautilus 65 gains an upper hand as it has a forward-facing FAA-approved mode. Unfortunately, none of the settings is FAA approved for Safety 1st Turn and Go 360 DLX, which might hinder its usability for parents who intend to travel frequently.

In the light of these factors, we recommend the Graco Nautilus 65 for parents looking to make a long-term investment for their kids. Despite qualms regarding buckle adjustability and installation challenges, the Graco Nautilus 65 boasts a higher weight limit in forward-facing mode, which is a valuable benefit. However, if your priority is an easy loading and unloading experience, you may want to consider Safety 1st Grow and Go 360 DLX - provided that you test its rotation feature under load beforehand to ensure it meets your requirements.