Graco TriRide 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 TriRide 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

When it comes to navigating the world of car seats, two notable contenders are the Graco TriRide 3-in-1 and the Safety 1st Turn and Go 360 DLX. Both are versatile, convertible options intended to see your child through from infancy to toddlerhood. However, their offerings and performances vary.

The Graco TriRide 3-in-1 is a robust and reliable companion for your growing child. This seat's foremost advantage is its affordability, often retailing under $200, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious families. It can comfortably accommodate a child from 5 to 100 pounds, transitioning from rear-facing to forward-facing and finally to a high-back booster mode. The TriRide takes safety seriously, boasting Graco's ProtectPlus Engineered™ system. On the downside, parents should be prepared for a potentially tricky installation, especially in rear-facing mode. Some users also noted comfort issues, especially for smaller infants, and found the straps challenging to tighten.

On the other hand, the Safety 1st Turn and Go 360 DLX is a little more of an investment but brings the unique offering of a rotating base. This feature aims to alleviate the stress of loading and unloading your child, making the car seat more user-friendly. It fits within the same weight range as the TriRide, however, feedback from users has indicated some potential safety concerns, with the seat reportedly feeling flimsy and the rotation mechanism stiff. Its installation process has been flagged as somewhat cumbersome, specifically when engaging the rotation mechanism.

The distinguishing factor between these two car seats is their weight limits in the forward-facing configuration. With the Graco TriRide accommodating up to a 65-pound child, compared to the 40-pound limit on the Safety 1st...parents with taller or larger kids may find the former to be a more suitable option as it allows their child to stay in the forward-facing configuration for longer.

In terms of travel, the Graco TriRide is approved for both rear and forward-facing configurations, while the Safety 1st's approved modes are unclear, meaning that TriRide may suit frequent travelers better.

Overall, if you're a value-oriented parent seeking a reliable and durable car seat that will consistently meet the needs of your growing child, the Graco TriRide 3-in-1 may be the better option, despite its more complex installation. However, if you are willing to spend a little more and are eager for the ease that a rotating base can offer (while acknowledging the potential hiccups with its operation and safety concerns), then the Safety 1st Turn and Go 360 DLX could be worth considering. Do remember that each car seat has its unique strengths and potential flaws, so your final decision should align with your individual preferences, needs, and budget.