Safety 1st Grow and Go All-in-One vs. Guide 65: Which is Better? (2024)

Compare the two car seats side-by-side

Hi there! We're here to help you decide between the Safety 1st Grow and Go All-in-One and the Safety 1st Guide 65.

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

Safety 1st Grow and Go All-in-One Safety 1st Guide 65
Type Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing High Back Booster
Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing
Current price
In stock (10 varieties available)
$129.99 - $159.99
In stock
$89.99
Rating 4.61 4.58

Our Thoughts

The Safety 1st Grow and Go All-in-One and the Safety 1st Guide 65 are two convertible car seats that are designed to keep your little ones safe and comfortable during journey. The fundamental role of any car seat is to provide optimum safety, which both models do effectively, but each come with their own unique attributes making them suitable for different needs.

The Grow and Go All-in-One car seat is sturdy and reliable, offering an extended utility across multiple growth stages. It can accommodate children from 5 to 100 pounds, giving parents a dependable option from infancy right through to the booster seat years. One of its key benefits is the comfortable and easily adjustable QuickFit Harness, which simplifies the process of adjusting the harness and headrest in one step. Additionally, the seat's rear-facing mode offers an added advantage in smaller vehicles with its extra leg room for front seat passengers. Despite this, some parents have reported challenges with the car seat's installation and strap tangling which can be a hassle.

On the other hand, the Safety 1st Guide 65, though also a convertible seat, targets a different audience. It is best suited for families looking for a cost-effective and compact solution, perfect for fitting in smaller cars or when attempting to fit multiple seats in a row. While still delivering essential safety features, its lightweight build also makes it an easier option for parents needing to shift the seat between vehicles frequently. However, it might not be the best fit for taller children due to limited leg room when rear-facing. Also, installation has been reported as being cumbersome, thus requiring a little extra time and patience.

In comparing the two, the Grow and Go All-in-One provides a longer-term solution with impressive maximum weight allowances in both forward facing and booster modes. Its ability to hold up to 65 pounds in forward facing mode and 100 pounds in booster mode gives it a clear advantage over the Guide 65. Additionally, being approved for travel in both rear and forward facing modes further bolsters the appeal of the Grow and Go All-in-One.

Given these considerations, the Safety 1st Grow and Go All-in-One is recommended for families requiring a more user-friendly, long-term car seat solution that is comfortable, safe, and provides good value for money. On the other hand, for families who frequently switch vehicles, need to fit multiple seats aboard, or are on a tight budget, the Safety 1st Guide 65 is a worthy option. Always remember, the best car seat isn't necessarily the most expensive one, but the one that best fits your child, car and personal circumstances.

Key Details

Grow and Go All-in-One Guide 65
Safety 1st Grow and Go All-in-One Safety 1st Guide 65
Brand Safety 1st Safety 1st
Type Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing High Back Booster
Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing
Weighted Rating 4.61 4.58
1 yr Price Range $159.99 - $179.99 $74.99 - $99.99
Current price
In stock (10 varieties available)
$129.99 - $159.99
In stock
$89.99
Value

The Grow and Go offers extended utility across multiple growth stages at a competitive price, making it a smart purchase for budget-conscious families.

Priced under $100, this seat is lauded for its quality relative to cost.

Safety

It meets all safety standards, although some users report challenges with installation and strap tangling.

Offers essential safety features but has some concerns regarding stability.

Features

While it includes essential features like the QuickFit Harness, it may lack some of the premium features found in higher-end seats.

Basic features with no significant standout extras.

Installation

Reports indicate that the car seat installation can be tricky, requiring more effort to ensure a secure fit.

Installation, especially rear-facing, is noted as cumbersome by parents.

Cleaning

The seat pad is both machine washable and dryer safe, which is highly convenient for busy parents.

No specific complaints or praises suggest an average cleaning experience.

Size

Its rear-facing mode offers more leg room for front seat passengers, a bonus in smaller vehicles.

Its small footprint is a significant advantage in compact cars.

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 Safety 1st Grow and Go All-in-One and the Safety 1st Guide 65. 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

Safety 1st Grow and Go All-in-One Safety 1st Guide 65
Height Range 19 - 40 inches 19 - 40 inches
Weight Range 5 - 40 pounds 5 - 40 pounds

Forward-facing

Safety 1st Grow and Go All-in-One Safety 1st Guide 65
Height Range 29 - 49 inches 34 - 52 inches
Weight Range 22 - 65 pounds 22 - 65 pounds

Booster

Safety 1st Grow and Go All-in-One Safety 1st Guide 65
Height Range 43 - 52 inches
Weight Range 40 - 100 pounds

Dimensions and Weight

Safety 1st Grow and Go All-in-One Safety 1st Guide 65
Width 19.3 inches 19.0 inches
Height 24.2 inches 22.8 inches
Depth 24.5 inches 27.3 inches
Weight 18.7 pounds 11.6 pounds

Core Specifications

Safety 1st Grow and Go All-in-One Safety 1st Guide 65
Model Year 2022 2015
Made In USA USA
Frame Material Reinforced Steel Aluminum

Safety and Compliance

Safety 1st Grow and Go All-in-One Safety 1st Guide 65
Federal Safety Standards Meets all standards Meets all standards
Configurations FAA-Approved for Airplanes Forward-Facing
Rear-Facing
High Back Booster
Forward-Facing
Rear-Facing
NHTSA Ease-of-Use Ratings Rear-Facing Mode
Overall 2 out of 5 stars
Labels 1 out of 5 stars
Instructions 3 out of 5 stars
Securing 2 out of 5 stars
Installation Features 1 out of 5 stars
Forward-Facing Mode
Overall 3 out of 5 stars
Labels 1 out of 5 stars
Instructions 4 out of 5 stars
Securing 5 out of 5 stars
Installation Features 3 out of 5 stars
Booster Mode
Overall 3 out of 5 stars
Labels 3 out of 5 stars
Instructions 5 out of 5 stars
Securing 2 out of 5 stars
Installation Features 3 out of 5 stars
Not rated by NHTSA.
Previous Recalls This car seat has never been recalled. This car seat has never been recalled.

Features

Safety 1st Grow and Go All-in-One Safety 1st Guide 65
Attachment Methods LATCH
Seatbelt
LATCH
Seatbelt
Harness Type 5-Point 5-Point
Cup Holders Has cup holders. Has cup holders.

Warranty and Durability

Safety 1st Grow and Go All-in-One Safety 1st Guide 65
Manufacturers Warranty Length 1 year 1 year
Lifespan 10 Years 10 Years

Additional Links

See all Safety 1st car seats
Full review of the Safety 1st Grow and Go All-in-One
Full review of the Safety 1st Guide 65