I recently purchased the Safety 1st Grow and Go 3-in-1 car seat for my growing family, and I have to say, I am impressed with its versatility and affordability. As a mom who wants the best for her kids, I researched before making this purchase.
In this article, I will share my experience with the car seat and provide an in-depth review of its features, pros and cons, comfort and safety aspects, installation process, value for money, philanthropic efforts of the company behind it as well as how it compares to other car seats on the market.
When searching for a car seat after outgrowing our infant one, we were overwhelmed by all the available choices. We knew we wanted something that would grow with our child without purchasing multiple car seats over time. That’s when we came across the Safety 1st Grow and Go 3-in-1 car seat.
It offers three modes: rear-facing for infants from five to forty pounds, forward-facing harness mode for toddlers from twenty-two to sixty-five pounds, then finally, it converts into a booster seat for children from forty to one hundred pounds. The ability to use it throughout childhood made it an attractive option financially and practically.
So far, we’ve been extremely happy with our decision!
- Built to grow: The 3 in 1 car seat built to grow for extended use through 3 stages: Rear facing 5 to 40 pounds, forward facing 22 to 65 pounds, and belt positioning booster 40 to 100 pounds
- Side impact protection: The grow and go’s side impact protection helps keep your child safe
- Easy in, easy out: Harness holders keep the harness in an open position so it is easy to get your child in and out of the seat. Rear facing height is 19 to 40 inches. Forward facing height is 29 to 52 inches
- One-stop-shop seat
- Best for extended rear-facing
- Harness holders are convenient
- Removable inserts
- Easy to adjust the headrest
- Easy to install
- No compartment for the top tether
- isn’t great for large hands
Safety 1st grow and go Features and Specifications
The Safety 1st Grow and Go 3-in-1 car seat perfectly matches a convertible car seat that provides safety and versatility. This car seat offers a no-rethread harness with five height positions and a separate infant position to fit your growing child’s needs.
You can use it in rear-facing, forward-facing, and belt-positioning booster modes, making it suitable for children of different ages. The Safety 1st Grow and Go car seat has three recline positions color-coded for easy installation. It also features two integrated cup holders for convenience and has a machine washable and dryable cover for easy cleaning.
With an IIHS Good Bet Rating for booster mode, this convertible car seat is designed to provide extra protection during travel. This versatile car seat has a harness height range of 10”-17 ¼”, usable shell height with a headrest of 26”, shoulder width of 14 ½”, crotch strap depth of 3 ½”,4 ¾”,6” and weighs only 15.4 lbs.
There are some limitations to consider. It requires manual adjustments when used with small infants or newborns, and tightening the harness on smaller infants may be difficult.
LATCH has weight limits that may restrict usage in some vehicles’ center positions, while inflatable seat belts found in some Ford, Lincoln, and Mercedes cars cannot be used with this product.
What are some of the pros and cons of the Safety 1st Grow and Go 3-in-1 car seat?
One advantage of the Safety 1st Grow and Go 3-in-1 convertible car seat is its ability to save up to 7 inches of legroom when installed in the rear-facing position. This is a game-changer for families with smaller cars or those needing more front-seat space.
The compact and lightweight design also makes it easy to switch between vehicles. On the other hand, a potential drawback of this car seat is that undoing the chest clip and harness buckle requires some strength. This may not be an issue for most parents, but it can be challenging for those with limited hand mobility or strength.
Despite its limitations, the Safety 1st Grow and Go convertible car seat has many pros that outweigh any cons. It offers excellent protection for children up to 100 pounds or 52 inches tall, thanks to features such as Air Protect technology and a QuickFit harness system.
The machine-washable pads and pillows make cleaning a breeze, while the dual cup holders provide convenience during long road trips. With these features, this car seat is an excellent investment for families looking for a reliable all-in-one option that lasts from infancy through early childhood.
- Built to grow: The 3 in 1 car seat built to grow for extended use through 3 stages: Rear facing 5 to 40 pounds, forward facing 22 to 65 pounds, and belt positioning booster 40 to 100 pounds
- Side impact protection: The grow and go’s side impact protection helps keep your child safe
- Easy in, easy out: Harness holders keep the harness in an open position so it is easy to get your child in and out of the seat. Rear facing height is 19 to 40 inches. Forward facing height is 29 to 52 inches
- One-stop-shop seat
- Best for extended rear-facing
- Harness holders are convenient
- Removable inserts
- Easy to adjust the headrest
- Easy to install
- No compartment for the top tether
- isn’t great for large hands
Quick Overview of the Pros and Cons
Pros:
✅ 3-in-1 versatility: The car seat can be used rear-facing from 5-40 pounds, forward-facing from 22-40 pounds, and as a high back booster from 40-100 pounds. This makes it a great option for parents wanting a car seat to grow with their children.
✅ Easy to use: The car seat is easy to install and use. It has two installation options: the LATCH system and the vehicle seat belt. The harness system is also easy to adjust with one hand.
✅ Comfortable: The car seat has a padded seat, headrest, and a 5-point harness system to keep your child secure.
✅ Affordable: The car seat is relatively affordable, making it a good value for your money.
Cons:
❌ Bulky: The car seat can be bulky, making getting in and out of small cars difficult.
❌ The harness can be tricky to adjust: The harness system can be tricky, especially for younger children.
❌ Not compatible with all vehicles: The car seat may not be compatible with all vehicles, so checking the compatibility before purchasing is important.
Safety 1st Grow and Go 3-in-1 Comfort and Safety
The Safety 1st convertible car seat provides top-notch protection for your child and boasts a comfortable design that will keep them cozy and content during long car rides.
The plush padding and padded body pillow provide excellent support for infants, while the QuickFit harness system makes it easy to adjust as your child grows. The cup holders are also removable and dishwasher safe, making cleaning up spills or messes easy.
To give you a better idea of how comfortable this car seat is, take a look at this table comparing key measurements with other popular convertible car seats on the market:
| Car Seat Model | Height Range | Shoulder Width | Crotch Strap Depth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Safety 1st Grow & Go | 10”-17 ¼”, 26” | 14 ½” | 3 ½”,4 ¾”,6” |
| Graco Extend2Fit | Up to 49″ | N/A | N/A |
| Evenflo Tribute LX | Up to 40″ | N/A | N/A |
- Built to grow: The 3 in 1 car seat built to grow for extended use through 3 stages: Rear facing 5 to 40 pounds, forward facing 22 to 65 pounds, and belt positioning booster 40 to 100 pounds
- Side impact protection: The grow and go’s side impact protection helps keep your child safe
- Easy in, easy out: Harness holders keep the harness in an open position so it is easy to get your child in and out of the seat. Rear facing height is 19 to 40 inches. Forward facing height is 29 to 52 inches
- One-stop-shop seat
- Best for extended rear-facing
- Harness holders are convenient
- Removable inserts
- Easy to adjust the headrest
- Easy to install
- No compartment for the top tether
- isn’t great for large hands
As you can see, Safety 1st Grow and Go offers a wide range of height options for both the harness and shell heights. This means your child can stay in this car seat longer before they outgrow it.
The shoulder width is generous enough to accommodate growing children without feeling too cramped. The crotch strap depth is adjustable in three positions to find the right fit for your little one.
With its plush padding, an adjustable harness system, and removable cup holders – all while meeting the highest safety standards – the Safety First Grow & Go it’s a great choice for families who want peace of mind on the road.
Installation and Use
Installing the Safety 1st convertible car seat can be a challenge for new parents, but getting it right for your child’s safety on the road is important.
The car seat has instructions and diagrams for installation of UAS (LATCH) and seat belts. The color-coded sections make it easy to understand which parts of the car seat need to be connected to which anchors in the vehicle.
It’s important to note that while UAS (LATCH) installation is user-friendly, there are weight limits and restrictions when using it in booster mode or center positions. Additionally, LATCH cannot be used in booster mode at all.
Remember that proper installation is key to ensuring your child’s safety in case of an accident. Optional accessories like a seat protector or kick mat can help keep your car clean while protecting the car seat from wear and tear over time.
And always remember that if you have any questions about installing or using the Safety 1st Grow and Go 3-in-1 car seat, their customer service team is available to assist.
- Built to grow: The 3 in 1 car seat built to grow for extended use through 3 stages: Rear facing 5 to 40 pounds, forward facing 22 to 65 pounds, and belt positioning booster 40 to 100 pounds
- Side impact protection: The grow and go’s side impact protection helps keep your child safe
- Easy in, easy out: Harness holders keep the harness in an open position so it is easy to get your child in and out of the seat. Rear facing height is 19 to 40 inches. Forward facing height is 29 to 52 inches
- One-stop-shop seat
- Best for extended rear-facing
- Harness holders are convenient
- Removable inserts
- Easy to adjust the headrest
- Easy to install
- No compartment for the top tether
- isn’t great for large hands
Value for Money
When deciding on a car seat, it’s important to consider the value for your money and how long it will last through your child’s growth stages.
The Safety 1st Grow and Go 3-in-1 car seat offers great value, as it can be used from infancy until your child reaches 100 pounds or 52 inches in height. This means you won’t have to purchase new car seats as your child grows constantly.
Another option from Safety 1st is the Everfit All-In-One Car Seat, which also offers great value for its price. It has features similar to Grow and Go, including multiple modes of use and easy installation with LATCH and seat belt options. However, the Everfit does have a slightly lower weight limit for its booster mode at only 80 pounds compared to the Grow and Go’s 100-pound limit.
Both the Safety 1st Grow and Go 3-in-1 car seat and Everfit All-In-One Car Seat offer excellent value for their prices. They provide parents with peace of mind knowing that their child is safely secured while traveling in a vehicle and versatile enough to accommodate different growth stages. 
Philanthropic Efforts
Did you know that Safety 1st not only prioritizes safety in its products but also participates in philanthropic efforts and sponsors events related to child safety? They seem to understand the importance of giving back to the community and helping needy families.
Here are just a few examples of their philanthropic efforts:
- Safety 1st partners with Safe Kids Worldwide and the National Safety Council to promote child safety education and awareness.
- They have donated car seats to families affected by natural disasters, such as Hurricane Harvey and the California wildfires.
- Safety 1st also supports local communities through sponsorships of events such as charity walks and school fundraisers.
The Safety 1st Grow and Go 3-in-1 car seat for your child provides a safe and comfortable ride and supports a company that cares about positively impacting the world. It’s comforting to know that your purchase is more than just a product – creating safer communities for children everywhere.
Comparison to Other Car Seats
If you’re hunting for a convertible car seat, you may wonder how the Safety 1st Grow and Go stacks up against other options on the market. To help with your research, I’ve compiled a comparison table of three popular convertible car seats: the Graco Extend2Fit, Britax Marathon ClickTight, and Safety 1st Grow and Go.
| Feature | Graco Extend2Fit | Britax Marathon ClickTight | Safety 1st Grow and Go |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight limit (rear-facing) | 4-50 lbs. | 5-40 lbs. | 5-40 lbs. |
| Weight limit (forward-facing) | 22-65 lbs. | 20-65 lbs. | 22-65 lbs. |
| Booster weight limit | N/A | N/A | 40-100 lbs. |
| Recline positions | 6 positions, adjustable footrest included for leg support when rear-facing only. | 7 positions with an automatic level indicator to confirm the correct installation angle. | 3 recline positions, color-coded for easy installation. |
- Built to grow: The 3 in 1 car seat built to grow for extended use through 3 stages: Rear facing 5 to 40 pounds, forward facing 22 to 65 pounds, and belt positioning booster 40 to 100 pounds
- Side impact protection: The grow and go’s side impact protection helps keep your child safe
- Easy in, easy out: Harness holders keep the harness in an open position so it is easy to get your child in and out of the seat. Rear facing height is 19 to 40 inches. Forward facing height is 29 to 52 inches
- One-stop-shop seat
- Best for extended rear-facing
- Harness holders are convenient
- Removable inserts
- Easy to adjust the headrest
- Easy to install
- No compartment for the top tether
- isn’t great for large hands
More comparison of the Safety 1st Grow and Go 3-in-1 car seat to some other popular car seats on the market:
| Feature | Safety 1st Grow and Go 3-in-1 | Graco 4Ever DLX | Cosco Scenera Next |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight limit | 5-40 pounds rear-facing, 22-40 pounds forward-facing, 40-100 pounds booster | 5-40 pounds rear-facing, 22-65 pounds forward-facing, 40-120 pounds booster | 5-40 pounds rear-facing, 22-40 pounds forward-facing, 40-100 pounds booster |
| LATCH system | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Adjustable harness | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Side impact protection | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Price | $150 | $200 | $100 |
As you can see from the comparison table above, each car seat has its strengths and weaknesses compared to the others in terms of weight limits and recline positions offered.
One key advantage of the Safety First convertible car seat is that it offers a booster seat option for children over age four who weigh at least forty pounds – something neither Graco nor Britax offers in their models mentioned in this comparison table.
Is Safety your top priority? While shopping for a convertible car seat that includes an option to use as a booster seat later on, Safety First’s model is a strong contender alongside other popular brands such as Graco or Britax mentioned in this section’s comparison table above!
- Built to grow: The 3 in 1 car seat built to grow for extended use through 3 stages: Rear facing 5 to 40 pounds, forward facing 22 to 65 pounds, and belt positioning booster 40 to 100 pounds
- Side impact protection: The grow and go’s side impact protection helps keep your child safe
- Easy in, easy out: Harness holders keep the harness in an open position so it is easy to get your child in and out of the seat. Rear facing height is 19 to 40 inches. Forward facing height is 29 to 52 inches
- One-stop-shop seat
- Best for extended rear-facing
- Harness holders are convenient
- Removable inserts
- Easy to adjust the headrest
- Easy to install
- No compartment for the top tether
- isn’t great for large hands
Conclusion
The Safety 1st Grow and Go 3-in-1 car seat is a great family investment. It’s versatile, safe, and affordable, making it a top choice for parents looking to provide long-term protection for their children in the car.
As a mom, I appreciate that this car seat can grow with my child from infancy to toddlerhood and beyond, saving me money in the long run. The installation process was straightforward, and I feel confident in its safety features, such as the side impact protection and adjustable headrest.
Additionally, knowing that Safety 1st is committed to philanthropic efforts adds more trust to its brand.
While there are some limitations, such as its weight and bulkiness, I highly recommend the Safety 1st Grow and Go 3-in-1 car seat for parents looking for a practical and reliable option for their child’s car safety needs.
