Graco produces some of the best car seats that are easy to install, have many safety features, occupy less space, and are long-lasting. The car seat maker has several 3-in-1 car seat options, including Graco Slimfit 3-In-1, Graco Extend2fit 3-In-1, and Graco Triride 3-In-1.
Being a mother of three, I’m fully aware that changing car seats as your child grows can be quite a hassle. That’s why I am really excited to review the Graco 3-in-1 car seat that allows you to adjust your car seat between 3 modes: rear-facing harness (4-50 lb) to forward-facing harness (22-65 lb) to highback booster (40-100 lb).
In this article, I will focus on the main benefits and features of Graco 3-in-1 car seats. I will also explain why you should buy a Graco 3-in-1 car seat. My review also compares some of the most popular 3-in-1 models. If you read to the end, you will see the answers to frequently asked questions about Graco 3-in-1 car seats.
Why Should You Buy Graco 3-In-1 Car Seat?
Graco 3-in-1 is ideal if you don’t want to constantly change car seats as your child grows. The Graco 3-in-1 range provides fantastic options, such as the Graco TriRide 3-in-1 Car Seat, allowing you to choose the perfect headrest height from 10 positions and adjust the seat to 6 recline positions for better installation. The LATCH system makes the installation easy. Its seat pads are comfortable and easy to clean via a washing machine.
The Graco Slim Fit 3-in-1 model has unique, rotating cup holders that you can turn away and make the car seat 10% slimmer, saving up precious back seat space. The Extend2Fit model features a 4-position extension panel that provides up to 5” of extra rear-facing legroom, so your child can ride rear-facing comfortably and for longer.
This is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a cost-effective, long-lasting car seat. The 3-in-1 car seats allow you to use them as booster seats, which is a great advantage that many other car seats do not possess.
Features of Graco 3-in-1 Car Seat
Now let’s take a look at what features you’ll be getting if you purchase a Graco 3-in-1 car seat:
| Features | Details |
| Provides 3 modes |
|
| Adjustable headrest height | You can choose the perfect headrest height from up to 10 positions so that your child has the safest fit as they grow (Extend2Fit 3-in-1 model) |
| No-Rethread Simply Safe Adjust™ Harness System | With this, you can adjust the height of the headrest and harness in one motion, saving time and ensuring your child’s safety. |
| Recline positions | Six recline positions are in the Extend2Fit and TriRide 3-in-1 models, while four are in the SlimFit 3-in-1 model. |
| Harness storage pockets | Fuss-free harness storage pockets conveniently hold the harness out of the way for easy in and out. |
| Steel-reinforced frame | This provides strength and durability to the car seat, lasting over ten years. |
| Easy-to-read level indicator | Increases the convenience of installation by eliminating guesswork. |
| Two easy-to-clean cup holders | These hold your child’s drinks and snacks, making them easily available whenever needed. |
| Removable plush head and body | These help to keep your infant feeling cradled and comfortable. |
| Seat pad | It is comfortable and machine washable. |
| Child restraint criteria | Meets or exceeds the child restraint criteria for a frontal crash test under the US FMVSS 213. |
| Side-impact tested | Side-impact tested for occupant retention with the built-in 5-point harness system. |
| Rear-impact tested | Rear-impact tested based on the European Rear-Impact Crash Pulse. |
| Tested to Graco’s RollSafe™ | Tested to Graco’s RollSafe™ testing standard based on the European rollover testing procedure |
| LATCH system | Allows easy installation |
| EPS | EPS, energy-absorbing foam for effective impact management (Graco TriRide and SlimFit 3-in-1) |
| Open-loop belt | Open-loop belt guides help correctly position your vehicle’s seat belt in highback booster mode (Graco TriRide 3-in-1) |
Who Is Graco 3-In-1 For?
The SlimFit 3-in-1 and TriRide 3-in-1 models are suitable for the following conditions:
- For the rear-facing mode, the child must be 49” or less,
- If the child weighs 5-22 lb and is less than one year old, it must be rear-facing.
- For the front-facing mode, the child must be 49” or less.
- If the child weighs 22-40 lb and can sit upright unassisted, it can be used forward-facing.
- If the child weighs between 40 and 65 lb, then it should be used forward-facing
- For the booster mode, the shoulder seat belt must be 43-57″ tall, and the child must be over four years old.
- You can use it as a booster mode if the child weighs between 40 and 65 lb.
- If the child is over 65 lb, it must be used in booster mode.
The instructions for the Extend2Fit 3-in-1 model are slightly different:
- The child can be 4 lb for the rear-facing mode compared to 5 lb on the other models.
- The rear-facing mode should be used up to 50 lb compared to 40 lb on the other two.
- The forward-facing mode should be used from 50-65 lb compared to 40-65 lb on the other two models.
What Does Graco 3-In-1 Come With?
Several features are present in Graco 3-in-1, along with accessories. The accessories include:
- Harness covers: These make the harness straps more comfortable and prevent your child from getting irritated by them. While using, ensure that harness covers do not interfere with the placement of the chest clips at the armpit level. To remove them, simply undo the fastening strips and remove them.
- Infant body support: Use this if the shoulders are below the lowest harness setting. You should use it only in the rear-facing mode and not allow it to bunch or fold behind the child.
- Infant head support: The head support should be used only with the body support and only in the rear-facing mode.
Specifications:
The three car seat models are slightly different in their width, height, depth, and weight:
| Seat | Width/inches | Height/inches | Depth/inches | Weight/lb |
| Graco TriRide 3-in-1 | 19 | 23.25 | 20 | 18.45 |
| Graco SlimFit 3-in-1 | 19.9 | 25.5 | 21.5 | 19.47 |
| Graco Extend2Fit 3-in-1 | 19 | 24.5 | 20.75 | 20.61 |
Graco SlimFit vs. Extend2fit
The Graco SlimFit 3-in-1 model costs $220, while the Extend2Fit 3-in-1 model costs $235. Should you go for the cheaper option, or is it worth spending the extra $15? Let’s look at the differences between the two models and see which one you should choose.
| Graco SlimFit 3-in-1 | Graco Extend2Fit 3-in-1 |
| It is cheaper. | It is $30 more expensive. |
| It is lighter (19.47 lb). | It is heavier (20.61 lb). |
| It can be used rear-facing for up to 40 lb. | It can be used in rear-facing mode for longer, up to 50 lb. |
| It should be used in forward-facing at 40 lb, sooner than Extend2Fit 3-in-1. | It should be used in forward-facing at 50 lb, later than SlimFit 3-in-1. |
| Four recline positions are available. | Six recline positions. |
| It has greater height (25.5 inches) and depth (21.5 inches). | Its height (24.5 inches) and depth (20.75 inches) are lesser than SlimFit 3-in-1. |
| It has unique, rotating cup holders that can make it 10% slimmer. | It does not have rotating cup holders, so it has a greater width. |
| Easily adjustable. | Easily adjustable. |
| LATCH system allows easy installation. | LATCH system allows easy installation. |
| It can be used for up to 10 years. | It can be used for up to 10 years. |
| It has EPS, energy-absorbing foam for effective impact management. | It does not have EPS, energy-absorbing foam. |
| The seat cover is machine washable. | The whole seat cushion is easily removable and washable. |
| It is tested to Graco’s RollSafe™ testing standard based on the European rollover testing procedure. | Their website does not claim that it is tested to Graco’s RollSafe™ testing standard. |
Which One Should You Choose?
Considering the advantages and disadvantages, the SlimFit 3-in-1 model is the better choice. While it lacks some recline positions, and you can use it rear-facing for up to 40 lb only, it makes up by being lighter, slimmer, safer, sleeker, and cheaper than the Extend2Fit 3-in-1 model.
However, if you prefer a model that you can use in rear-facing mode for longer, has more recline positions available, and the whole cushion is washable, then the Extend2Fit will be better.
Conclusion
The Graco 3-in-1 is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a long-lasting car seat that will support your child as they grow. Its rear-facing and front-facing modes are pretty good, with great features and accessories.
While I do not recommend using this car seat to be a booster seat, the booster mode is quite useful when transitioning your child to a dedicated booster seat.
If you’re looking for a cost-effective and long-lasting option, the Graco 3-in-1 TriRide, available for $190 on Amazon, should satisfy all your needs. If you want a more compact, secure, and sleek design with rotating cup holders to save some space for the backseat, then the SlimFit 3-in-1 should be your go-to. In case you want to use the rear-facing mode for longer, then your choice should be the Extend2Fit 3-in-1 model.
Regardless of whichever model you choose, each one has some great practical features that will more than satisfy you and your child. I recommend the Graco 3-in-1 products, and you should try them.
FAQs
Is Graco a good car seat brand?
Graco is one of the best brands when it comes to car seats. It is not only famous but also has primarily positive customer reviews. In addition, Graco also provides excellent options for car seats, perfect for children of all ages.
Graco has several other products, including strollers, playards, highchairs, swings, carriers, and nurseries. If you haven’t tried it already, try its products, including Graco Snugride Snuglock, Graco 4Ever 4-in-1, Graco SlimFit All-in-one, Graco Nautilus, and many more.
Is the Graco TriRide 3-in-1 FAA approved?
According to the product instructions, the Graco TriRide 3-in-1 car seat is FAA approved, meaning that it is safe and legal to be used on an airplane only when used with the internal harness system. In an aircraft, you should use it in forward-facing mode.
Is Graco SlimFit 3-in-1 car seat FAA approved?
The product instructions state that this child restraint meets or exceeds all applicable requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Standard 213 for use in motor vehicles. It is certified for use in aircraft only with the internal harness system and should be used only on forward-facing aircraft seats.
Is Graco Extend2Fit 3-in-1 car seat FAA approved?
This child restraint is certified for aircraft use only when using the harness system and on front-facing aircraft seats only, according to product instructions.
How long does Graco SlimFit 3-in-1 last?
According to the manufacturer guidelines, it is suggested that the car seat should be used for up to 10 years after the date of manufacture. After 10 years, it is recommended that you stop using the car seat and discard it.
