15 Best Graco Car Seats Of 2023 [Infant, Booster & Convertible]

Graco offers a wide variety of car seats that will fit any budget, but navigating their wide selection can be tough.

How on Earth can you know which Graco car seat is the best?

After all, Graco makes infant car seats, convertible seats, booster car seats, and all-in-one seats that will take your child from birth to age 10. Personally, I found that overwhelming, and there wasn’t a good Graco car seat comparison that helped me sort through all of these options!

So, I created this guide to help parents like you find the best Graco car seat option for your family. Continue reading for details on our top picks, along with a number of other models you might want to consider.

The 3 Best Graco Car Seats

Our research has determined that the best Graco car seat is the 4Ever DLX SnugLock 4-in1 Car Seat.

This incredibly flexible seat is rated from 4-120 pounds and will last for 10 years of use. The SnugLock technology means you can install the seat securely in less than one minute. You can easily adjust the headrest and harness to 10 different positions so that your child is perfectly secured as they grow.

Below is a brief overview of this model and our other top picks, read on for more details on each.

Graco Car Seat Safety

Graco has been creating products for babies and small children for over 65 years. Their designers and engineers go above and beyond national safety standards to create the safest car seat for your child. 

Graco operates its own crash test facility in Atlanta, Georgia. There, each car seat design is frontal-impact, side-impact, rear-impact, and roll-over tested to guarantee that each model meets or exceeds the United States and European standards.

Graco also tests how extreme temperatures affect the long-term life of your car seat to ensure that they remain safe throughout the years. 

A number of Graco’s infant seats include an anti-rebound bar for additional rear-facing safety. Some models include additional TrueShield technology which goes beyond standard side-impact protection and adds more protection around your child’s head and hips.

For even more head protection, Safe Surround technology provides advanced protection at every stage of your child’s development.

In addition to a commitment to safety, Graco aims to add convenience to parent’s lives. They created the SnugLock installation system to easily install your car seat. It works with both the car seatbelt or the LATCH system. Removable seat covers are machine washable. 

Here’s a look at the various options and their specifications.

Graco Car Seats Comparisons

1.Graco Snugride Snuglock 35 LX – Affordable Infant Car Seat

The Graco Snugride Snuglock 35 LX Infant Seat is very safe and reliable. Its many features are comparable to high-end competitors’ car seats such as Britax and Maxi Cosi. However, it is much more affordable.

Hassle-Free Installation

Graco Snuglock 35 LX securely installs in just one click either with LATCH or vehicle seat belt. Also, there is a convenient 5-point harness that can be adjusted while the baby is in the seat. The handle can easily be adjusted with one hand, leaving the other hand free to tend to the baby.

TrueShield Technology

It helps keep an infant safe by providing advanced protection from head to hips in the event of a side impact.

Silent Shade Canopy

It adjusts without disturbing the child. The baby will feel safe and comfortable with quilted head and body support.

Compatibility with Strollers

Graco infant car seats have an exclusive Click Connect technology. It provides a secure one-step attachment to all Graco Click Connect strollers; thus making it easy to create a travel system for any parents’ needs.

Dimensions

The Graco Snugride Snuglock 35 Platinum Infant Car Seat weighs 9.75 pounds. It can be used by infants beginning at 4 pounds to toddlers weighing 35 pounds. The height limit is 32 inches. The lowest harness position is 5 inches, and it expires seven years after the purchase.

Customer Reviews

Mom who decided to switch her Maxi Cosi car seat for this Graco said: “The canopy is quiet and breathable! The one-click handle makes it so easy when lifting and taking a car seat in and out! “

Pros 

• Easy and reliable installation
• The handle allows you to adjust by pushing just one button
• Lightweight infant car seat
• TrueShield Technology

Cons 

• Latch strap can be difficult to tighten

2.Graco SnugRide SnugLock Extend2Fit 35 – Safest Graco Infant Car Seat

The Graco SnugRide SnugLock Extend2Fit 35 Infant Car Seat is the top pick when it comes to safety. It’s a great seat all around, with easy installation and a comfortable ride for the baby.

This infant car seat has an extension panel that provides more legroom. Extra legroom translates to better safety.That is because a taller toddler can remain rear-facing until she reaches 35 inches. Little spines are best protected in the rear-facing position.

This infant seat provides additional safety features. For instance, it has an anti-rebound bar, which helps protect your little one in the case of a frontal impact. This seat performed well in crash tests and met or exceeded all federal standards. Its shell is made of impact-absorbing foam.

Dimensions

The Graco SnugRide SnugLock Extend2Fit 35 Infant Car Seat weighs 21 pounds. It can be used by infants beginning at 4 pounds to toddlers weighing 35 pounds. The height limit is 35 inches.

Pros 

• The extension panel has 4 positions and allows 3.5 inches of extra legroom
• A toddler can use this seat longer for a safer ride
• Silent shade canopy adjusts without disturbing the baby

Cons 

• Heavy, so it can be difficult to handle

3.Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 Elite – The Most Comfortable Infant Seat

The SnugRide SnugLock 35 Elite is the most comfortable choice of Graco’s infant seats. It can be installed with just one click, and parents can rest assured that their little one is properly positioned.

This infant car seat is unique due to its Simply Safe Adjust™ Harness System. Graco has engineered it so that the harness and the headrest adjust together in one movement. This novel feature keeps the baby ergonomically positioned for a comfortable ride as he grows.

Safety Ratings

The Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 Elite Infant Car Seat is very safe and performed well on federally required crash tests. It features SafetyCore™ impact absorption zone to absorb frontal crash forces. Its shell is made from energy-absorbing foam. It has also been side-impact tested.

Dimensions

The Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 Elite Infant Car Seat weighs 21.89 pounds. It can be used by infants beginning at 4 pounds to toddlers weighing 35 pounds. The height limit is 32 inches, or when the toddler’s head comes within an inch of the seat’s top. It expires after seven years.

Stroller Compatibility

This infant car seat works with all Graco click connect strollers, and some other brands as well. Clicking the seat in and out of the base and stroller frame is very simple.

Pros 

• Rotating canopy with window and visor provides shade and sun protection
• Machine washable cushion and canopy
• Easy installation
• Travel system compatible

Cons 

• Heavy and difficult to maneuver

4.Graco SnugRide 35 Lite –  The Lightest Weight Infant Car Seat

When it comes to car seat features that moms love, portability is essential. The Graco SnugRide 35 Infant Car seat is so easy to carry. It is incredibly light and features an ergonomic handle that makes it even more effortless to carry.

Effortless to Carry

It is a breeze taking this car seat from its base and transferring it to the stroller frame. Parents can rest at ease while on the go without disturbing the baby.

Dimensions

The Graco SnugRide 35 Infant Car Seat weighs just 7.5 pounds. It can be used by infants beginning at 4 pounds to toddlers weighing 35 pounds. The height limit is 32 inches. It is compatible with Graco click connect strollers.

Pros 

• Super lightweight at just 7.5 pounds!
• 6 recline positions for the best fit in your vehicle
• The level indicator helps you install this seat correctly

Cons 

• Lighter weight materials can be less durable and make this seat less likely to hold up

5.Graco SnugRide 30 – Best Price Infant Seat

This infant car seat offers all of the Graco value points at an affordable price. It is lightweight and easily portable. Installation is a piece of cake with Graco’s click connect technology.

The Graco SnugRide 30 Infant Car Seat weighs 13.2 pounds. It can be used by infants beginning at 4 pounds to toddlers weighing 30 pounds. The height limit is 30 inches.

Compatibility with Strollers

This seat is compatible with Graco click connect strollers and bases. It expires seven years after purchase.

Pros 

• Lightweight for easy carrying and transferring
• Easy installation

• Great, low price
• Expiration of 7 years

Cons 

• Less durable model
• Lower height and weight limits than comparable models

6.Graco Extend2Fit Convertible–  A Top Choice Convertible Seat

We love this seat can accommodate rear-facing toddlers until a higher weight limit. It is also very comfortable for the child, with a six-position recline and a ten position headrest. Graco Extend2Fit has a steel-reinforced frame that provides strength and durability for many years of use.

Graco Extend2Fit Convertible Car Seat can be used in the rear-facing position for babies weighing 4-50 pounds. Toddlers weighing 22-65 pounds can safely ride forward-facing.

Important Note

Remember that it is recommended to keep your toddler rear-facing until it exceeds the maximum size possible for this position.  Extend2Fit seat provides 5 inches of extra legroom allowing your child to ride safely rear-facing longer.

Pros 

• 4 position extension panel allowing toddlers 5 extra inches of legroom
• Reinforced steel frame
• One second latch attachment

• Two cup holders
• Machine washable seat pad

Cons 

• Smaller cars cannot necessarily accommodate the extra leg room provided

7.Graco Milestone All-in-1 Convertible Car Seat – Multipurpose Seat

We love this seat because it is an all in one product that grows with your child. Parents don’t need to spend more time and money shopping for additional car seats.

As your child grows, simply change the seat for an updated function. It accommodates newborns to toddlers rear-facing, forward-facing toddlers, and finally older children as a booster seat.

The Graco Milestone All-in-1 Convertible Car Seat weighs 19.4 pounds. It can be used in the rear-facing position for babies weighing 5-40 pounds. Toddlers weighing 22-65 pounds can safely ride forward-facing. From 30 to 100 pounds, use this seat as a belt-positioning booster.

Pros

• Grows with your child through every stage
• 4 position recline
• Meets or exceeds all federal safety standards
• Has been side impact tested
• Plush inserts for comfort and best fit

Cons 

• Heavyweight and difficult to lift or move
• High price

8.Graco 4Ever 4-in-1 Convertible Car Seat – Longest Lasting Combination Seat

This car seat is the longest-lasting combination seat on the market. It can be used in 4 different modes and accommodates children up to 120 pounds! A family can use this one car seat for ten years and not ever have to purchase another seat.

This seat can be used from birth for rear-facing infants and toddlers. Then it converts to a front-facing harness seat. Lastly, it can be used as a booster, with both high back and backless options. It is also durable enough to hold up well through all of these stages.

Dimensions

The Graco 4Ever 4-in-1 Convertible Car Seat weighs 22.75 pounds. It can be used in the rear-facing position for babies weighing 4-40 pounds. Toddlers weighing 22-65 pounds can safely ride forward-facing.  When it is time for a belt-positioning booster, children weighing 30-100 pounds can use it as a high back booster.  For the backless booster mode, children can use this seat from 40-120 pounds.

Pros

• One seat to last from birth to mid-childhood!
• No other seats to buy!
• Highly durable
• Easy installation
• One-hand adjust

Cons 

• Harness loosens over time
• Padding is less comfortable than most

9.Graco Size4Me 65 Convertible Car Seat – The Easiest Seat To Clean

This seat has a sleek design and trendy details. The pop of color on its seam and the floral print make it a very attractive seat.It is engineered to be super safe and it did well on crash tests. The Graco Size4Me 65 Convertible Car Seat meets or exceeds every federal standard.

Machine-Washable

Washing this car seat is so easy. You can pull off the “rapid remove” cover in one swift movement. The seat can remain installed and the buckles can stay in place. Then you can machine wash the cover and safely toss it into the dryer. Easy to clean means no stressing about all of the little messes kids make.

Rear and Forward Facing

The Graco Size4Me 65 Convertible Car Seat can weigh 19.3 pounds. It can be used in the rear-facing position for babies weighing 4-40 pounds. Toddlers weighing 22-65 pounds can safely ride forward-facing.

Pros 

• So easy to clean
• Attractive pattern and color pallet
• Side impact tested

Cons 

• Not as durable or long-lasting as comparable car seats

10.Graco My Ride 65 Convertible – The Lightest Weight Car Seat

This seat is Graco’s lightest-weight convertible car seat. It’s an all-around win with a reasonable price and accountable safety features too.

Hassle-Free Installation

My Ride 65 has an option to be installed via Latch or vehicle seatbelt. It has an easy-to-read level indicator for hassle-free installation.

Safety Ratings

Graco My Ride 65 is Latch equipped and side-impact tested. It has an exclusive energy-absorbing foam for added safety. The harness can be easily adjusted while the baby sits in the seat.

Graco My Ride 65 expiration dates are as follows:

1. Car seat manufactured before January 1, 2014, have an expiration date of 6 years.
2. Seats manufactured after January 1, 2014, have an expiration date of 10 years.

Important Recommendation

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends rear-facing until the child is 2 years of age. Ideally, they suggest leaving them rear-facing until they reach the maximum height and weight limit listed in the manual.

The longer they can rear face, the safer they will ride. The Graco My Ride 65 Convertible Car Seat lets your child ride safer longer. The weight limit is ten pounds higher than the standard car seat offers.

Dimensions

Convertible Car Seat can be used in the rear-facing position for babies weighing 4-50 pounds. Toddlers weighing 22-65 pounds can safely ride forward-facing. Remember that it is recommended to keep your toddler rear-facing until exceeds the maximum size possible for this position.  

Easy to Clean

The seat cushion is machine washable, and the rest of the seat can be wiped down or spot cleaned.

Pros 

• Higher weight and height limits keep your child rear-facing longer
• Easy to read leveling indicator
• Integrated cup holders

Cons 

• Difficult to install

• Very large
• Not practical for newborns or small infants

11.Graco Turbo Booster Grow High Back Booster – Top Choice Graco Booster 

This seat is very popular and received top ratings from consumer magazines and publications. It comes at an excellent value for all of its convenience features. It is extremely safe, easy to carry, and it has fun features that kids love.

The Graco Turbo Booster Grow performed well on crash tests. It was also a side impact tested. Its shell is made of energy-absorbing foam to reduce the impact of a collision that reaches your child.

You can carry this seat with one hand. The seat bottom and backstay are connected. This makes it easier to move it from car to car or take it out for any other reason. Kids seem love this seat too. Their favorite features tended to be the padded, adjustable armrests or the hideaway cup holders.

Graco Turbo Booster Seat Expiration date is 10 years.

The Highback Turbo Booster Car Seat weighs 8.42 pounds, making it one of the lightest weight booster car seats. Children from 30-120 pounds can ride in it. It converts to backless for children starting at 40 pounds whose heads don’t reach over the car’s seatback. Even at a later age, you can use the RightGuide seat belt trainer components to help a child until they are 120 pounds or 5 feet tall.

Pros

• Cup holders
• Adjustable padded armrests
• Top safety features

Cons 

• Too wide for some bucket seats
• Less durable materials

12.Graco Affix Backless Booster – Our Top Choice Backless

This backless booster seat is an around great pick. Parents can easily install it in even the smallest cars! That helps make daily buckling super straightforward. Kids will be able to buckle themselves without needing help. 

Safety Ratings

Graco Affix Booster was crash tested to meet or exceed US standards. Furthermore, this booster with Latch System has been side-impact tested.

Engineered with Graco ProtectPlus

There is a reason why Graco boosters are so popular among parents. This booster passed the most rigorous crash tests that help protect your child in frontal, side, rear, and rollover crashes. 

Dimensions

The Graco Affix Booster Car Seat weighs 5 pounds, and it is 8.6 inches high. Ensure that your child’s head does not reach over the seat’s back when he/she sits in the booster car seat. Children can ride in the  Graco Affix Booster Car Seat from 40-100 pounds and up to 70 inches tall.

Pros 

• Easy installation
• Quick and easy tightening action
• Hideaway storage compartment
• Lightest weight Graco booster car seat

Cons 

• Too wide for some cars

13.Graco TurboBooster LX Backless Booster – Best Price Booster 

Graco Turbobooster LX raises your child to the proper height for use with your vehicle’s lap/shoulder belt. It also has a front-adjust LATCH system.

It provides a secure connection to your car to keep the booster seat secure even when it’s unoccupied. Furthermore, Latch helps keep the seat in place, thus making it easier for your child to buckle the seat belt independently.

Great Value Booster

This backless booster comes at a great value. It’s muted color and simple fabric blends right in with any car’s interior. It has a cup holder for your little one’s drink to rest. And it even has storage compartments inside where your child can store things he/she uses on car rides.

Dimensions

The Graco TurboBooster LX Backless Booster Car Seat weighs 3.5 pounds and it is 8.6 inches high. Ensure that your child’s head does not reach over the seat’s back when he sits in the booster car seat. Children can ride in the  Graco TurboBooster LX Backless Booster Car Seat from 40-100 pounds and up to 57 inches tall.

Pros 

• Low price for a great value
• One-hand front adjust
• Integrated cup holder
• Hideaway storage
• Easy cleaning: removable and washable pads

Cons 

• Not the most durable of Graco booster car seats

14.Graco Affix Youth Booster Seat with Latch System – Car Seat for the Independent Child

This is the best car seat for the child who wants to “do it herself.” The child can easily climb in and settle herself.

The latch system facilitates independent buckling (always double-check). It also helps secure the seat while no one is sitting in it. You can adjust this seat from the front, which makes any adjustments quick and easy to complete.

The Graco Affix Youth Booster Seat with Latch System weighs 9.8 pounds. It can be used by children from 30-100 pounds and up to 57 inches tall. This is from about 3-10 years of age. You can remove the high back for a backless booster but the height and weight requirements differ.

Pros 

• Multilayer headrest helps keep your little rider nice and cozy
• Simple colors and fabrics that match well to any car’s interior
• Easy to adjust for the perfect, secure placement

Cons 

• Difficult to unlatch when transferring a car to car
• Some issues with the head support’s durability

15.Graco TurboBooster LX High Back Car Seat – The Booster with the Most Features

This high back car seat comes in modern and edgy prints and colors. It is very easy to attach and secure to the car seat with a one-hand latch. The secure connection makes sure that the seat stays in place while not in use.

The Latch system also helps facilitate independent buckling because the seat won’t move as the child reaches back for the strap.

Dimensions

The Graco TurboBooster LX High Back Car Seat weighs 10.55 pounds. It accommodates children weighing 30-100 pounds and up to 57 inches tall. This is about age 4 to age 10.

Pros 

• Hideaway cup holders
• One-hand latch system
• Machine-washable seat cushion

Cons 

• Stains easily
• Armrest interferes with the seat belt in some vehicles

Buyer’s Guide

The most important things to look for when shopping for a Graco car seat are safety, ease of cleaning, durability, and pricing. Safety is a given, but don’t underestimate the value of an easy-to-clean car seat. Pricing matters, but so does a car seat that holds up well over time.

Safety

Safety is every parent’s number one priority when it comes to car seats. At all ages and stages, our little ones’ security is our top focus. Riding in a car comes with a level of danger that requires vigilance. This matters particularly when it comes to our littlest family members.

Car seats should be crash-tested from the front, side, and back impact. The safest car seats are also rollover tested. Rollover accidents are the most deadly kind.

Maximum testing means maximum safety, and the safest car seats don’t just meet but exceed federal standards.

Ease of Cleaning

Any person young enough to ride in a car seat has a tendency to make a mess. However, the child is not likely the one who cleans it up. Cleaning comes with the territory during parenthood. It is wise to choose a car seat that is easy to clean.

The simplest car seats to wash have a fabric that can be removed in one go. You’ll want to be able to remove it and put it back together without having to touch the straps. Ideally, seek out a car seat whose covers can be machine washed and tumble dried.

Durability

Car seats are an investment and a frequently used product. You will want to select a car seat that can stand the test of time. It needs to last through wear and tear. You want to avoid requiring to purchase more than one of the same type when one gives out.

When deciding upon a car seat, look for high-quality materials. Most families appreciate lightweight car seat models for practical reasons. However, it is best to ensure that lightweight materials do not go too far and compromise durability.

Pricing

The best car seats have great features and a great price to match. Never choose a car seat based on price alone, but always take it into consideration. Safety is first, but there is no need to overpay for what you get.

The preferable option is to look at your desired features first. After narrowing down to a few workable choices, weigh out the prices. If you are confident in a seat’s quality, consider its cost next. Look for a car seat that offers the best value.

Graco Car Seat Expiration

All Graco seats have an expiration date on them. Usually, this date is 7 years, but it can range from 6-10, so check your specific car seat’s manual. Also, you can find it either on the bottom or on the back of the car seat. Always check the exact date and never use the car seat after it has expired!

Frequently Asked Questions 

Are Graco FAA approved?

These car seats are FAA-approved, with the exception of booster seats or combination seats in booster mode. If the car seat has a harness, it is FAA-approved. A booster seat or a combination seat in booster mode requires a shoulder belt. Therefore, it cannot be used in an airplane.

Can Graco car seats be rear-facing on an airplane?

Yes, if the child is under the height and weight limits for rear-facing in a car. If they rear face in a car, they can rear face on a plane. An infant seat should always be rear-facing, and cannot be used facing forward.

When flying, can I check my Graco car seat? Can I bring it on board the plane? Will I need to pay a fee to check it or bring it onboard?

You can fly with these car seats, and it will not count towards your baggage allowance. There is no fee to bring a car seat along. You can bring the car seat on board if you have purchased a separate car seat for your child. If you have not bought a car seat for your child, it may still be possible depending on the airline’s policy. Check with the airline.

Can a Graco car seat fit into any stroller? Or do I need a specific one?

Graco infant car seats can fit into Graco click connect strollers. They can also fit into other brand stroller frames with the help of special adapters.

How to clean a Graco car seat?

The seat cover is machine washable but make sure it’s on a delicate cycle. Then let it air dry since it is not recommended to use a dryer. Any plastic parts can be cleaned with water and mild soap. However, it is important to mention not to use bleach or detergent in the process. The harness straps can be cleaned with a small towel or washcloth.

What is side impact protection? Is it a federal requirement?

Side impact protection helps to decrease the risk of a child dying in a collision from the side. It is not federally required, but new laws are being proposed to change that.

About 5 children die each year, and about 60 are injured in these types of crashes. Although it is not required, many brands choose to include side impact protection. Always look for this when purchasing a car seat.

Why Buy Graco Car Seat?

Graco car seats are trusted by parents and loved by kids. Babies and children alike love their comfortable, cozy materials and special features. Parents depend on their added safety features and love the models that grow with the child. Graco is a great all-around brand of car seats!

Have you tried any of these seats before? Which one is your best Graco infant car seat? Which one is your best Graco infant/convertible/booster seat? Let us know in the comments below!