My review of the Graco Size4Me 70 will be coming in the next few weeks. Suffice to say that I really like it overall and it may well be added as one of our recommended carseats in the next update. One of the few drawbacks of the Size4Me 70 was the 40″ stated rear-facing height limit, reducing the rear-facing potential of this very tall seat.
I am happy to say that effective immediately, this restriction is no longer in place and is retroactive to all Size4Me 70 seats already sold! The new height limit is that the top of the child’s head must be at least 1” (2.54 cm) below the bottom of the red head support actuator when using the seat rear facing. The head support may be placed in any of the adjustment positions provided that the shoulder harness is positioned at or below the child’s shoulders!
This change will make the Size4Me one of the very best models to keep your child rear-facing as long as possible all the way up to the 40 pound rear-facing weight limit!
My Size 70 Rear Facing Questions FINAL
Size4Me 70 Rear Facing Questions FINAL
What are the rear facing limits for the Size4Me™ 70 Seat?
Based on continuing child fit studies, Graco is changing the rear facing height limit for the Size4Me™ 70 car seat. The rear facing weight limit will remain unchanged at 40lb. We are updating the height restriction to eliminate the 40” upper limit. The new rear facing limits will be:
- The Size4Me™ 70 CRS is certified for use rear facing with children up to 40lbs. (18Kg). Some children approaching 40lbs. may be too tall to fit rear facing. It is important that the top of the child’s head must be at least 1” (2.54 cm) below the bottom of the red head support actuator when using the seat rear facing. The head support may be placed in any of the adjustment positions provided that the shoulder harness is positioned at or below the child’s shoulders and there is no interference with the front vehicle seats.
These new limits were established to support allow the longest rear facing usage aligned with the new American Academy of Pediatrics guidelines (In April 2011 – the AAP advised parents to keep their toddlers in rear-facing car seats until age 2, or until they reach the maximum height and weight for the seat) while also allowing for proper vehicle fit and to avoid interactions between the adjustable head support and front vehicle seats. The new limits take into account the significant variation in vehicle rear seats as well as differences that exist in seated child height versus standing height.
This change is retroactive for all Size4Me™ 70 seats.
What head support positions are allowed in rear facing mode?
There are no restrictions on the head support for rear facing mode. All positions may be utilized. Based on our fit studies and the height and weight limits, most children will outgrow the rear facing mode by height and weight in head support positions 4-6. Since the head support also controls the harness positions, it is important to adjust the head support so that the harness position is at or just below the child’s shoulders in rear facing mode.
Does the 1” rule for the top of the child’s head in rear facing mode apply to the Size4Me 70?
Due to the design of the Size4Me™ 70, the traditional 1” rule does not apply. This rule was modified to measure the 1” distance from the bottom of the red head support actuator rather than the top of the seat shell. The top of the child’s head must be 1” below the bottom of the red head support actuator when used rear facing.
Can the Head Support contact the back of the vehicle seat in rear facing mode?
It is OK for the back of the Size4Me™ head support to touch the back of the vehicle seat when installed rear facing providing the following:
1) The contact does not interfere with the proper installation of the CRS
2) There is no interference that would create pressure or force on the car seat from the back of the front vehicle seat that would cause the car seat to move or change recline angle.
3) The car seat can be properly leveled and attached to the vehicle seat.
4) The child’s shoulders are appropriately positioned at or below the harness position set by the head support.
No one mentions the three reclining positions available on this seat. For those of you with toddlers using this seat do you keep the seat in the fully reclined position or are you adjusting to one of the more upright positions? The more upright positions are indicated as forward facing only. Would love your thoughts. Thanks!
Our review is now posted:
https://carseatblog.com/18372/graco-size4me-70-convertible-carseat-review/
When are you going to have a full review of the MySize70? I am due soon and am wanting to skip buying an infant seat and just get a convertible seat, but I have yet to see any “professional” reviews on it.
Hi Karen,
I expect our review of the Size4Me 70 will be published by the end of September, apologies for the delay!
This is great news. Is this information published anywhere?
The Size4Me 70 is around a few inches taller with the head restraint raised, but the rear-facing weight limit is 5 lbs. lower than the Radian.
very interesting information. First time buyer of a convertable carseat. Due to the tallness of my 1 year old, the Diono RadianXRT has been suggested. How does the Graco hight compare? My son is 1, 32″ and 24pounds. He has a long torso and broad shoulders. Like the price range on this Graco but not sure the high is going to work in the long run.
Any help/suggestions?
WAY TO GO GRACO!
I don’t know what is involved in a 45 lb. rear-facing limit, other than additional testing, of course. On the other hand, harness heights of 18″ or more usually require a lot of extra engineering and almost always result in a very large and very heavy seat. While this may work in a combination booster for older kids, it’s generally not a tradeoff that is made for a convertible seat that is also designed for infants.
I can’t wait to see this seat. We still need our Radians though, my 3.5 year old is 42 pounds. I would love to see this rf to 45 lbs and a harness height of 18-19″ then I would have no choice but to buy one!
For those asking about retailers and Canada- My understanding is that BuyBuyBaby and specialty retailers like http://www.Kids-N-Cribs.com have the Size4Me 70 now in Branson and will have the Grafton fashion soon. Babies R Us will have the Odyssey and Thunder fashions this fall. Graco plans to have the Size4Me 70 available in Canada and also at Amazon.com, but there is no specific timetable for these, yet.
Squeeeee! Such good news! Thanks, Graco.
Yay happy to hear this, hope they show a good size toddler using it rear-facing, and older child forward.
It should fit most full-term newbs 7 lbs. or more, based on the Huggable Images newborn doll, using the infant torso insert that also adds padding under baby and raises it slightly. It does not fit the Huggable Images 4lb. preemie doll.
@Noah – I’m editing my original comment because the bottom harness setting on the Size4Me isn’t as low as I thought it was. It should be a good fit on an average-sized full term newborn but may not fit smaller newborns or preemies very well.
Fantastic. Will it actually fit newbies like the MyRide does? If so we have a real winner when it comes to a 40lb rfing seat! Something other than the radian finally!
Awesome!
Now I am just waiting for the Odyssey pattern to hit stores! (happydance)
GREAT news!!! Thank you, Graco! 🙂
WOW!!! I’m impressed! Woo-hoo!
Way to go Graco!
WAHOOO!! Buh-Bye Radian! 😉