Graco SlimFit3 LX/True3Fit LX 3-in-1 Carseat Review
An ultra-slim carseat that claims to fit 3-across in most mid-sized vehicles seems too good to be true but we were cautiously optimistic! Would it live up to its promises? Graco was kind enough to send us three Slimfit3LX seats, so we put the triplets through the paces.
WEIGHT & HEIGHT LIMITS:
- Rear-facing: 5-40 lbs. AND child’s head is 1” below height adjustment handle
- Forward-facing: 22-65 lbs., 49” or less
- Highback booster: 40-100 lbs., 43-57”, at least 4 years old
SLIMFIT3 LX OVERVIEW:
- Adjustable base with 2 rear-facing recline positions, 2 forward-facing recline positions, 1 booster recline position
- No-rethread harness with 10 position headrest
- Easy-to-read ball level indicator on each side
- Energy-absorbing EPS foam
- Seatbelt lockoff for forward-facing use
- On-board harness storage for booster mode
- Steel reinforced frame
- Two optional cup holders
- Machine-washable Rapid Remove™ cover
- 10 yr lifespan before expiration
- Made in China
- MSRP $279.99
- Fashions (Kunningham, Katrina, & Stanford)
TRUE3FIT LX
Fashion: Bates (Navy/Gray)
Difference between the SlimFit3 LX and True3Fit LX? The only difference is the fashions. Otherwise, they are completely identical. True3Fit LX is a Walmart exclusive for now and Walmart wanted its own version with a unique name. Whatever. Big retailers do that sometimes.
Difference between the SlimFit3 LX and the original SlimFit 3-in-1 models? The SlimFit3 LX is 2″ narrower by our measurements and has removable cup holders, along with some other structural differences. Full details can be found here: A Comparison of Graco SlimFit3 LX & Original Graco SlimFit Models
SLIMFIT3 LX MEASUREMENTS:
Minimum Harness height: 7” with infant insert; 8” without insert
Maximum Harness height: 17.75″
Shoulder belt guide height: 19.5”
External widest point: 16.5”
Shell height with headrest: 30.25”
Shoulder width: 14”
Crotch strap depth: inner slot: 3” with insert; 3 ¼ ”, 5”, 6” without insert
Seat depth: 12”
Seat weight: 18.8 lbs. with insert, 18.3 lbs. without insert
3-Across Advice
I took a pic of the narrowest convertible carseats on the market for 3-across situations (see our article on 3-across situations). All these seats are roughly the same width, but how they mesh together in vehicles is what makes them good (or bad) for 3-across.
Left to rt: Radian, SlimFit3, Fllo, Scenera Next
What sets the SlimFit3 apart in this group is that it’s a 3-in-1 which works well in all modes. The Clek Foonf, Clek Fllo and Cosco Scenera Next are just convertible seats (rear-facing & forward-facing), they can’t be used as a booster. The Diono Radian 3RXT seats are technically 3-in-1 seats with the option to be used as a booster but they are notorious for being outgrown quickly and not fitting kids well in booster mode.
Three-Across Rules for the SlimFit3 LX/True3Fit LX – Straight from Graco:
- Touching is OK, but overlap is not. Installing three carseats across a back seat would be nearly impossible in most vehicles unless they touched in some manner. Overlap means there’s probably some jockeying for position, which means interference with proper installation.
- Remove the cup holders if they get in the way
You may want a SlimFit3 for a 3-across situation or because you need a narrow-ish carseat in general, or simply because you like the looks and features of the seat. The manual addresses 3-across installations overtly and in ways you may not realize. In the section just before rear-facing installation, there are tips for how to install, position, and use the features of the carseat.
Also, more subtly, each installation section begins with instructions on how to install with the seat belt. Most people don’t read Graco instruction manuals as often as I do (I read more Graco manuals than I do books or magazine articles), but all other Graco manual installation sections begin with LATCH. It’s a subtle difference, but they’re telling you that seat belt installation is their preference.
Why install with a seat belt? The lower LATCH connectors for the SlimFit3 can only be used in positions with standard LATCH spacing, like outboard seating positions or middle seats with 11” lower anchor spacing (also found in vehicles with 3 full sets of LATCH). Installing with LATCH limits the positioning of the carseat. With seatbelt installation, the SlimFit3 can be shifted slightly to one side or the other as the belt is tightened. The ability to position the carseat a little more to the left or to the right can make a big difference when you are trying to fit seats side-by-side.
The LATCH connectors are somewhat difficult to remove from their storage area. You must press on a plastic tab then pull the connector horizontally toward your finger, which is in the way holding the tab down. You can get the connector over the tab and it will then hold it down for you, but it still takes a big horizontal yank to get it free. It’s . . . awkward.
There are also 3 tabs that hold the LATCH strap in place while it’s in storage. This is all right about the same place as the rear-facing belt path, but the tabs do NOT hold the LATCH strap in place while the carseat is installed with LATCH. Here’s what I’m talking about. See the tabs holding the LATCH strap nicely in place? ↓
Now see where the LATCH strap lays when the SlimFit3 is installed? ↓
Of course this may depend on your vehicle as well, but you get the picture.
So how does the SlimFit3 install? Pretty easily, especially with those wide belt paths. Anytime you have a 3-across, it’s going to be a tough installation with some tugging and sweating. Graco has done a very nice job smoothing out the belt paths to reduce hand scrapes. I’ll offer some pro tips I picked up from installing the triplets below.
A tip about 3-across situations, in general: max out harness before switching to booster mode! Use this carseat’s 5-point harness until your child’s shoulders reach the maximum harness height or until they hit the max 65 lbs. weight limit for the harness. In general, when you have a highback booster next to another carseat, no one will be able to get a hand in between the seats to buckle the seat belt. You may wind up leaving the seat belt buckled over the booster while having your child perform daily acrobatic acts to get under the seat belt and into the seat. That’s a daily struggle that you want to avoid for as long as possible. Keeping your kids in the 5-point harness for as long as they technically still fit, makes getting everyone buckled much easier.
INSTALLATION:
Rear-Facing Installation
- When rear-facing, either of the rear-facing reclines can be used to achieve an appropriate recline.
- The bottom cover unsnaps for access to the RF belt path.
- Seat belts in vehicles built after 1996 lock in some manner. Most lock by pulling out all the way slowly, then letting the belt retract. To reduce tipping of the SlimFit3 because of the wide belt path opening, pull the shoulder belt tight first and hold it tight with the hand closest to the latch plate, then lock the seat belt with your other hand and feed the shoulder belt into the retractor.
- The tighter you pull the seat belt, the higher up the shoulder belt will sit under the child’s thigh because of the wide-mouth belt path. Most kids probably won’t feel this, but if you have a sensitive child, they’ll feel the difference in height between their legs. If this happens and you can, install the seat with LATCH instead. If not, see the above bullet point for help with lessening that shoulder belt pull.
- Start with a rear-facing installation in the center first for a 3-across because the seats will puzzle better that way
- The SlimFit3 is a relatively compact front-to-back carseat, but taller drivers in compact cars may still find their legs cramped depending on what they drive. Try putting the driver’s seat more upright or move the RF carseat to a different position if you can.
Forward-Facing Installation
- When forward-facing, either of the forward-facing reclines can be used to achieve an appropriate recline.
- When installing with the seat belt, use the lockoff in the forward-facing belt path.
- The backrest cover lifts up for easy access to the belt path.
Changing the LATCH strap from the rear-facing belt path to the forward-facing belt path involves sliding it under a metal bar inside the carseat. Pull the LATCH connectors close together, then slide the strap up the metal bar; slide it behind the harness and through the forward-facing belt path. We have a video to show you how:
LATCH Weight Limits
Rear-facing LATCH weight limit: 40 lbs.
Forward-facing LATCH weight limit: 45 lbs.
Center LATCH installations with Non-Standard Spacing
Not allowed. Lower anchors must be spaced 11″ across.
Inflatable Seat Belts
Graco has determined that the SlimFit3 CAN be installed with inflatable seat belts found in some Ford Motor Company vehicles. Other types of inflatable seat belts are still incompatible for use with the SlimFit3. When installing the SlimFit3 with an inflatable seat belt, make sure the lockoff is closed and thread the seat belt over the top of it. Lock the retractor to make sure the seat belt stays tight.
Booster Installation
- The harness is stored on-board in the storage compartment. Only the chest clip and buckle tongs are stored inside the compartments. The buckle lays back into a spot under the child’s bum. Tech tip: recline the carseat first and the harness will stay put more easily in the compartment and you won’t need to be an octopus and wrangle it vertically.
- When used as a highback booster, the seat can be secured with LATCH up to 100 lbs., the maximum weight limit as a highback booster. If the LATCH strap or connectors interfere with the vehicle buckle or seat belt in any way, store it in its storage location under the child’s thighs.
- The recline position must be set to position 4, which is most upright.
PUTTING THE SLIMFIT3 TO THE TEST:
I installed the SlimFit3 triplets in several vehicles with help from a couple of CPST friends in their vehicles. See below for our results. Of course, YMMV depending on your specific vehicle and trim line.
Passenger | Center | Driver Side
ICS = Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35
HBB = Graco TurboBooster Highback
2020 Ford Explorer 2nd Row
Graco submitted this to CarseatBlog for the review
RF | RF | RF
FF | FF | FF
FF | FF | RF
ICS | FF | FF
ICS | FF | RF
HBB | FF | FF
HBB | FF | RF
2019 Honda Odyssey 3rd Row
Graco submitted this to CarseatBlog for the review
FF | FF | FF
RF | FF | FF
HBB | FF | FF
HBB | FF | RF
2018 Tesla Model 3
Overall, the carseat installed typically for a Graco in the Model 3. A rear-facing center installation will be very difficult. What works:
FF | FF | RF as will the RF carseat behind the passenger.
FF | RF | FF
Skinny backless booster* | RF | FF
Skinny backless booster | FF | FF
*I suggest putting a belt-positioning booster rider on the passenger side because the buckle on the driver side is so far behind the center carseat that it makes it very difficult to find and buckle the seat belt.
2015 Nissan Versa
In this cramped back seat, the best configuration was with the RF seat in the center. The door didn’t want to close with 3 FF seats. Due to the wide angle of the lens, it looks like there’s overlap in the pics, but there’s not.
FF | RF | FF
Skinny backless booster | RF | FF
2014 Honda Odyssey 2nd Row
What doesn’t fit in an Ody? The triplets fit beautifully in any configuration with room to spare!
Highback booster (HBB) | RF | FF
FF | RF | FF
RF | RF | RF
FF | FF | FF
HBB | RF | HBB
2011 Acura MDX
There was plenty of room for a 3-across in the MDX. I tried the center RF with the ceiling seat belt, but wasn’t happy with the inches of movement at the belt path, so I switched to a LATCH install. The MDX has 3 full sets of lower LATCH anchors. It definitely set the carseat closer to the driver’s side but not so much as to affect installation of the FF carseat and the RF install was so much better.
Highback booster (HBB) | RF | FF
FF | RF | FF
FF | FF | FF
HBB | FF | HBB
HBB | HBB | HBB
RF | RF | RF
FIT TO CHILD:
The SlimFit3 has a head support, body support pad, and harness covers.
Head support: Use rear-facing only; use is optional
Body support pad: Use rear-facing only; must be used if shoulders are below the lowest harness setting; once shoulders are above the lowest harness setting, use is optional
Harness covers: Must be used when forward-facing if child is between 22-25 lbs.; otherwise, use is optional; make sure they don’t interfere with chest clip placement at armpit level
The headrest and backrest pad ships in the lowest position with the backrest pad between the harness and touching the buckle so the child sits on it. This is how it should be used. Its design allows it to be folded under behind the child’s back, but Graco does NOT allow this use.
There are 3 buckle positions from which to choose so your child isn’t sitting on the buckle, and any of them can be used rear-facing. Forward-facing, use the outer two buckle slots only.
There are no surprises as far as fit to child goes with this carseat. It’s a Graco carseat and they haven’t veered off their well-known track of carseats that fit children well from newborn to average 9-year-old. The SlimFit3 fit my larger newborn/1 mo old-sized doll well (0-3 mo. clothes are a little large on him): I even had to adjust the headrest up one notch for proper fit on him.
COVER/EASE OF USE:
The cover can be thrown in the washing machine on gentle cycle. Hang to dry. The Rapid Remove cover comes in 5 or 6 pieces, depending on how you remove the cover. Removing and replacing the covers is fairly easy. I really like the Rapid Remove cover because you can select the section that needs to be cleaned instead of washing the whole thing. One super bonus: no elastics! However, I was practically begging for the elastics after trying to snap the cover back together—the snaps can be tough for someone with hand issues.
The cup holders are optional, SUPER easy to connect and disconnect, and dishwasher-safe. Listen for a solid “click” to know they’re attached properly.
FAA-APPROVAL/LIFESPAN/CRASH GUIDELINES:
The SlimFit3 is FAA-approved when used with the harness. If you’re using it as a booster seat, you can’t use it on the plane because booster seats require lap/shoulder belts. I think the SlimFit3 has awesome potential as a travel seat because it’s not a tremendously heavy seat (it’s downright lightweight as a 3-in-1!), it’s narrow, and it has the lockoff. I know that every ounce counts when your plane is at that last gate in the airport (they always are!), but it’s also nice to know that with the easy-to-use lockoff, you won’t need to figure out an unfamiliar vehicle’s seat belt locking mechanism at your destination when you’re tired and possibly frustrated.
This carseat has a lifespan of 10 years from the date of manufacture. It must be replaced after any crash, including a minor one.
SLIMFIT3 LX ADVANTAGES:
- Adjustable base with 2 rear-facing recline positions, 2 forward-facing recline positions, 1 booster recline position
- Wide, smooth belt paths fit larger hands and keep them scrape-free
- No re-thread harness with 10 position headrest
- Easy-to-read ball level indicator on each side of carseat
- Energy-absorbing EPS foam
- Seat belt lockoff for forward-facing use
- On-board harness storage for booster mode
- Steel reinforced frame
- Two optional cup holders
- Nice LATCH storage
- Machine-washable Rapid Remove™ cover
- 10 yr lifespan before seat expires
SLIMFIT3 LX DISADVANTAGES:
- No rear-facing lockoff
- Removing LATCH connectors from storage is awkward
- Snaps on Rapid Remove™ cover are challenging
CONCLUSION:
I’ve really enjoyed getting to know the Graco SlimFit3 LX. Each carseat has its own personality and quirks and the SlimFit3 is no exception. The wide-open belt paths mean no more scrapes on hands when running a belt through the belt path. It’s a tall seat, typical for a Graco 3-in-1 product, so kids will make it to the full 40 lbs. rear-facing. But most of all, it’s skinny at the right price. The bang for the buck is there: RF, FF, highback booster in a carseat that’s 16.5” wide for $279. That’s hard to beat!
Thank you to Graco for providing the Graco SlimFit3 LX used for this review and for the vehicle test fit info (it’s hard work!). No other compensation was provided. All opinions expressed are those of the author.
CarseatBlog Experts Rating
Recommended: SlimFit3 LX and True3Fit LX
Thank you for your review! We are in need of finding 3 seats to accommodate our 3 RF in my small SUV (2019 Nissan Rogue Sport) I am hoping with the 11” base it will work. Our oldest is 2 and is very tiny, and I’m not ready to FF her yet.
It may work! Good luck!
Hi, I have a Honda HRV that does not have a middle seat top tether. Is it safe for me to install the true3fit in forward facing position without the top tether? The instruction manual does not provide for a situation of a forward facing installation without the top tether. If not (I.e. it has to be installed with a top tether in forward facing mode) will the seats fit RF, RF, FF?
Hi Michelle, you do have a top tether for the rear center seating position in your HRV, it’s just in a different location from the other 2. The tether anchor for the center seat is in the ceiling. Look up and you should find it, it’s probably under a plastic cover that has a logo with a ship anchor. If you still have trouble finding it, look for additional info in your vehicle owner’s manual. It’s going to be addressed somewhere in the section referencing how to install child safety seats in your vehicle. Hope that helps!
Hello , I wanted to know if Graco SlimFit3 LX 3-in-1 Car Seat will fit 3 across in my Mazda 3 2015 before I purchase,any info would be greatly appreciated. Thank you
Hi Marlene. Your backseat may most closely resemble the Nissan Versa we tested it in. The best configurations will be those that are opposites—FF|RF|FF. Sorry I can’t be more definitive than that!
Also, be sure to purchase somewhere with free/easy returns, as shipping one back if it doesn’t fit can cost a small fortune. 3-across in compact cars is always difficult to assess without being there in person. If you buy from Amazon or Walmart online, just be sure it’s sold/shipped by Amazon or Walmart and not a third party retailer. Walmart has a good deal on the identical True3Fit LX for $189 right now: https://fave.co/3oXlvTQ . You can even pickup in store and free 90 day return policy in case it doesn’t work.
I have a 2017 Chevy Traverse that only has 3 positions with top tethers (1 in the back row and 1 on each side of the middle seat so that the back would not be accessible if car seats were installed in all 3 places). Would this seat work forward facing without a top tether?
Hi Melissa. So you have the Traverse with the captain’s chairs option in the 2nd row? The bench seat in the 2nd row has 3 top tethers and then both models have a top tether in the center position of the 3rd row. While we always try to use the tether whenever possible when forward-facing, Graco doesn’t require its use. We *speculate* that lockoffs, like this seat has, help couple the carseat to the vehicle, which can help in scenarios like yours.
Hi! Thank you for all you do to help us get safe installs! I wanted to share a concern with this seat (Graco Slimfit3 LX) specifically–I have installed 4 other seats in at least 5 models of cars, and never had these types of challenges before, and am concerned that people may be installing an inherrently unsafe seat. Here is the concern: Even when I install the seat (rear facing) so that it does not move even a few millimeters back or forth or sideways along the belt path, it still rotates to the side 45+ degrees with minimal to moderate lateral pressure applied to the top of the seat, and pops forward/ smooshing against the back seat of the car and becoming completely loose with a small amount of pressure applied pressing the top of the back of the seat towards the back seat of the car. As I examine the mechanics of the car seat, the rear facing belt path is so close to the seat of the car and so tall, that I believe this is inevitable. When installed with shoulder belt, it rotates. When installes with belt with shoulder belt and separately purchased seatbelt locks, it flips forward. When installed with LATCH, it flips forward and/or rotates. I tried installing it center and sideboard in both a Scion XD and a 2014 Subaru Forester, and it had the same problem in both cars. I tried installing it at both tilt angles, same result. I wrote Graco 2 weeks ago (after buying 3 car seats), and haven’t received a reply, except the initial generic acknowledgement that they have received the message and someone will get back to me.
I am worried that people will use this seat because it is secure along the belt path, and their children will be sent flying (with the seat) in the event of a rear-end or side or flipped car accident.
Again, it’s not that I can’t get this car seat to install properly according to the directions, it is that the “proper” install is not safe, at least in these 2 models of cars, in any configuration. I believe this is also likely true for other, possibly all, models of cars.
Hi Elizabeth,
Rear-facing seats all have varying degrees of movement in regard to the top of the seat above the child’s head and also with rotation. This does vary with seat design and is generally not considered a safety concern as long as the seat is installed securely using the front-to-back and side-to-side test at the belt path within the “1 inch” test. There is also a general guideline to use your non-dominant hand with modest force to assess this, because the “300 pound fireman test” pulling strongly with both hands is often going to be able move many typical rear-facing car seats grossly out of position. Of course, if the car seat is shifting or rotating into an awkward position on its own during normal loading and driving, that is a major concern and would be a problem if it was in such a position prior to a crash.
One typical example is the installation of many rear-facing only infant seat carriers without the base. These are installed with the seatbelt system, using the tension of the lap/shoulder belt to compress the carrier into the vehicle seat to maintain a level position. It is very easy to pop it out of position using modest force by pushing on the top of the carrier or rotating it. Even so, as long as it remains in the correct level position in daily driving and is in position before a crash, it will work as intended and tested.
There are also rear-facing seats with various systems to reduce secondary movement, such as rear-facing tethers, anti-rebound bars and load legs. To my knowledge, none of these has proven to reduce the instance of severe or fatal injury in real-world crashes, as rear-facing car seats in general are very protective when installed and used according to the instructions. These systems often do show beneficial effects in crash testing, however. Many of my clients do appreciate the additional stability these systems provide, though usually at higher price points.
I have not noticed the SlimFit3 to be significantly different than similar models when installed rear-facing, but I will take another look this week.
Hi Elizabeth. I think I got the seat to do what you’re describing. Is it originating on the side of the carseat opposite of the buckle? That’s pretty normal movement, like Darren said. And especially easy to do if you push from the top of the carseat, which is why the test for snugness is at the belt path.
Some carseats will roll along the belt path more than others (like an aircraft roll: https://www.grc.nasa.gov/www/k-12/VirtualAero/BottleRocket/airplane/roll.html), but I don’t find the SlimFit3/True3Fit to be more inclined to do that, nor have I heard any feedback on it like that. It could be a combination of your carseat/vehicles though.
Let me know if I’m off in what I’m thinking the problem is.
Would 3 of these fit into a Chevy Cobalt 2009 LT?
Hi. I’m going to say it might, but I’m definitely not sure about it. I’ve never tried it, but it looks like maybe the back seat is similar in size to the Nissan Versa I tried. It’s always a huge pain with 3 seats, but if you can’t try them out first, be sure to buy from a place where you can return them (relatively) easily, like Amazon, Target, or Walmart.
How does this compare to the Chicco MyFit Combination? I’m looking for a narrow forward-facing that will grow with my 42” 36lbs (already switched to FF to deal with motion sickness) and install easily into Volvo XC60. Thanks!
Hi Danielle. The SlimFit3 is narrower than the MyFit and will probably be somewhat easier to install as well. I think it should also work better with the Volvo headrests given my experience with Tesla headrests, but be sure to extend the SlimFit3 headrest up and see how it fits. Volvos are notorious for headrest interference with carseats.
Hi,
In regards to the Odyssey configuration, when you say HBB, are you referring to the $50 Graco Highback booster seat or the slimfit in booster mode? Thank you!
Hi Alysse. The HBB is the Graco highback TurboBooster.
Thank you for your review! I’m a little confused by the results- for the 2019 odyssey- will the slimfit lx fit RF three in row in the 3rd row? or will it fit with 1 FF and 2 RF?
thank you!
Hi! According to Graco, it will fit 3 forward-facing across the 3rd row or 1 rear-facing on the passenger side with the other 2 forward-facing. HTH!
Hi! Do you feel the harness adjusts better than the Extend2Fit? I had 4 and hate them but really like the narrowness of this seat and price compared to my beloved Clek Fllos 🥴. thanks!
Hi Tara. Yes! They put the harness on the rollers, so it adjusts smoothly. The rollers reduce the friction greatly!
Do you remember where all the 16.5 widths on the seat were? Was hip area or shoulder area less than that or both 16.5 inches? I am needing a seat that is like 16 inches at hip area but can be 16.5 at shoulder. Thanks
Hi Miranda. It’s at both the shoulders and where the cup holders are attached.
Hello, have you tried the SlimFit3 LX in the model x? We have a model x 5 seater and plan to use this starting from the rear facing mode, this should fit without any problem? Thanks for your input.
The 5 seater is different than the version I have so it may not translate as well. I’d compare it more to my Model 3 perhaps in which it fit fine? It fits like a dream rear-facing, but forward-facing the Model X vehicle head restraint does place a fair amount of pressure on the carseat headrest. It didn’t really push it that far forward, but it was pressing hard on it. That would be a call for Graco to make on if they would approve it or not; it hasn’t happened on any of other Graco seats I have.
I am looking into purchasing one of these to add with my Graco SnugRide and Graco HighBack TurboBooster. I love Graco products. Has anyone tried a similar combination in a small SUV? I’m hoping to fit the three different seats in my CRV!
Otherwise I feel like I’m stuck purchasing a Diono. Though curious if these new Graco seats are slimmer than the Diono’s?
Hi Kati. In my measurements of the SlimFit3, it’s a little narrower than the Dionos, so I don’t think you’re “stuck” with a Diono. You may need to switch boosters, though. You may need to substitute one of the other seats, perhaps the booster, for an armless one. The Peg Perego Flex 120 (https://amzn.to/2Vi5mrg) and Maxi Cosi RodiFix (https://amzn.to/3pSBvom), unfortunately both expensive because they’re niche seats, are the only 2 seats without arms and are easy for kids to reach through to buckle.
Hello! I have a 2018 Range Rover Sport. I have a uppababy vista for infant but she is ready to go to a convertible. I plan on having more kids so I will keep this for future use. My question is… The vista will not fit behind the driver side as the front to back is very long so we moved it behind the passenger. I would like to keep that one there and install a convertible behind the diver side. Which convertible is the smallest front to back on the market? I am looking for two or three multi-convertible (RF, FF, Booster) to compare. My list is #1 – most compact front to back followed by #2 narrowest so if we had three children, we *could* put three in a row if needed. I have a list that people have recommended but I need suggestions please. They have recommended: Britax Advocate and Clicktight; Graco Extend-to-Fit, Triogrow, Slimfit3 LX, Nuna Rava, Clek Foonf, Fllo. Note that I will not be using the convertibles for any newborn infants, I will keep them in the infant carseat/carrier for as long as we meet the limits, so head/neck control isn’t necessarily an issue for the convertible carseat options. Please help! I can’t find what I need so far.
Hi Selina. It’s hard for me to say what is going to work for you front-to-back-wise because how much space the carseats take up depends on how they fit in each vehicle seat. In general, what we’ve found is that the Graco Extend2Fit is compact as is the SlimFit3 LX/True3Fit LX, and the Britax One4Life is more compact front to back than the regular ClickTight convertibles. The Nuna Rava is also fairly compact front-to-back.
Side-to-side, the narrowest by far will be the Graco SlimFit3 LX/True3Fit LX and the Clek seats. However, the Clek seats aren’t necessarily the most compact front-to-back (the Foonf requires the anti-rebound bar which adds inches). The Britax Boulevard and Marathon ClickTights are also fairly narrow, but I’m not sure they’re 3-across narrow enough for your vehicle.
Are there any crash test ratings for this car seat? I can’t seem to find any online.
Hi Shanna. No, carseats are unlike vehicles in that NHTSA doesn’t release crash test ratings. Manufacturers are responsible for testing carseats to make sure they pass Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213. Consumer Reports does extra testing that is considered reputable; however, it takes a long time to complete because it’s a long process and they test a number of seats at the same time.
That being said, because manufacturers test their carseats to the same standards (FMVSS 213) regardless of options available on them, they are all considered to be safe if they pass.
Is this more compact front to back than the Contender? We have no room for a front passenger with the Contender RF in a Toyota Yaris, hoping this is a better option!
Christie, the Contender only has one recline position for rear-facing. The Slimfit3 has 2 recline options for rear-facing. So, there is a better chance that you can get it more upright but I don’t think it’s going to make a huge difference in your subcompact car. While we LOVE the SlimFit3, in this case, I think you would be better served by something like a Britax ClickTight convertible which has MANY rear-facing recline positions that can be utilized. Young babies need more recline because they don’t have head/neck control yet but once your child is crawling or walking, you can definitely make the RF seat more upright. And the more upright the rear-facing seat, the more room will be available for the front seat passenger. HTH Good luck!
Thanks so much for the feedback. I probably should also have mentioned this is for our second (and rarely used car), so we’re looking for something more budget friendly and lighter weight for travel.
So appreciate the review!
Any idea how these would fit in a 2019 Honda CR-V? Preference is for 2 rear facing + infant car seat or 3 rear facing transitioning to forward facing over time.
Thanks!
You list the widest point at 16.5″ – do you have a width measurement for the base itself? I’m hoping to put our new baby in the center second row of a 2016 Expedition, but the space between seat belt recievers is super narrow! Thanks
Hi Beth. It’s 11.5″ x 13.5″. I’m not sure that will help a whole bunch, though, since the base sits forward of the bight by a few inches. I have the same issue in my Tesla Model 3 and it worked fine there, though with some muscle (as usual :/).
Do you know if Graco plans to make it available in Canada? Might wait a bit for this one instead of the Chicco MyFit which retails for $400 up here…Thanks
Hi Mariane. All Graco told me was that there are no plans to send it to Canada at this time. I don’t know what that means in terms of timelines, sorry!
I’ve installed mine rear facing in both of my cars and in each case the seat lurches forward (i.e. towards the rear of the car) when you push it with your hand. No matter how tight I make the seat belt or anchors or how sturdy it is side-to-side it still tips over. I have the Kunningham model – any suggestions?
Hi Sylvia. That’s normal movement called rebound. Some carseats have anti-rebound bars to prevent it, but it happens to all other rear-facing carseats that don’t have ARBs. We discuss rebound in this article: https://carseatblog.com/46830/loadlegs/. The SlimFit3 doesn’t have any rebound control so there’s nothing you can do about it and I really wouldn’t worry about it.
Was 3rd row access possible in the 2014 Odyssey with RF in the middle seat? With or without a seat installed in 2D or 2P.
I’m embarrassed to say we didn’t try. But I’ve gone back through all the photos I took and studied them and the van seats were in narrow mode. The base of the SlimFit3 on the 8th seat was completely on that seat with room to spare and at its widest point it’s 16.5″, so you could measure your 8th seat against that. You can also put your seats in wide mode and gain some room to move forward for access as well.
Did you find that this seat pushed your babies head forward? There seems to be a very abrupt difference between where the backrest ends and the headrest begins. It forces my 15 month olds chin to her chest. Any suggestions? I love everything else about this seat!
What is the highest harness height for this seat? I think it’s going to be popular for forward facing too, especially for a child who is nearly booster ready when a new baby is on the way.
About 17.75″. Definitely not as tall as some combination harness/boosters for kids over 2 years old who are already forward-facing. That should fit many kids until they are ready to use the booster mode, though the 5-point harness will likely not last most of them until 65 lbs.
Thanks for the info, I see the review has been updated!
Would be great to try to squish them in a Civic or Corolla, since there are so many of those on the road. Though that tiny Versa would give me hope!
Thanks for getting this review out so quickly! I ordered my seat from BuyBuyBaby last week (used a 20% off coupon) and it’s is on its way. It looks like Graco did a great job to produce a truly narrow but comfortable seat that will work for many families at a reasonable price.
Graco hit it out of the park with this one! I can’t wait to buy mine.
What about third row in the oddy? Specifically a 2010-2017 body style?
We have not been able to try the usual variety of vehicles due to COVID. We hope to have more compatibility information later this year if at all possible.