SlimFit3 LX vs. SlimFit & SlimFit LX 3-in-1
If you’re at all familiar with Graco car seats, you know they love to have confusing, similar names. We’ve got you covered, because we’re here to keep track of them all!
All SlimFit models are 3-in-1 car seats and all have the same weight and 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
The SlimFit3 LX is one of the narrowest carseats on the market, which is great if you’re looking for a seat that will help you get 3 carseats in your back seat (we call this a 3-across). The cup holders are optional and mount on the front of the carseat so if the middle seat in the vehicle is narrow, you can remove the cup holders to help it fit. The SlimFit3 LX also has a lockoff for the forward-facing belt path.
The Original SlimFit is 2″ wider, but still narrower than the average carseat. It has premium push-on latch connectors. It’s generally easy to use and install, but doesn’t have any lockoffs to help with seatbelt installations. If you are using a seatbelt to secure the carseat, you need to understand how to lock the seatbelt by pulling it all the way out and switching the retractor to locked mode.
The new SlimFit LX (not to be confused with the SlimFit3 LX (Seriously, Graco?) is structurally the same as the original but has different fashions (Shaw & Lilac) and features a Rapid Remove cover which comes off in sections for easier cleaning.
How can you tell the difference between the various SlimFit versions? Look at the design and placement of the cup holders!
The SlimFit3 LX is also more expensive at MSRP $279.99 while the original SlimFit & new SlimFit LX are MSRP $219.99. The original SlimFit model is frequently on sale which makes it an excellent value. All versions have the nice push-on LATCH connectors. Ahhh…
What about the True3Fit LX? It’s the exact same ultra-narrow seat as the SlimFit3 LX but originally it was a Walmart exclusive (it’s not anymore) and Walmart wanted its own version with a unique name. Whatever. Big retailers do that sometimes.
Will you really be able to get a 3-across with either the SlimFit3 LX/True3Fit LX or the Original SlimFit? It truly depends on your back seat and the configuration of the carseats. We trialed some in our review of the SlimFit3 LX, but things like side bolsters, center seating width, or placement of seat belt anchors can make or break a 3-across. All I can say is Good Luck!
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Hi there – thank you for the useful information! My wife and I are trying to decide between the slim fit 3 in 1 and the Slimfit3 lx. From what I can tell, the slim fit 3 in 1 and 3 in 1 LX are structurally the same. The Slimfit3 lx is structurally different, however. We are trying to discern the safety rating difference between them but cannot find any head-to-head reviews. I called Graco, who directed me to the NHTSA site which only seemed to have the Slim Fit model available for review and they refused to send us safety reports. Appreciate any insight you may have!
Hi Trevor. You’re right, there is no way to find out about any safety ratings as they aren’t released to the public. Consumer Reports does their own testing, which is outside of NHTSA FMVSS 213 testing, and they have it on their website at https://www.consumerreports.org/babies-kids/car-seats and you don’t need to have a subscription to see it. They haven’t tested the SlimFit3 LX so you can’t compare that seat to the “regular” SlimFit/SlimFit LX. Both platforms are easy to install and use, which is important because it’s misuse that causes problems. If you’ll have other passengers in the back seat and need more room, the SlimFit3 LX may be a better choice because of its size. If not, the SlimFit is a better value.
Just to add to what Heather said, the original SlimFit models are not really all that “slim” in terms of being narrow. They are pretty average in width, with the main advantage being the collapsible cupholder that can cut down width at the front. The LX version of the original model varies in the cover and fabric goods and also probably where it is sold , so as to reduce the possibility of price matching. If you need a truly narrow car seat, it’s the newer SlimFit3 or True3Fit (Walmart), again, similar seats with variations in fabrics and retailers.