Graco Slimfit vs. Extend2fit: Which one is better and why?

Last Updated September 29, 2022

When it comes to baby products, there are many brands that you can choose from. Graco is one of the most popular brands in this industry, and they have several different types of products that can help you with your child’s development and comfort. Two such products are the Graco Slimfit and Extend2fit car seats.

Both products are popular options and offer a lot of features that parents love. But, which one should you choose? In this article, we will be comparing these two sought-after models, discussing their individual pros and cons so that you can decide which one is better for your needs.

About Graco

Graco (pronounced gray-co) is a North Carolina-based American manufacturer of baby products owned and managed by Newell Brands. The base company was founded in 1942 and had been manufacturing baby products since 1955.

The brand holds over 3,000 patents for its products worldwide, including the award-winning SnugRide Click Connect System (CPS), which allows parents to install their car seat with one hand by clicking it into place using a lever system that’s easy to use even while holding your baby in one arm.

Being in the industry for over 65 years, their product line includes infant car seats for newborn babies, all-in-one car seats, convertible car seats, backless boosters, high-back boosters, and many other items that have good quality factors. They have you covered whether you need a single chair or a booster chair for your child. This brand’s high-quality items are widely available at retailers, including Walmart, Target, BABY, and Amazon.

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Differences Between Graco Slimfit vs. Extend2fit

When it comes to choosing between the Graco Slimfit and Extend2fit, it can be tough to decide which one is the best for you and your family. So, let’s take a closer look at the differences between the two compact seats.

Space Accommodation

Graco Slimfit is a great choice for parents who are looking for a seat that is narrow and lightweight. It’s perfect for small vehicles and tight spaces. Plus, it’s incredibly flexible and can be used in rear-facing and forward-facing positions.

Extend2fit, on the other hand, is perfect for larger families. It has a much wider weight range than Slimfit, making it perfect for children of all sizes. In addition, the extendable footrest gives extra legroom and comfort for taller children.

Based on this factor, if you are looking for a rear-facing-only car seat that provides superior protection and comfort, the Graco Slimfit is a perfect choice. If you’re looking for a forward-facing car seat that can accommodate larger children, then the Graco Extend2fit is the better option.

Flexibility and Weight Range

The Slimfit all in one model allows only rear facing, and is designed for infants and toddlers varying from 5 – 40 pounds in weight and 29 – 49 inches in height. It features a contoured shell that hugs your child’s body for superior protection and comfort. The Extend2fit, on the other hand, is a forward-facing model that can be used for children from 22-65 pounds. It also features a contoured shell, but it has an extended weight range to accommodate larger children.

The Graco Slimfit, as the name suggests, is more compact than the other model in the discussion, which makes it ideal for smaller vehicles or small spaces in your home. This also makes it easier to install into most types of vehicles (cars), as opposed to other brands that require specific installation techniques such as LATCH systems or top tethers.

Durability

Slimfit wins in this case by extending the life of the product until your child no longer requires it. It can be utilized till the booster phase is reached. Extend2fit, on the other hand, ceases to be functional once the 65-pound restriction is surpassed in forward-facing mode.

Price Range

It is priced around $175 – $219. Extend2fit does not vary much in pricing and is also sold at around $188 – $211. Since the prices do not vary much, the customer would need to keep a fixed budget in mind, and choose depending on exact height, weight, and compatibility requirements. 

Similarities Between Graco Slimfit and Extend2fit

Now that you have a better understanding of the differences between the two models, it’s time to discuss the pros and cons of each one. Both the products are manufactured by Graco, so they have similar features. Both of the products are made with Graco’s SafeSeat Engineering, which means they both have been rigorously tested to meet or exceed all safety standards.

They both also have comfortable padded harnesses and headrests that keep your child safe and snug during rides. The harnesses in both of the models are easily adjustable, and they use a five-point harness system to keep your child safe in the event of an accident.

Both of the models also feature side impact protection for forward facing children who weigh between 20 and 40 pounds (9–18kg). This means that if you’re worried about your little one being injured by any kind of collision, then these models are worth considering.

When it comes to styling, the brand promises a variety of color options to choose from. Whether you want to match the color of your vehicle or your baby’s stroller, you can trust the brand to satisfy all your requirements.

Pros and Cons: Slimfit car seat

Pros:

• It’s very lightweight (19.5 pounds) and easy to carry.
• It’s 10% narrower than traditional car seats, making it a good option for small vehicles.
• Comfortably protects youngsters weighing up to 100 pounds.
• The dual rotating cup holders can be rotated inwards to conserve room and make the model thinner.
• Narrow enough to fit across three of these in most conventional vehicles.
• Easy LATCH installation system.
• The harness and headrest can be adjusted using one hand without the need for rethreading.
• Approved by the FAA.
• Easily removable and machine washable cover.

Cons:

• It can be a bit tricky to install correctly.
• The harness is not as flexible as compared to Extend2fit’s harness.
• There aren’t many tilting alternatives for mounting in rear facing mode.

Pros and Cons: Extend2fit

Pros:

• Convertible and can be used for children from 5 to 110 pounds.
• It comes with a canopy, which makes it possible to use your baby in any weather condition.
• The product comes with three different recline positions: infant, toddler, and booster mode.
• The Graco Extend2fit has an adjustable headrest and 10 harnesses positions that provide maximum comfort for the user.
• It has a 4-position expansion panel that provides more legroom for the child.
• The harness can be easily adjusted to fit different body sizes.
• Easier installations as compared to Slimfit.
• Easily removable and Machine washable fabric of covers.
• Easy LATCH system installation.
• Removable plush neck and back comfort pillow.
• User-friendly level indicator to show if the product is installed correctly.
• Dual cup holders.
• Steel Reinforced Frame for improved resilience and durability.

Cons:

• When the extension panel is removed in the rear-facing position, this model takes up a significant amount of space, limiting the capacity for front-seat occupants.
• Not suitable for usage in aircraft.
• There is no lock-off device for buckle installation.
• Comparatively heavier than the Slimfit model.

The model has been tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and it received an approval rating of 5 Stars out of 5 stars in every category except one: Side Impact Protection tests, where it received 4 Star rating only because there were some minor issues regarding side impact protection during rear facing phase.

Graco Slimfit vs. Extend2fit: Which one to choose?

When it comes to the Graco Slimfit vs. Extend2fit, there are many factors that you need to consider. To summarize, The Slimfit is a bit smaller in size, making it a good choice for smaller vehicles. It’s also very flexible, thanks to its Flex-Lock feature, which allows you to adjust the model to fit your child’s specific height and weight. However, the Extend2fit is more flexible and can be used in a wider range of vehicles. It’s also roomier, making it more comfortable for larger children.

Ultimately, the decision comes down to what’s most important to you. If you’re looking for a product that’s durable and takes up less space, go with the Slimfit car seat. It is designed to ease at least part of your car seat space issues while not breaking the budget. But, if you want a chair that’s more comfortable and versatile, go with the Extend2fit.

FAQs

FAQ about Graco Slimfit

What age group may use this model?

Infant – 10-year-olds.

How long does this model last before they need to be replaced?

As claimed by the manufacturer, these exceptional products last from six to ten years, depending upon the model. They also come with an expiration date.

How wide is this model?

19 inches.

Is the product suitable to be used in aircraft?

Yes, they can be used in airplanes.

Can these be attached to strollers?

Yes, they can be used in strollers.

How to install this in the rear facing using the latch strap?

Here is a guide to assist you with rear facing car seat installation using latch straps.

• To begin with, first, confirm that the LATCH strap is in the rear-facing belt route (marked with blue).
• Set the vehicle seat to the first or second reclining position.
• Remove the LATCH connections from their storage position by pressing in on the red buttons.
• Stretch the LATCH strap all the way to its maximum length.
• Set the seat at the rear facing angle in the back seat of the car. The front of the seat must make contact with the rear of the vehicle seat.
• Keep adjusting until the pointer on the level indicator is entirely in the blue area. When checking the indicator, your car must be on level ground.
• Connect the LATCH connections to the bottom LATCH anchors on the car. Check that the belt is not twisted.
• Fasten the LATCH strap by pressing firmly in the middle of the car seat.
• View the level indicator once again to confirm that the ball is entirely within the blue zone. If necessary, reposition the model or lay rolled towels underneath the car seat at the vehicle seat crease.

The product includes a detailed instruction booklet that includes photographs of the processes.

FAQ About Extend2fit

Does this model have a detachable base?

It has a built-in base and does not require a separate base.

How long can the rear face be used in this model?

It has an exceptionally high rear-facing capacity and may be used until a kid is 49 inches tall or 50 pounds. This implies that a child may use this at rear-facing until they are four years old. 5 and 6 year olds may often comfortably fit rear-facing in this model.

How wide is this model?

19.2 inches.

Is the product suitable to be used in aircraft?

Despite being FAA approved, it can be a little tricky to use this car seat in aircraft because of its width and extended cup holders.

How to install this in the rear facing with seat belts?

Here is a guide to help you with the rear facing installation:

• First, attach the top tether hook and LATCH connectors to the plastic bars.
• Pull on the handle at the front of the child restraint to recline the car seat into one of its reclining settings.
• Set the model in the rear facing angle, in the back seat of the car. Its base should be as flat on the car seat as feasible. At least 80% of the base should be on the car seat.
• To gain more leg room, tighten the adjustment handle and draw the extension out. If your kid weighs more than 18 kg, use the extension in positions 2, 3, or 4.
• Adjust the chair until the pointer on the level indicator is entirely in the blue section. When checking the indicator, your vehicle needs to be on level ground. If your infant is under 3 months old, the pointer must completely cover the light blue section.
• The car’s belt should be routed through the blue-labeled rear facing belt channel.
• Check that the harness is not twisted, while the belt in the vehicle must be placed in front of the latch strap.
• Pull the shoulder belt all the way out and release it to secure the car seat belt. Gently pull the belt to confirm it is secured after hearing a click.
• Firmly press it down in the center of the vehicle seat and fasten the shoulder belt while pushing the slack back into the retractor.
• To check for firmness, hold the edges of the fastened model and try rotating it side to side and front to rear. It should not move more than 2.5 cm.
• Verify the level indicator once again to check that the pointer is entirely within the blue section. If your baby is under 3 months old, the pointer must completely cover the light blue section. If necessary, reposition the car seat or lay rolled towels underneath the car seat at the vehicle seat crease.

The package comes with an elaborate instruction manual which can be referred to for images of the steps.

Final Thoughts

In the end, if you are in the market for a convertible, and affordable product with a rear facing option, then either of the Graco Slimfit or Extend2fit would be your best choice. It would depend on what you’re looking for. If you want a reliable, secured product that is also durable and provides your child with all-around comfort, then the Graco Slimfit would be the better choice. It is smaller, less bulky, and more flexible than the Extend2fit, making it easier to move around and fit into different spaces.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for a steadier product that will last your child for a long time, then the Graco Extend2fit would be a better option. It is bigger and has more features than the Slimfit, making it more comfortable and accommodating for larger children.

So, as you can see, both products have their own unique benefits and drawbacks; what’s the verdict? Ultimately, it depends on your individual needs and preferences. But both of the variants are high quality and provide excellent safety features. So whichever one you choose, you can be confident that your child will be safe and comfortable

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