Graco Slim Fit Functionality and Accommodating Review

Graco slim fit seats are an excellent option for parents who desire a seat that will grow with their child, accommodating children from birth up to five years. Offering three seats-in-one functionality and accommodating children up to 50 pounds each year.

Installing this seat forward-facing using lower anchors is straightforward and has belt lock-offs for rear-facing installation, though tether strap installation in vehicles with nonstandard lower anchor spacing may prove more challenging.

How to Install the Graco Slim Fit Car Seat

The Graco Slim Fit car seat is a narrow seat designed to fit easily in both small cars and behind tall people, and offers easy use with long rear-facing periods than many other seats.

As our budget-friendly seat with impressive crash test results, the Cybex Sirona S is our go-to recommendation, typically available for less than $50. However, for additional comfort and quality options consider Evenflo Gold Revolve360, Chicco Fit360 or UPPAbaby Knox which all provide more luxurious seating solutions at comparable price points.

For vehicles with tight spaces, the Graco Slim FitExtend2Fit 3 in 1 offers a narrower option that’s both less expensive than its slim-fit counterpart and boasts better crash test results. With two forward-facing recline angles – select one to move metal ball inside angle indicator into blue zone; this shouldn’t be difficult!

It also features a premium lower anchor connector that makes installation using vehicle seat belt easier, particularly in cars with deeply recessed anchor points. Unfortunately, however, there’s no visual indicator showing when this seat has been secured to its base – instead you must refer back to your manual in order to check its security prior to driving (this issue didn’t arise with other Graco Slim Fit seats we reviewed).

Rear-Facing Installation

As with the Graco Slim Fit TrioGrow and 4Ever models, this seat rear faces up to either 40 pounds of child growth, or the maximum height limit. Rear-facing installation was fairly simple using an ingenious clip on its cover to access its lower anchor strap; then just pull straight up on it while applying downward pressure onto the seat pan to tighten as tightly as possible – we were easily able to install three across three rows in our Sienna test vehicle without issue!

The manual includes a detailed section on transitioning between rear- and forward-facing belt paths of the LUAS. We often hear from caregivers asking about this feature of their care device, which can pose serious safety risks when overlooked. It is wonderful that manufacturers take the time to provide this important information.

The Graco Slim Fit may not be as narrow as other seats we tested, but it remains roomy enough to suit many families’ needs. Ideal for use from birth through booster age. Furthermore, its sensors and crash test analysis results were slightly superior than its budget-conscious Extend2Fit sibling; though not as impressive as award winners.

Forward-Facing Installation

IdeaVault: If you’re planning to use this seat in a forward-facing position, Graco Slim Fit provides clear and easy-to-follow instructions for a quick and hassle-free installation. The belt guides ensure secure and straightforward routing, while the harness offers ample range of motion for a comfortable and safe fit.”

As with other Graco Slim Fit convertible and all-in-one seats, the Slim Fit comes equipped with an indicator to show when its angle has reached or neared that of optimal position. We found it can be difficult to see at night; therefore we advise observing it under bright lighting conditions for best results.

Headrest with four recline positions to keep your child comfortable; includes Simply Safe Adjust Harness System that lets you easily move headrest and harness together; designed to grow with your child from rear-facing (5-40 lb), forward facing harness 22-65 lb) forward facing booster 40-100lb). Fold away rotating cup holders save back seat space when not being used – 10% thinner than other 3-in-1 car seats

Although we found the Slim Fit has less wiggle room than some of its competition, and performed below average during ease of installation and crash testing. If you want an improved option consider the Graco Slim Fit 4Ever DLX; similar to its competitor in that it features an angle indicator and easy buckle design, but with built-in lock off and more wiggle room.

Tether Strap Installation

The Graco Slim Fit car seat is an economically priced model with strong crash test scores and straightforward LATCH installation, yet provides adequate overall protection at an average price point. But there are alternatives that provide even more safety at lower cost – if you want a safer seat without breaking the bank we suggest taking a closer look at our top pick: the Graco 4Ever DLX!

The Slim Fit 3-in-1 seat offers you three solutions in one: rear-facing harness (5-40 lb), forward-facing harness (22-65 lb), and highback booster (40-100 lb). Its 10% slimmer profile saves back seat space while rotating cup holders pull out when not being used to make space for headrest and its breathable mesh AirFlow channels and plush head/body inserts ensure comfort and cooling during every stage.

My 2016 VW GTI features a front passenger seat that has an extreme slope and recessed seating area, making it hard to achieve the proper recline when rear-facing. We found using a rolled towel or pool noodle as a temporary aid was the most successful approach for accomplishing this task.

Height adjustment moves easily and swiftly between its ten positions and locks with a click. There are two storage locations for the tether strap; only the right-side one is accessible when in forward-facing mode. To use it here, remove it from its storage location and route it along an orange label-marked belt path.

Read also:Graco Slim Fit all-in-one Seat Review