In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician

Graco SlimFit 3-in-1 Review

We love most things about this budget-friendly seat, but it isn't that narrow compared to competitors
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Graco SlimFit 3-in-1 Review
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Price:  $220 List
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Manufacturer:   Graco
By Juliet Spurrier, MD and Wendy Schmitz  ⋅  Jan 5, 2024
78
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#5 of 19
  • Crash Test - 35% 8.5
  • Ease of Installation - LATCH - 20% 7.9
  • Ease of Installation - Belt - 15% 6.5
  • Ease of Use - 15% 7.5
  • Comfort/Quality - 10% 8.0
  • Weight/ Size - 5% 7.1

Our Verdict

The Graco SlimFit 3-in-1 is a favorite convertible car seat from our extensive review. This Graco has one of the highest crash test analysis results and a wallet-loving price tag. It has some of the lowest sensor results from the crash test dummy (lower is better). It potentially offers an additional margin of protection over the average seat in this review. The SlimFit also has better-than-average test results in the remaining metrics, and it is hard to find fault with anything going on here. It has easier-to-use features and more padding and comfort than seats with significantly higher prices, and we think it is one to consider for all families, no matter your goals or budget.
REASONS TO BUY
Lightweight
Better crash test results
Straightforward LATCH
Inexpensive
REASONS TO AVOID
One-sided indicator
No belt lock-off
Only average width
Editor's Note: We purchased and tested 20 popular convertible car seats, including crash testing, for our January 5, 2024, update.

Compare to Similar Products

 
graco slimfit 3-in-1
Awards Best Value Award
Best Value Convertible Seat
Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall for Rear-Facing Longer
 Best Value Award
Best on the Tightest Budget
 
Price $220 List
Check Price at Amazon
$250 List
$249.00 at Amazon
$300 List
$299.99 at Amazon
$80 List
$79.99 at Amazon
$160 List
$159.99 at Amazon
Overall Score Sort Icon
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78
65
62
56
Star Rating
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Bottom Line Wallet-loving price on a seat that is easy to install and earned better crash test results than mostBetter crash test analysis and a lower price make this easy-to-install seat an award contender that just missed the markComfy seat with better quality, but the lower crash test analysis results and overall size resulted in an overall lower scoreDespite a lack of padding and a harder LATCH install, this inexpensive option earned impressive crash test results, making it a winner for budget-limited familiesSo hard to install and remove we suspect most parents would prefer any other seat
Rating Categories Graco SlimFit 3-in-1 Graco Extend2Fit 3... UPPAbaby Knox Evenflo Tribute 5 Safety 1st Grow and...
Crash Test (35%)
8.5
8.6
6.9
8.6
7.6
Ease of Installation - LATCH (20%)
7.9
7.8
6.0
4.3
3.3
Ease of Installation - Belt (15%)
6.5
6.4
5.5
5.6
4.0
Ease of Use (15%)
7.5
7.0
6.0
5.0
5.0
Comfort/Quality (10%)
8.0
8.5
8.5
3.0
6.0
Weight/ Size (5%)
7.1
7.5
6.7
7.8
6.9
Specs Graco SlimFit 3-in-1 Graco Extend2Fit 3... UPPAbaby Knox Evenflo Tribute 5 Safety 1st Grow and...
Min/Max Rear Facing Passenger Weight 5-40 lb 4-50 lb 14-45 lb 5-40 lb 5-40 lb
Min/Max Forward Facing Passenger Weight 22-65 lb 22-65 lb 25-65 lb 22-40 lb 22-65 lb
Rear Facing Maximum Height Top of head must be at least 1 in below handle Top of head must be at least 1 in below handle 49 in 37 in 40 in
Forward Facing Maximum Height 49 in 49 in 49 in 40 in 49 in
Weight 18.5 lb 20.5 lb 31.4 lb 9.4 lb 13.4 lb
Minimum Rear Facing Length 28 in 26 in 28 in 29 in 30 in
Minimum Seat Width 19 in 19 in 19 in 18 in 19 in
Number Of Recline positions 4 6 4 1 3
Shoulder Harness Positions 10 10 8 4 5
Crotch Strap Positions 3 2 1 2 3
Anti-rebound Device No Yes No No No
Head Support Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Infant Positioning Insert Yes Yes Yes No Yes
Harness Type No-rethread No-rethread No-rethread Rethread Semi-rethread
Onboard Manual Storage Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Rear Facing Level Indicator On Seat Bead, one side Bubble, one side Bead in water, both sides Line on decal, both sides Line on decal, both sides
Booster Mode Available Yes Yes No No Yes
Foam Type EPS Not mentioned EPP EPS Not mentioned
Seat Lifespan 10 years 10 years 10 years 6 years 10 years
Aircraft Certified Yes in harness mode, No in booster mode Yes in harness mode, No in booster mode Yes Yes Yes in harness mode, No in booster mode
Warranty 1 year limited 1 year limited Lifetime limited 90 day limited 90 day limited

Our Analysis and Test Results

The well-known Graco parent's love started in 1953 when the metal fabrication company brought a new engineer on board to expand their business. Inspired by a coworker's story of soothing a crabby baby with an outdoor patio glider, Rex Thomas and David Saint created a unique baby swing. This design catapulted the Graco company into the baby gear world. Graco produces strollers, family favorite car seats, and more.

Performance Comparison



The SlimFit performed well in our commissioned crash testing with some of the best sensor results compared to the competition.
Credit: GearLab & MGA Research

Crash Test


With better sensor results and a higher crash test analysis, this is a seat to consider if this metric is first on your mind. All safety seats in the United States must adhere to federal guidelines; therefore, all seats in this review should be considered safe.


We purposefully ran a faster test with a more modern-day sled to push these seats a little harder than the standard.

The SlimFit and the Graco 4Ever both performed well in our crash...
The SlimFit and the Graco 4Ever both performed well in our crash testing, but the 4Ever is one of the best in the bunch.
The SlimFit (in black) has some of the best HIC sensor results but...
The SlimFit (in black) has some of the best HIC sensor results but is compared here to one of the top-performers (in green).

With this method, we hoped to find exceptional seats in this lineup that could offer an additional safety margin. With some of the lowest G-forces recorded for the HIC and chest clip sensors, the SlimFit is one of those seats.

The LATCH strap slides up and down a narrow path for forward-facing vs. rear-facing installation.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Ease of Install - LATCH


This Graco is one of the easiest Gracos to install using LATCH in this review. It has push-style LATCH connectors on a flexible strap, no lock-off, and a level indicator on one side only.


graco slimfit 3-in-1 - the slimfit is narrow enough to reach over the top to connect the...
The SlimFit is narrow enough to reach over the top to connect the LATCH connectors to the anchors.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

The recline range is limited, making it more of a challenge to get it exactly right during installation. It is a ball-style indicator, so some patience is needed to let it settle and determine whether it is in the right zone.

graco slimfit 3-in-1 - the slimfit recline adjustment is a handle under the foot that is...
The SlimFit recline adjustment is a handle under the foot that is easy to use but is hard to reach once installed rear-facing.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Because it is only on one side, this can further inhibit the process from going swiftly. The recline handle is easy to pull, and the rotation is smooth at least.

graco slimfit 3-in-1 - the slack is easy to pull out on the latch for the slimfit.
The slack is easy to pull out on the LATCH for the SlimFit.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

The connectors work well and with little effort. The strap slack pulls in easily and doesn't require much effort. It is straightforward to thread and felt snug in all directions for the wiggle test.

The SlimFit has our preferred push-style design that is easy to use.
The SlimFit has our preferred push-style design that is easy to use.
The bead indicator on the SlimFit is easy to use but is only on one...
The bead indicator on the SlimFit is easy to use but is only on one side.

Forward-facing installation on the SlimFit uses the same connectors but no longer uses the level indicator. There are two options for reclining in forward-facing, and the handle is also easy to use in this configuration. Threading the belt is straightforward, and we had no problems making connections or tightening the strap. The process was quick, and the final install was stable, making it a potential contender if you need to move a seat frequently.

The SlimFit has a color-coded sticker indicator that is easy to...
The SlimFit has a color-coded sticker indicator that is easy to follow.
Forward-facing belt path is straightforward and can be seen from the...
Forward-facing belt path is straightforward and can be seen from the front.

Ease of Install - Belt


Installing the SlimFit using a vehicle belt is somewhat harder than LATCH, but it still performed better than the average seat in our review.


Installing the SlimFit in the Rear-facing position has a ball level indicator on one side, and there is no color coding or lock-off on this model. With a lack of lock-off, getting the belt tightened was hard, resulting in less stability than some of the competition. The recline handle is on the front of the seat, so in rear-facing, you have to adjust this before installation because otherwise, you can't grab it.

graco slimfit 3-in-1 - the slimfit back padding unsnapped and flips forward for easy access...
The SlimFit back padding unsnapped and flips forward for easy access to the belt pathway.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

You must fold fabric out of the way to access the belt pathway, as it keeps falling back into play. The path isn't great, and the shoulder portion of the belt interferes with the cup holder. Trying to tighten the belt causes the front to try to raise, but luckily, the acceptable angle range is very forgiving. Stability is okay; it passed the wiggle test, but we would want more for our kids. For this reason, we'd choose LATCH over the belt if necessary. We got a tighter install in the second test car, so some of this might be car design-dependent.

Forward facing has no angle indicator, color-coding, or lock-off. Threading the belt is straightforward, and the seat weight makes it easy to manipulate the seat during installation. It takes a little energy and effort to tighten the belt since there is no lock-off, and the pathway results in an awkward pull. Getting the seat reasonably tight in the second test car was easier than the first, but both passed the wiggle test. Overall, it is average to install and for stability.

The harness height assembly on the SlimFit moves smoothly up and down.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Ease of Use


In our convertible car seat testing, the SlimFit also scored above average for ease of use.


graco slimfit 3-in-1 - the slimfit buckle and chest clip are average and require a little...
The SlimFit buckle and chest clip are average and require a little oomph to use.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Harness


The harness on this Graco is much like the other Gracos we tested. It has a standard buckle with an easy-to-push square buckle. The prongs require more oompf to push in, but it isn't hard. The chest clip mechanism is on the left side strap, but it functions like those working from the center.

Using the harness on the SlimFit is straightforward and easy.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

The tightening strap on the SlimFit is more challenging to pull, and there is some resistance, indicating it is getting hung up somewhere. Loosening is easier without resistance, so whatever is causing tightening trouble is not a problem for pulling the harness loose.

graco slimfit 3-in-1 - the height adjustment on the slimfit has ten possible levels.
The height adjustment on the SlimFit has ten possible levels.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

This Graco has a non-rethread style height adjustment with ten height options. It has an easy-to-move three-position buckle with a third location suitable for older or larger children. The height assembly moves smoothly with no trouble in all ten positions.

To keep the SlimFit LATCH connectors out of the way, there are side...
To keep the SlimFit LATCH connectors out of the way, there are side connection points where they attach.
The SlimFit user manual is easy to access and in clear sight on the...
The SlimFit user manual is easy to access and in clear sight on the back of the Graco shell.

LATCH Storage


The LATCH storage are basic side locations for clipping the connectors. Both are easy to locate and use, but they are rudimentary, leaving any additional webbing loose.

Cover


Much like others, the cover on this Graco doesn't come off as easily as we'd like, but it isn't the worst in the group. The material is easier to put back on than take off, which is nicer than some. There are a few loops and hooks in small places, which could be challenging for those with larger fingers.

The SlimFit cup holders rotate inward if you need extra space for a side passenger.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Comfort/Quality


The SlimFit earned a higher result for comfort and quality than most seats, and it is impressive given the budget-friendly price that often translates to less in this metric.


The fabric is average and didn't elicit strong feelings either way. It isn't exceptionally soft, nor is it rough or uncomfortable. The infant insert is a jersey material that feels breathable for hotter days and sweaty baby heads. This material is also soft, with head padding about six inches wide.

The SlimFit fabric is average and neither ultra-soft nor rough.
The SlimFit fabric is average and neither ultra-soft nor rough.
The SlimFit has ample padding for napping comfort in the head region.
The SlimFit has ample padding for napping comfort in the head region.

This seat has good all-around padding that feels better than average memory foam. Everything lines up and looks finished with an attention to detail. The fabric and padding roll over the seat edge to better support longer or bare legs with no pressure points.

The cup holder on the SlimFit was within reach of our tester and fit most sippy cups.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

The shell is less open and exposed than the other Gracos we tested. But the plastic still feels cheaper than most, with loads of warning and instruction stickers adorning the sides.

graco slimfit 3-in-1 - the slimfit has dual cup holders that work well enough, but we...
The SLimFit has dual cup holders that work well enough, but we suspect the rotating functionality is going to be hard for little ones not to play with.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Because this product is marketed as “slim,” the cup holders on either side can fold in. Both feel sturdy enough, even if they are moveable.

graco slimfit 3-in-1 - the slimfit is lightweight for the group and relatively narrow but...
The SlimFit is lightweight for the group and relatively narrow but not as slim as the name implies.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Weight/Size


The SlimFit isn't as slim as you probably hope if your goal is a narrow seat, with a width of 18.6. This measurement is the group's average and doesn't stand out enough to be a boastworthy claim. Given that the seats in our lineup have a few closer to 16.9 inches, this average width is not slim.


However, it is somewhat light for the group at 18.5 lbs, especially if you look at the top-scoring seats we tested. The average weight for the group is 24.3 lbs, with the highest being over 30 lbs. The weight of the SlimFit might make it one for those who plan to travel frequently.

graco slimfit 3-in-1
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Should You Buy the Graco SlimFit 3-in-1?


The SlimFit is a budget-friendly seat with better crash test analysis and comfy padding. This reasonably priced option is easy to install and has easy-to-use features parents will love. Given the high cost of some of the competition, this seat offers a lot for not a lot of money, making it one we recommend.

What Other Convertible Car Seat Should You Consider?


If you want the absolute best score for crash testing, the Graco 4Ever DLX is for you. With much in common with the SlimFit, it is a similar Graco offering that is average for price and the best for crash testing. The 4Ever is easy to install using LATCH and was easy to use during testing. If your budget is even smaller and you worry about safety, the Evenflo Tribute 5 is another potential seat to review. This extremely cheap option has some of the best crash test results. While it doesn't stand out for much else (except maybe being lightweight), it is great to see a widely affordable option providing an additional safety margin over the average seat.

Juliet Spurrier, MD and Wendy Schmitz