Graco SafeSeat Review

Our original reason for purchasing the SafeSeat infant carseat was because with our last baby we had an Evenflo carseat that only went up to 22 lbs and 26 inches. While my daughter was tiny and would still fit in it now, at 2 years old, according to the weight limit, she neared the 26 inch height limit around 8 months so we had to buy a convertible carseat for her. 

This time I wanted something that would last my new infant longer. The SafeSeat was very new when I was pregnant with my first child so I never really looked into it, but I began wishing we'd had one shortly after she was born. So when I found out we were having another, I began scouring stores and websites for which SafeSeat I wanted. I found a comparable option, the Chicco Keyfit 30, which go to 30 lbs and 30 inches. It looked like a wonderful seat, and had it gone to 32 inches I probably would have chosen it over the SafeSeat for a variety of reasons, but because babies tend to outgrow the height limits before the weight limits, I wanted those extra 2 inches. Not to mention many SafeSeats are less expensive than the Chicco Keyfit seats. 

As SafeSeats are becoming more and more popular, they're phasing out the original seat cover fabric and replacing most of them with the Gracopedic "luxury foam", which to me felt like some sort of micro-suede or microfiber. That, in my opinion, is just asking to get easily stained and dirty, whereas the original SafeSeats have a different cover that's easy to wipe off and keep clean. Obviously, we chose the latter for that reason. 

The SafeSeat, while slightly heavier and larger than many other infant carseats on the market, definitely has more benefits than downfalls. It comes with a thick, sturdy head support (much safer than "aftermarket" products, which are often discouraged by carseat manufacturers), and the straps and latches feel sturdy and safe right from the start. The straps are adjustable with a strap right at the front of the seat, which is easily accessible when you are buckling the child in. 

The base is extremely easy to install with either a seatbelt or LATCH, and it has a lever to tell you which angle to leave it at. I also like that the seat can be used without the base if needed, which is another reason we disliked our last infant seat- it required the base at all times. It also fits very nicely in our Toyota Camry AND our itty bitty Toyota Yaris. The SafeSeat allows the carry handle to be up or completely back while in the car, so that makes for more versatility. I was also surprised at how little room it took up when placing my toddler's convertible carseat right beside it. I thought for sure they'd be smashed together, but they don't even touch! 

I am really thrilled with this seat and couldn't be happier. Again, it is slightly heavier that other seats but that's not a big deal at all to me as it exceeds my expectations in all other areas so I'll happily tote around a heavier seat in order to get those other things!