Graco Grows4Me 4-in-1 vs. Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1: Which is Better? (2024)

Compare the two car seats side-by-side

Hi there! We're here to help you decide between the Graco Grows4Me 4-in-1 and the Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1.

Our goal is to provide you with the information you need to feel confident that you're choosing the optimal car seat for your family's needs and budget. Let us know if you have any other questions!

At A Glance

Graco Grows4Me 4-in-1 Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1
Type Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing High Back Booster Backless Booster
Convertible

Forward-Facing High Back Booster
Current price
In stock
$199.99
In stock
$79.99
Rating 4.88 4.70

Our Thoughts

As an author, expert reviewer of car seats, and a parent, I have taken the time to thoroughly analyze two car seats that might be of interest to you: the Graco Grows4Me 4-in-1 and the Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1. Both are meant to grow with your child, but they vary in some significant ways.

The Graco Grows4Me 4-in-1 is an all-in-one versatile seat designed to accompany your child from infancy into their early school years, offering unmatched longevity. With its steel-reinforced frame, this seat provides a robust and secure environment for your child. But this Graco model has a larger and bulkier design, which might pose a challenge for families with smaller cars. I also noted that some parents find the installation particularly frustrating due to the old-school Latch system that it uses. However, the higher maximum weight limit for its booster mode is a significant advantage, making it suitable for long use as the child grows.

On the other hand, the Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1 car seat, although applicable only from the forward-facing mode, is an effective and economical choice for families. Its less complex functionality works from harness mode to booster mode, ensuring it can accommodate children from 30 to 120 pounds. A notable highlight for the Grand 2-in-1 seat is being designed to fit three across in most vehicles—an ideal feature for families with multiple children. Though this car seat is less cushioned and luxurious, its no-fuss design takes the hassle away from installation. Just be ready to spend a little extra time ensuring a tight fit, as it may take extra effort.

So, how do you make a choice? It boils down to what most suits your family's needs. If you're looking to invest in a car seat that covers your child's journey from infancy to around 10 years, the Graco Grows4Me 4-in-1 car seat is a splendid choice. It offers 4-in-1 functionality and a steel-reinforced frame, ensuring it's highly safe and durable.

On the other hand, if you're after a less costly, straightforward, and lighter weight option that kicks in from the forward-facing mode, the Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1 car seat is your go-to. It is easy to clean and compact enough to fit three across, making it a perfect fit for families with multiple children or smaller vehicles.

Key Details

Grows4Me 4-in-1 Grand 2-in-1
Graco Grows4Me 4-in-1 Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1
Brand Graco Safety 1st
Type Convertible

Rear-Facing Forward-Facing High Back Booster Backless Booster
Convertible

Forward-Facing High Back Booster
Weighted Rating 4.88 4.70
1 yr Price Range $195.99 - $279.99 $74.99 - $79.99
Current price
In stock
$199.99
In stock
$79.99
Value

Offers 4-in-1 functionality, reducing the need for multiple purchases.

The price point combined with its dual functionality as a harness and booster seat offers substantial savings over time.

Safety

Steel-reinforced frame adds robustness and security.

It meets standard safety requirements, but lacks advanced features like a steel-reinforced frame.

Features

Versatile 4-in-1 design with a 6-position recline and adjustable harness system.

While it covers the essentials, it may not include comfort extras found in higher-end seats.

Installation

Installation process can be frustrating without the InRight Latch system.

Installation is straightforward with LATCH or seatbelt, but achieving a tight fit requires attention to detail.

Cleaning

The seat has a removable cover, but no specific features that make it easier than average to clean.

The seat pad is machine washable and dryer safe, and the cup holders are dishwasher-safe, simplifying maintenance.

Size

The seat is somewhat bulky, which may be challenging for smaller cars.

The design is space-efficient, ideal for fitting multiple car seats in the back of a car.

Review Click here Click here

Comparison of Specifications

While features and reviews provide a sense of real-world use, the specs offer quantifiable details on sizing, limitations, and more. Comparing key measurements and ranges side-by-side is crucial for ensuring you choose a seat properly fitted for your child and vehicle.

We've compiled the weight limits, height limits, dimensions, and other vital statistics for the Graco Grows4Me 4-in-1 and the Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1. This data will confirm whether each seat can accommodate your child's current size and projected growth. Specs like seat depth and width are also important for assessing fit with your car's backseat.

Review the following key measurements for both seats. Pay special attention to the height and weight limits to ensure your child falls within the safe ranges.

Height and Weight Limits

Rear-facing

Graco Grows4Me 4-in-1 Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1
Height Range
Weight Range 5 - 40 pounds

Forward-facing

Graco Grows4Me 4-in-1 Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1
Height Range 0 - 49 inches 32 - 49 inches
Weight Range 22 - 65 pounds 30 - 65 pounds

Booster

Graco Grows4Me 4-in-1 Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1
Height Range 43 - 57 inches 43 - 57 inches
Weight Range 40 - 110 pounds 40 - 120 pounds

Dimensions and Weight

Graco Grows4Me 4-in-1 Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1
Width 21.5 inches 19.6 inches
Height 24.0 inches 30.2 inches
Depth 20.0 inches 18.3 inches
Weight 22.5 pounds 12.2 pounds

Core Specifications

Graco Grows4Me 4-in-1 Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1
Model Year 2019 2021
Made In China USA
Frame Material Reinforced Steel Unknown

Safety and Compliance

Graco Grows4Me 4-in-1 Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1
Federal Safety Standards Meets all standards Meets all standards
Configurations FAA-Approved for Airplanes Forward-Facing
Rear-Facing
High Back Booster
Backless Booster
Forward-Facing
High Back Booster
NHTSA Ease-of-Use Ratings Not rated by NHTSA. Forward-Facing Mode
Overall 3 out of 5 stars
Labels 3 out of 5 stars
Instructions 4 out of 5 stars
Securing 3 out of 5 stars
Installation Features 3 out of 5 stars
Booster Mode
Overall 2 out of 5 stars
Labels 1 out of 5 stars
Instructions 5 out of 5 stars
Securing 2 out of 5 stars
Installation Features 1 out of 5 stars
Previous Recalls This car seat has never been recalled. This car seat has never been recalled.

Features

Graco Grows4Me 4-in-1 Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1
Attachment Methods LATCH
Seatbelt
LATCH
Seatbelt
Harness Type 5-Point 5-Point
Cup Holders Has cup holders. Has cup holders.

Warranty and Durability

Graco Grows4Me 4-in-1 Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1
Manufacturers Warranty Length 1 year 1 year
Lifespan 10 Years 10 Years

Additional Links

See all Graco car seats See all Safety 1st car seats
Full review of the Graco Grows4Me 4-in-1
Full review of the Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1