Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1 Review

Crash Test

The Safety 1st earned a below-average result in our crash test analysis metric, with some of the lowest results in the review.

This booster had some of the highest recorded G-forces, as indicated by the test dummy's HIC and chest clip sensor. Both results were significantly higher than the top performers.

While all the boosters are considered safe, including Safety 1st, and have passed federal guidelines, we were not impressed by the results from our commissioned tests. Our tests were slightly faster than the standard, and we utilized a sled with a stiffer cushion, more akin to modern vehicle designs.

Ease of Use

The Safety 1st earned a below-average result for ease of use and was frustrating for both adults and kids to use. While the front of the seat is wide, it tapers in the back, giving better access to the seat belt buckle. The shoulder positioner is where things go south, as ours essentially didn't work, and we had to rethread it every single time. Something many younger booster passengers might struggle with. Once you get the belt in, the positioner orients it in a way that makes it slip right back out.

There is limited adjustability on this seat, and the headrest doesn't move. Since the shoulder positioner is attached to the headrest, it makes it challenging to ensure a good position for the shoulder belt to rest.

It is awkward to carry, and the open back includes plastic components that jut out strangely. It has hook-style LATCH connectors that are easy enough to use, and given the lack of tightness required for boosters, they were also easy enough to remove. We encountered a problem when pulling the LATCH strap tighter; we had to shove our hand through the cover hole to thread the strap, allowing for a better angle to pull it.

The Safety 1st has two cup holders, and they fit our kids' water bottle. The cup holders pull off from the front. They are not super deep, but deep enough.

Weight and Size

The Safety 1st is a rare high-backed bird that is both relatively light and narrow. Sadly, it doesn't have better crash test results, as we might have really loved it for those looking for these paired attributes.

This seat weighs only 8 lbs and measures 17.3 inches wide. Both are below the average in our booster test group.

Comfort

Given the light overall weight of this booster, it isn't surprising that it scored lower for comfort. There are several missing features for comfort, starting with inadequate padding. The seating area is hard, and you can feel the ridge seam on the back of your legs.

The fabric is smooth and feels good, which is the main plus here, but it isn't enough to provide genuine comfort and is more for fooling you into thinking it will be okay once you sit in it.

The headrest isn't quite as effective as those of the competition. It has much in common with infant inserts from the convertible car seat group, and it looks like a placeholder for the real thing. It is wide and flat, like an unsupportive airline pillow you get for free.

Quality

The Safety 1st earned one of the lowest results for quality, which isn't a big surprise. One could argue that the price is equivalent to the quality, but we think it should still offer more than what it does.

The padding is essentially for impact, with little added for comfort. It has a flimsy feel that reminds us of a child's toy, rather than a genuine safety seat. The padding that is there compresses easily, making it feel like nothing once kids sit in it. The cover attaches with loose elastic strings, and the front flap lacks sufficient resistance, flipping up as if to say hello. It looks ill-fitting and cheap.

Should You Buy the Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1?

There isn't much we like about the Safety 1st, and the crash test results alone make it one we hesitate to recommend. While we understand it has an attractive price, we think you get what you pay for here, and it earned some of the lowest scores in every metric and overall. Aside from being relatively lightweight, there is no compelling feature or function that would make us put this option on our favorites list.

What Other Booster Seat Should You Consider?

If you need lightweight and budget is a concern, the BubbleBum earned better crash test results than the Safety 1st and is super compact and light for travel. While it wouldn't be our go-to for everyday use, it certainly performed better than the Safety 1st, and we'd choose it over the 1st. If you're looking for an everyday option but budget is a concern, we recommend considering the Chicco KidFit Zip Air Plus 2-in-1. This reasonably priced seat boasts compelling crash test results and features a high back with excellent comfort options. It performs better than the Safety 1st, and the crash test results suggest a potential for an additional margin of safety compared to the average seat. The same can be said of the UPPAbaby Alta v2, which is easier to use and has slightly better crash test analysis, but there is a price bump.