REASONS TO BUY
Lightweight
Better crash test results
Straightforward LATCH
Inexpensive
REASONS TO AVOID
One-sided indicator
No belt lock-off
Only average width
Graco SlimFit 3-in-1 Review
We love most things about this budget-friendly seat, but it isn't that narrow compared to competitors
Credit: Abriah Wofford
By Wendy Schmitz ⋅ Senior Review Editor ⋅ January 5, 2024
Contributions From: Juliet Spurrier, MD
Our Verdict
The Graco SlimFit 3-in-1 is a favorite convertible car seat. 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. The SlimFit is also easy to use with features that work intuitively and as expected. While it isn't the narrowest, it is slim and could be a choice for those needing to seat multiple kids in a row. It has 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.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Graco SlimFit 3-in-1 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  Best on a Tighter Budget | Rotating and Impressive Crash on a Budget |  Best Convertible and Crash Testing | Best Value for Crash Test Analysis | |
| Price | $240 List Check Price at Amazon | $400 List Check Price at Amazon | $330 List Check Price at Amazon | $280 List Check Price at Amazon | $250 List Check Price at Amazon |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | We love most things about this budget-friendly seat, but it isn't that narrow compared to competitors | Better crash tests and a lower price for a rotating seat make this an impressive option despite it being bigger | One of the top crash test scores with no fuss installs are sure to make every parent happy | An inexpensive seat with better crash test results makes for an impressive seat that can potentially be used rear-facing longer | Stylish seat that grows with a child, with good crash test results and awesome cupholders, but belt installation is harder |
| Rating Categories | Graco SlimFit 3-in-1 | Graco Turn2Me 3-in-1 | Graco 4Ever DLX | Graco Extend2Fit 3 in 1 | Joie Saffron SI |
| Crash Test (35%) | |||||
| Ease of Installation - LATCH (20%) | |||||
| Ease of Installation - Belt (15%) | |||||
| Ease of Use (15%) | |||||
| Comfort/Quality (10%) | |||||
| Weight/ Size (5%) | |||||
| Specifications | Graco SlimFit 3-in-1 | Graco Turn2Me 3-in-1 | Graco 4Ever DLX | Graco Extend2Fit 3 in 1 | Joie Saffron SI |
| Min/Max Rear Facing Passenger Weight | 5-40 lb | 4-40 lb | 4-40 lb | 4-50 lb | 4-40 lb |
| Min/Max Forward Facing Passenger Weight | 22-65 lb | 22-65 lb | 22-65 lb | 22-65 lb | 30-65 lb |
| Rear Facing Maximum Height | Top of head must be at least 1 in below handle | 49 in | Top of head must be at least 1 in below handle | Top of head must be at least 1 in below handle | 43 in |
| Forward Facing Maximum Height | 49 in | 49 in | 49 in | 49 in | 49 in |
| Weight | 18.5 lb | 26.1 lb | 21.8 lb | 20.5 lb | 22.4 lb |
| Harness Type | Non-rethread | Non-rethread | Non-rethread | Non-rethread | Non-rethread |
| Anti-rebound Device | No | No | No | Yes | No |
| Measured Minimum Rear Facing Length | 28 in | 27 in | 25 in | 26 in | 29 in |
| Measured Minimum Seat Width | 19 in | 18 in | 19 in | 19 in | 19 in |
| Headrest/Shoulder Harness Positions | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 |
| Crotch Strap Positions | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Number Of Recline positions | 4 | 4 | 6 | 6 | 3 |
| Head Support | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Infant Positioning Insert | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Rear Facing Level Indicator On Seat | Bead, one side | Level indicator, both sides | Bubble, one side | Bubble, one side | Line on Decal, both sides |
| Booster Mode Available | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Foam Type | EPS | EPP | Not mentioned | Not mentioned | Not mentioned |
| Seat Lifespan | 10 years | 10 years | 10 years | 10 years | 10 years |
| Onboard Manual Storage | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes, pouch on the backrest |
| Aircraft Certified | Yes in harness mode, No in booster mode | Yes | Yes in harness mode, No in booster mode | Yes in harness mode, No in booster mode | No |
| Warranty | 1 year limited | 1 year | 1 year limited | 1 year limited | 1 year limited |
Our Analysis and Test Results
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 potential safety 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 testing, but the 4Ever is one of the best in the bunch. Credit: BabyGearLab Staff, MGA Research
The SlimFit (in black) has some of the best HIC sensor results but is compared here to one of the top-performers (in green). Credit: BabyGearLab Staff, MGA Research
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. It has push-style LATCH connectors on a flexible strap, no lock-off, and a level indicator on one side only.
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 challenging 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.
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.
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 feels snug in all directions for the wiggle test.
The SlimFit has our preferred push-style design that is easy to use. Credit: Abriah Wofford
The bead indicator on the SlimFit is easy to use but is only on one side. Credit: Abriah Wofford
The SlimFit's forward-facing installation uses the same connectors but no longer uses the level indicator. There are two options for reclining 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 follow. Credit: Abriah Wofford
Forward-facing belt path is straightforward and can be seen from the front. Credit: Abriah Wofford
Ease of Install - Belt
Installing the SlimFit using a vehicle belt is somewhat harder than LATCH.
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.
The SlimFit back padding unsnapped and flips forward for easy access to the belt pathway. Credit: Abriah Wofford
You must fold the fabric out of the way to access the belt pathway, as it keeps falling back into place. 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 rise, 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 in terms of installation and stability.
The harness height assembly on the SlimFit moves smoothly up and down. Credit: Abriah Wofford
Ease of Use
The SlimFit may not have all the bells and whistles of a fancier option, but it is easy enough to use that you won't be frustrated.
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 that work from the center.
Using the harness on the SlimFit is straightforward and easy. Credit: Abriah Wofford
The SlimFit's tightening strap 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.
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 in all ten positions.
To keep the SlimFit LATCH connectors out of the way, there are side connection points where they attach. Credit: Abriah Wofford
The SlimFit user manual is easy to access and in clear sight on the back of the Graco shell. Credit: Abriah Wofford
LATCH Storage
The LATCH storage areas 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 higher results for comfort and quality than most seats, which is impressive given its budget-friendly price.
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. Credit: Abriah Wofford
The SlimFit has ample padding for napping comfort in the head region. Credit: Abriah Wofford
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.
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 movable.
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 closer to 25 lbs, with the highest being over 30 lbs. The weight of the SlimFit might make it one for those who plan to travel frequently.
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. While it isn't the narrowest option in the group, it is the highest-scoring narrow choice in the selection, making it a potential contender for those seeking to use multiple car seats in a row.
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. An alternative, if your goal is narrow, is the Graco SlimFit3 LX 3-in-1 with a width of only 16.5 inches, impressive crash test analysis results, and a reasonable price.
—Wendy Schmitz and Juliet Spurrier, MD
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