We also found the Aton 2’s handle adjustment (which requires gripping the widest part of the handle) frustrating to maneuver. In February 2023, Cybex issued a recall of the Aton 2 and Cloud Q (see next graco car seat entry) car seats made between June 6, 2017 and Nov. 1, 2020 because the adjuster strap used to tighten the harness could fray. If you have one of these models, you can contact Cybex for a remedy kit.
The safest car seat is the one you can install correctly and use properly on every ride! Let us know in the comment section what questions you have about this review of the Graco Extend2Fit convertible car seat. They crash test the finished product in every single installation configuration using every applicable-sized crash test dummy, not to mention a whole lot of testing at each stage of graco turbobooster the development process, too. So, one or two crash tests completed by another organization just can’t give the same level of information! If we don’t recommend a car seat, it’s not because it’s unsafe for your little one. All car seats are safe if they’re installed and used properly, are not expired or damaged, and when they’re made and sold by a reputable manufacturer and/or retailer.
The Rava does have a high rear-facing weight limit of 50 pounds—and an adjustable footrest that adds 2 inches of legroom in the rear-facing position. But in practice, we didn’t find that the extension panel added much room, especially compared with the panel on the Graco Extend2Fit Convertible. (My almost-3-year-old’s legs were scrunched up, even with the Rava’s footrest extended.) Also, the higher sides on the Rava made it difficult to get a large, almost-3-year-old into the seat and buckled. Additionally, our Frost-colored test model (it’s a pale gray fabric) didn’t perform well in our food-and-drink test. Grape juice, peanut butter, and jelly left stains that we couldn’t get out with spot-cleaning. The Graco SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX provides the total package of user-friendliness, quality, and value.
To install the seat rear facing, remove those lower anchors from their storage spots, then secure them to the lower anchors in the vehicle. There’s a very handy opening in the cover that makes accessing the belt path pretty easy. Once the lower anchor connectors are attached to the vehicle and the loop at the end of the webbing is accessible, press down on the seat pan with one hand while pulling straight up on the webbing to remove all slack. The Chicco KeyFit 30 infant car seat is one of the easiest to use and install, especially if you’re using the LATCH method.
All US states have child-safety-seat laws that require the use of car seats for kids under a certain age. For infants younger than a year old, that means a rear-facing car seat. Dedicated infant seats—including all the seats we review in this guide—are designed to be used rear-facing only.
The manual clearly states that the top tether is required for all forward facing installations. The seat allows for rear facing to within 1 inch of the adjuster at the top, or a seated height of about 27 inches graco car seat tall. A European belt path, on the other hand, routes the lap belt over the top of the seat and the shoulder belt around the back of the seat, reducing the amount that the seat can wiggle and slide.
The chest clip pinch release is on the left shoulder strap and is easy to use; while not in the usual location, it didn’t hinder the process. On top of that, buyers confirm that it is super easy to install, thanks to its no-rethread adjust harness system which allows you to set the headrest and harness together in one motion. There’s also a push-button InRight LATCH featuring an audible click to let you know that it’s good to go.
However, if you plan to often go without a base—say, for frequent taxi rides or travel—you might want to consider our also-great pick, the Chicco KeyFit 35, or our upgrade pick, the Clek Liing, both of which are better for baseless installs. Also, the SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX is not as compatible with as many strollers from various brands as our other three picks are. As the name implies, a convertible car seat is designed to evolve as your child grows.
We like that he stayed in a familiar seat through that transition and that we didn’t have to keep buying new gear and equipment as he grew. He’s 5 years old and gearing up for his first year in school — and his first year in a carpool so he’s starting to learn how to ride in a booster seat. The 4Ever fit him well in booster mode — the lap belt lies low on the lap, where it belongs, the vehicle seat belt moves freely through the shoulder guide and rests comfortably and correctly across the chest.