From 5-100 Pounds, the Graco SlimFit3 LX 3-in-1 Car Seat Fits the Whole Family

Simplicity and Safety, Combined

When our Graco SlimFit3 LX showed up on our front porch, we started by testing it out with our brand-new baby for a couple of weeks. In just a few weeks, we decided to use it for my four-year-old instead of our 2-month-old baby. We loved it as an infant seat but since my preschooler’s car seat was expiring soon, the Graco would be better utilized for a larger seat instead. Plus, we were able to put the car seat to the full test by checking out all the range of features, from infant to “big kid.”

Right away, the first feature that stood out to us was how simple the Graco SlimFit3 LX was to install. While I was busy stressing about the installation process, my husband was through with moving it and adjusting the straps before I realized he had even started. It was really that simple! The ease of installation and switching between seats or vehicles was a big love for him since he usually takes care of this task.

Even though we’re not traveling a lot these days, this seat is getting a lot of love between running out for hikes after we finish homeschooling or taking my older kids to music lessons each week. My preschooler can buckle himself in, and I follow up behind him to tighten it up and adjust the chest clip. There is so much to worry about right now. Knowing that my kids’ safety, while they’re buckled in their seats, is one less thing I need to worry about is a huge relief.

Features to Love

Along with safety and simplicity of installation, let’s take a look at some of my favorite features of the Graco SlimFit3 LX 3-in-1:

Fits 3 Across

The Graco SlimFit3 LX 3-in-1 is specifically designed for families like mine, with all different age ranges in car seats. I have four kids who are all in a car seat of some kind, from my oldest in a booster to my youngest in an infant car seat, so space is a consideration. Since this car seat is only 16.7 inches wide, three seats can easily and safely be installed in the backseat.

Baby-Friendly

As an infant car seat, we really appreciated the ease of install and the bead indicator on the side of the car seat that assured me we had it correctly reclined for his age and size. The removable, washable head and body pillow inserts kept him secure and cozy while he was at his tiniest size.

Can be Used for 5-100 Pounds

As a convertible car seat, it can be used rear-facing for babies as small as five pounds. It can also be installed forward-facing with a five-point harness for kids 22-65 pounds and as a high back booster for kids as big as 100 pounds. This car seat will literally work from birth to seat belt.

Lightweight and Easy to Move

Set-up is easy and it doesn’t require a seatbelt. You can use the Latch system in your car to clip the car seat in place. Since the seat is also pretty lightweight at only 19 pounds, it’s easy to move between vehicles if you need to. As your kid gets bigger, you don’t have to mess with unthreading and rethreading the straps thanks to Graco’s No-Rethread Simply Safe Adjust™ Harness System, which allows you to adjust the straps and the headrest to 10 different positions.

Machine-Washable Pad

Eventually, most car seats need to be cleaned and the Graco SlimFit3 LX 3-in-1 keeps it straightforward. The seat pad can be washed in the washing machine in cold water, while all other parts can be washed by hand. Just make sure to follow Graco’s directions for care and maintenance to keep clean up safe!

Pros and Cons of the Graco SlimFit3 LX Car Seat

The benefits of this car seat are numerous, and it has been well-loved here in our home since we received it a couple of months ago. My husband reported that the install was intuitive. He easily installed it using the latch system in a few seconds, listening for the click and then tightening the straps until it was secure.

We also love how easy it is to adjust the headrest and straps to provide a secure fit. With tiny babies especially, sometimes it is easier just to loosen up the straps to get them in out of the seat in then tighten it up for a secure fit.

The only true downside, in my opinion, is if you plan on using it an infant seat, you have to keep in mind that because it’s a convertible car, it can’t click in and out like a bucket infant car seat. Once it is installed, it stays there until you want to install it in a different vehicle. You may be used to bringing your infant seat into the house or clicking it onto a stroller, but you won’t be able to do this with this model.

What to Consider Before Buying

The Graco SlimFit3 LX Car Seat carries with it the rigorous safety testing Graco is committed to for all of its car seats. It is Graco® ProtectPlus Engineered™, which means you can rest easy knowing they’ve done everything they can to protect your baby if your family was involved in a crash. This seat is especially suited for larger families like mine since it is narrow enough to fit three in the back seat.

Before purchasing, keep in mind that this car seat isn’t portable like an infant carrier and it won’t click into your Graco stroller. If this is important to you, you’ll need to consider a different seat like the SnugRide. If this isn’t a deal-breaker for you, no big deal! Like our family, you can just slip your little one into a carrier on your chest until they’re steady enough to be buckled into a stroller or shopping cart.

As a mid-priced car seat that works from infancy to 100 pounds, I highly recommend the Graco SlimFit3 LX. Our family is grateful we have a dependable, easy-to-use car seat to rely on for the next several years.