I received complimentary product to review in this post. However, views expressed are 100% my own.
Yep, we’re to that point now. Little miss A has outgrown her bucket seat and thus, I had to start looking at convertible car seats about a month ago. Going into it, I knew absolutely nothing about convertible car seats, when to switch them to one, or what to even look for. After doing some research, I ended up with the Safety 1st® Grow and Go (3-in-1) Convertible car seat. It was affordable and it had some wonderful reviews. If you’re in the same boat (needing to switch soon, and knowing nothing) then you’ll appreciate the facts I have to share in this post! Let’s continue…
When to Make the Switch
Typically infant car seats go up to about 3o pounds or when there is an inch or less between the infant’s head and the top of the seat. Although, it’s always good to check the height and weight specs on your specific car seat to be safest.
What to Look For in a Convertible Car Seat
What I found was one of the most important elements in safety of a car seat is a 5 point harness (two shoulder, two waist, one between the legs). Beyond that, you also want to look for side impact protection (padding near their head) to keep them safer if anything were to happen.
Safety 1st has Side Impact Protection (SIP) with removable pillows for your child as they grow.
Those are the safety specs to look for, but beyond those you will also want to look at convenience features. You know, the things that will make your life easier at the end of the day. Here are some nice things to have (though not necessary) when it comes to a convertible car seat:
- A good size that fits nicely in your vehicle(s)
- Easy installation
- Weight limit will last your child a long time
- Ability to rear face for an extended time (recline positions are nice!)
- Updated LATCH system
- Quality material (easy to wipe down or wash)
Why I Chose the Safety 1st Grow and Go
Safety 1st Grow and GoAs I mentioned before, I wanted all the features of high-end convertible car seats without the hefty price tag. I figured that it was too much to ask, but then I came across the Safety 1st seats. Ultimately, I was between the Grow and Go and the Advance SE 65 Air+ (that’s a mouthful, right?) however I read that the Advance was a little bit bigger (and my truck is not too roomy) so that made the decision much easier!
Easy Conversion
I love that the Grow and Go features a super easy design to grow with my little one. From 5 pounds to 100 pounds, it’s made to grow as she does. Rear facing up to 40 lbs, to forward facing from 22 to 65 lbs, and then to a belt-positioning booster seat from 40 to 100 lbs; I don’t have to worry about purchasing another car seat!
Rear-facing: 5 – 40 lbs, up to 40″ tall
Forward-facing: 22 – 65 lbs, up to 52″ tall
Booster seat: 40 – 100 lbs.
Simple Harness System
The Quick-Fit™ Harness System lets you to adjust both the harness height and the headrest of the car seat in one easy step. This gives you proper fit without a big hassle. Not to mention, the seat has built-in harness holders so that when you put your child in the seat, and take them out, you don’t have to dig underneath them for the straps as they’re held right in place the whole time.
Machine Washable Padding
As a mother of a child who is always spitting up and spilling things, I look for the easiest possible material to throw in the washing machine. The pad on the Grow and Go is machine washable and dryer safe, which is a huge relief. Not to mention the pad is easy to remove as well (without messing with the harness and all that) so it’s not a huge task anymore.
Overall Thoughts
My overall opinion of the Safety 1st Grow and Go is that it’s a great car seat for the value. It has the modern adaptations of luxury car seats without the high price tag. I’m also very happy that I have all the safety ratings covered, so that I can trust it with my most precious cargo! I would definitely recommend it to any mom who is looking into convertible car seats.
Do you have any questions about convertible car seats? Feel free to ask in the comments below and I’ll do my best to help!
Sarah
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