Graco Extend2Fit 3-in-1 Car Seat Review [2023] - 50lbs Rear-Facing

Graco Extend2Fit 3-in-1 Review

Table of Contents

While the definition of comfort is relative according to what a parent perceives as ‘comfort,’ there is a level to it, and we can’t deny that there can even be an ‘extra’ comfort for our little ones.

The Graco Extend2Fit 3-in-1 car seat offers that extra comfort with the adjustable extension panel that provides up to 5 inches of additional legroom and extends usage in rear-facing up to 50 lbs.

That means so much and guarantees that comfort for a growing child in a car seat that also offers three seat modes to see a child through their growing stages in;

  1. Rear-facing – 4-50 lbs.
  2. Forward-facing – 22-65 lbs.; and
  3. Highback belt-positioning booster seat – 40-100 lbs.

Read on to learn more on the Extend2Fit reviews, the height and weight limits, safety rating, crash test, the 3-in-1 and 2-in-1 models, PROS and CONS, and what other parents have had to say if it’s worth the money, and alternative comparisons.

Extend2Fit 3-IN-1 car seat
Extend2Fit 3-IN-1 Car Seat

Basis Of This Graco Extend2Fit Convertible Car Seat Reviews and Why You Can Trust the Assessment

Deciding on a car seat to buy can be overwhelming, and it can take such a long time to choose one.

While some parents are already familiar with car seats and stick to a brand and may be confused about which model to buy, new parents are entirely new to car seats and find it challenging to find a brand or a model to settle for.

Like me, it takes a good time to research a product, read reviews, and study specifications and features before settling for one.

I have employed such a skill and spent several hours researching this Graco Extend2Fit convertible car seat and writing this review. My assessment is based beyond just what the manufacturer’s claim, but rather on what parents who have used reported on the different features and how they were satisfied or not.

Therefore, you can trust this review is devoid of sentiment, bias, or to soothe your appeal but to help you make the right buying decision.

Graco Extend2Fit Car Seat Reviews

If you are ready to know my assessment, here is my summary of the PROS and CONS of the convertible car seat.

Pros and Cons

9.0
TOTAL SCORE
Unbiased Review on theGraco Extend2Fit 3-in-1 Car Seat

As a convertible car seat that comes in 4 series, you have a wide range of options to pick from.

However, the Extend2Fit, from my extensive research, meets up to its name, featuring an extended usage in rear-facing up to 50 lbs. for weight and additional legroom to give your child that comfort as they grow.

However, the seat may not be so compatible with small cars to enjoy the extended legroom.

On the other hand, it is comfortable, easy to install, clean, and affordable.

PROS
CONS
extend to fit 6-position recline

How to Use the Extend 2 Fit Graco 6-Recline Positions, Headrest, and 4-Position Extension Panel

The Extend 2 Fit car seat features reclining in 6 positions in rear-facing and forward-facing positions.

The 4-position extension panel is for adjusting the legroom.

These are the recommended recline positions, headrest position, and extension panel for each recline position.

Note: These recline positions are very important as it helps keep a child’s head in a good position.

The recline position can be changed while the car seat is installed, but it is recommended that you reinstall it each time you change the recline to ensure the seat is tight.

Extend 2 Fit Graco 6-Recline Positions
Extend 2 Fit Graco 6-Recline Positions

Rear-facing:

  1. Recline position 1 – rear-facing; Headrest position 1 + Panel extension 1 – perfect for newborn; Dimension: 28D x 18H x 19.5W
  2. Recline position 2 – rear-facing; Recline position 3 – rear-facing
  3. Recline position 4 – rear-facing; Headrest position 10 + Panel extension 4; Dimension: 32D x 30H x 19.5W

Forward-facing:

  1. Recline position 4 – forward-facing; children weighing less than 40 lbs.: Headrest position 5 + Panel extension 1; Dimension: 24.5D x 25H x 19.5W
  2. Recline position 5 – forward-facing; children weighing less than 40 lbs.
  3. Recline position 6 – forward-facing; children weighing over 40 lbs.: Headrest position 10 + Panel extension 1; Dimension: 24.5D x 33.5H x 19.5W

Booster seat:

  1. Recline position 6 – Highback and backless booster

Note: Do not use the extension panel in forward-facing

Graco Extend2Fit Height and Weight + Specifications

FEATURE DESCRIPTION
Product Dimension
20.75D X 24.5H X 19.0W (inches)
Base dimension (not detachable)
15 x 15 (inches)
Product Weight
20.61 lbs.
Recommended Weight Range
4 – 100 lbs.
Recommended Height Limit
57 inches
Rear-facing Weight Limits
min. 4 lbs.;
max. 50 lbs.
(extended room for growth)
Rear-facing Height Limits
19 - 49 inches
Forward-facing Weight Limits
min. 22 lbs.;
max. 65 lbs.
(more comfort)
Forward-facing Height Limits
29-49 inches
Highback belt-positioning Booster Seat Weight Limits
min. 40 lbs.;
max. 100 lb.
Belt-positioning Booster Seat Height Limits
min. 43 in.;
max. 57 in.
Life span (expiration)
10 years from the date of manufacture
(label on the side of the seat)
(extra value for money)

Graco Extend2Fit 3 In 1 Safety Rating

While all car seats must meet stringent federal safety standards before being released to the market, most manufacturers try to go above board to exceed these standards. As such, all car seats are optimally safe.

However, many parents are extra conscious of a car seat safety rating before choosing a car seat.

On the other hand, a car seat must be correctly installed to maximize the full potential of its safety.

Here are the safety and ease-of-use ratings for Extend2Fit car seat as obtained from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHSTA) and IIHS.

Ease-of-Use rating Rear-facing Forward-facing Booster seat
Overall rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐
⭐⭐⭐⭐
BEST BEST

Graco Extend2Fit 3 In 1 Crash Test

Graco is known to carry out extensive crash tests on their car seats using the Graco ProtectPlus Engineering, a crash testing system that involves the following crash tests

  1. Frontal impact
  2. Rear impact
  3. Side impacts
  4. Rollover crash

The Graco Extend2Fit has been extensively crash tested to sustain these impacts while keeping the occupant safe.

Graco Extend2Fit Car Seat Features

extend2fit multiple headrest adjustment
Multiple Adjustable Harness System Headrest and Harness
FEATURE DESCRIPTION
Safety Features
    • Crash tested - frontal, side, rear, and rollover crash tests (Graco ProtectPlus Engineered) - meets or exceeds federal safety standards

 

 

    • Side-impact protection

 

  • 5-point harness system
Installation
  • LATCH/LUAS/ISOFIX system

  • InRight™ LATCH attachment – enables easy and secured installation – for LATCH. - supports up to 45 lbs. limit before switching to seat belt

  • Safety seat belt
Ease of use
  • 6 recline positions – to be able to install correctly to fit your car and for more comfort for a child

  • Harness holder – to hold the harness back while getting your child out of the seat easily and safely

  • Harness storage – to store harness when in booster seat mode

  • Simply Safe Adjust™ Harness System – to easily adjust the harness and headrest

  • Easy to adjust headrest in 10 positions without rethreading harness

  • Easy-to-read recline level indicator

  • Machine-washable seat cover

  • 2 easily removable cup holders
Comfortability for a Child
    • Multiple adjustable headrest – 10 positions

 

    • 4-position extension panel for legroom – 5 inches

 

    • Soft plush fabric

 

    • Removable head and body inserts for a comfortable ride

 

  • 6 recline positions for a comfortable ride in rear-facing and forward-facing
Longevity and Suitability
    • More extended use in rear-facing (max: 50 lbs. And 49 inches);

 

    • Forward-facing (max: 65 lbs. And 49 inches); and

 

    • Belt-positioning booster seat (max: 100 lbs. And 57 inches)

 

  • Expiration is 10 years from the date of manufacture
Who is it best for?
  • New parents and growing families who need a car seat that offers extended usage in rear-facing up to 50 lbs. with extra legroom at the same time. Not ruling out that you can use this seat for up to 10 years and as a highback booster seat.

Extend2Fit car seat

Quick Overview of Key Decision-making Factors for a Convertible Car Seat

As I stated earlier in this extend2fit review, it can be overwhelming when deciding to buy a car seat.

There’re key decision-making factors to consider that can help make the process easier.

Here are some factors to look into:

  1. Installation features: this is usually the most challenging aspect of securing a car seat in your vehicle. A car seat doesn’t serve its full potential when not correctly installed in a car. As such, you want to be sure what installation features a car seat is coming with.
  2. Compatibility with a vehicle: this has to do with the size of your car and the available seat space for an extra car seat. The car seat dimensions help you in this regard. You can check the dimensions of a car seat and match it with your vehicle seat to know if it will be compatible or not. A car seat must occupy at least 80% of the vehicle seat.
  3. Size: while this goes in hand with compatibility, it is another important feature to consider in a car seat. The bigger a car seat is, the heavier it’ll be, and the less likely it may be compatible with a small car. You also need to be aware that a convertible car seat is generally bulky and designed for permanent use in a vehicle, not as a carrier.
  4. Ease of use: a car seat should be easy to use. Beyond the protection it offers a child, it must also be easy to handle, clean, get your child out of the seat easily, etc.
  5. Comfort and growing room space: you want to consider a car seat that offers good comfort and enough growing room space to accommodate your child as they grow. In the event that you have a tiny baby, a car seat should have newborn inserts so they can be comfortable as they ride in the seat while growing.
  6. Weight and height requirement: according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, infants are to ride rear-facing for as long as possible. Many states’ car seat laws recommend this guideline and require parents to follow manufacturers’ weight and height limits.
  7. Safety features: all car seats must pass stringent federal safety standards before being released to the market. That means all car seats are optimally safe. However, some manufacturers go overboard to exceed the requirement and even add extra safety features to guarantee additional protection in any car crash impact – frontal, rear, side, and rollover.
Extend 2 fit safety seat
Extend 2 Fit

Comparing the Factors above with What the Graco Extend to Fit Car Seat Offers

Key Decision-making Factors Extend2Fit Features Verdict
Safety
    • Crash tested - Graco ProtectPlus Engineered

 

    • Rear-impact tested

 

    • Side-impact protection

 

  • 5-point harness system

Excellent

Installation Features
  • LATCH/LUAS/ISOFIX system + InRight™ LATCH attachment – supports up to 45 lbs. limit before switching to seat belt
  • Safety seat belt

Excellent

Compatibility With Vehicle
  • Compatible with compact, mid-size, full-size vans, and SUVs cars

Excellent

Size
  • Product dimension –

    20.75D X 24.5H X 19.0W (inches)

  • Product weight – 20.61 lbs.

Excellent for regular cars

Ease of Usage
  • 6 recline positions

  • Harness holder

  • Harness storage

  • Simply Safe Adjust™ Harness System

  • Adjustable headrest in 10 positions

  • Easy-to-read recline level indicator

  • Seat cover is machine washable

Excellent

Comfort And Growing Room Space
  • Multiple adjustable headrest – 10 positions

  • Enough legroom (up to 5inches extension panel)

  • Soft plush fabric

  • Removable head and body inserts

  • 6 recline positions

  • Extendable usage in rear-facing mode (50 lbs.)

Excellent

Weight And Height Requirement
  • Rear-facing:
    • weight min - 4 lbs. ; max: 50 lbs. and
    • height min: 19 in.; max: 49 in.

  • Forward-facing:
    • weight min - 22 lbs. ; max: 65 lbs. and
    • height min: 29 in.; max: 57 in.

  • Belt-positioning Booster Seat:
      • weight min - 40 lbs. ; max: 100 lbs. and
      • height min: 43 in.; max: 57 in.

Excellent

Other Graco Extend2Fit Models

The Graco Extend2Fit model has different series like the 3-in-1, 2-in-1, 4Ever® Extend2Fit® 4-in-1, and the Platinum.

The majority of this review, from the beginning until now, has been about the 3 in 1.

In this section, I shall be covering the Platinum, 4-in-1, and the 2-in-1. There are slightly few differences in specifications and features.

Graco Extend2Fit Platinum

The Graco Extend2Fit Platinum features the ‘Rapid Remover cover’ just like the Graco 4Ever DLX car seat, making it easy to remove the car seat cover in under 1 minute without uninstalling the car seat like the 3-in-1.

The Platinum also features EZ Tight™ LATCH, unlike the InRight™ LATCH attachment of the 3-in-1.

Other features are similar.

4Ever® Extend2Fit® 4-in-1

The 4Ever® Extend2Fit® 4-in-1 is the premium version of the Extend2Fit series and is similar to the 4Ever DLX 4-in-1 car seat.

The 4Ever® Extend2Fit® comes with premium features and an additional seat mode – backless booster seat which can accommodate your child up to 120 lbs.

The following table highlights the features of the 4Ever® Extend2Fit® 4-in-1 car seat. The major differences are highlighted in bold.

4Ever® Extend2Fit® 4-in-1
FEATURE
DESCRIPTION

Product Dimension

20D X 24H X 21.5W (inches) - wider than the others by 2.5 inches

Base dimension (not detachable)

15 x 15 (inches)

Product Weight

25.99 lbs. (weighs 5.38 lbs. more)

Recommended Weight Range

4 – 120 lbs.

Recommended Height Limit

57 inches

Rear-facing Weight Limits

min. 4 lbs.; max. 50 lbs.
(extended room for growth)

Rear-facing Height Limits

19 - 49 inches

Forward-facing Weight Limits

min. 22 lbs.; max. 65 lbs.

Forward-facing Height Limits

29-49 inches

Highback Booster Seat Weight Limits

min. 40 lbs.; max. 100 lb.

Backless Booster Seat Weight Limits

min. 40 lbs.; max. 120 lb.

Booster Seat Height Limits

min. 43 in.; max. 57 in.

Life span (expiration)

10 years from the date of manufacture
(label on the side of the seat)

Other Features

  • InRight LATCH system
  • Integrated belt lock-off
  • Rapid Remove Cover
  • Round cups (the other series have square cups)

Graco Extend2Fit 2 in 1 vs 3 in 1

The major difference between both seats is the highback booster seat mode (100 lbs.) for the 3-in-1, which is lacking in the 2-in-1.

The 2-in-1 supports only 2 modes – rear-facing and forward-facing.

Features Extend2Fit 2 in 1 Extend2Fit 3 in 1

Also known as

Extend2Fit Convertible Car Seat

-

Product Dimensions (inches)

21.5D X 23.5H X 19.5W

20.75D X 24.5H X 19.0W

Product Weight

19 lbs.

20.61 lbs.

Suitability

2 modes

3 modes

Modes

Rear-facing & Forward-facing

Rear-facing, Forward-facing, Highback belt-positioning booster seat

Weight and height limits

Rear-facing

  • Weight: 4-50 lbs.
  • Height: Head must be at least 1" below the red handle

Forward-facing

  • Weight: 22-65 lbs.
  • Height: Up to 49"

Rear-facing

  • Weight: 4-50 lbs.
  • Height: Head must be at least 1" below the red handle

Forward-facing

  • Weight: 22-65 lbs.
  • Height: Up to 49"

Highback Booster

  • Weight: 40-100 lbs.
  • Height: 43-57"
  • Child must be at least 4 years old

Material

Polyester cotton blend

Plush

Color

4 colors

4 colors

Extra model features

-

model featuring Anti-rebound bar* & model featuring TrueShield Technology**

Price

$$$

$$$+

*Anti-rebound bar – is a bar that helps reduce the movement of a car seat towards the back of the vehicle back seat and from rotating. It stabilizes the seat and prevents such excess movement. It is best used when rear-facing (and protects a child’s face, neck, and head from hitting the vehicle).

**TrueShield Technology – is an advanced type of engineered Side-Impact Protection technology designed by Graco that protects a child from head to hips in the event of a side-impact car crash.

Detailed Insight to this Graco Extend2Fit Review Based on the Features – PROS and CONS in Detail

It is one thing for the manufacturer to make claims on the features; it is another thing for the car seat to perform to expectations truly.

No product review is complete without learning feedback from previous users. However, first users rely on word of mouth of the manufacturer and lay the path for new users to come.

Here is a detailed insight into the Pros and Cons of the Graco Extend2Fit car seat.

PROS and CONS

Safety

The primary reason for a car seat to start with is to protect a child in a car crash. The history of car seats can be traced back to the 30s.

The true way to know the safety efficiency of a car seat is to be involved in an accident, but we definitely don’t pray for such.

Unfortunately, some parents have been involved in a car crash (different types) with this car seat in their vehicles. Some had their child secured, and they came out without a scratch after the crash. While others didn’t have their child in the vehicle, and the seat was still intact.

It goes to show the car seat truly protects a child.

Installation

Car seats are unarguably challenging to install ‘correctly,’ and the difficulty varies with brands and models. While some parents may think they have already installed their seats, they may not have done it correctly.

A car seat should not move more than 1 inch when pushed front-to-back and side-to-side while holding at the belt side.

Many parents rate the ease of installation as “very easy.” Many also say the indicator is easy to read, taking the guesswork away in knowing if the car seat is at the correct recline angle.

This is very impressive and assures that when you install the Extend2Fit, you’d have done that easily and correctly.

Comfort

Many parents praise the Extend to Fit seat as cozy and comfortable for their little one. The newborn inserts are also great for tiny babies and offer extra comfort.

There is not much way to emphasize the level of comfort with this car seat.

In summary, according to parents’ reports, the Extend2Fit is very comfortable.

Ease of Use

The car seat is easy to handle – easy to adjust the harness and easy to get a child out, clean, wash, and other accessories (cup holders)

Compatibility

While this car seat is compatible with many types of vehicles from different manufacturers, it still has its limitation.

It is not exactly ideal for really small cars, but it truly fits a wide range of vehicles according to different parents. A perfect Graco car seat for small cars will be the SlimFit 3-in-1 which has the slimmer configuration (SlimFit3 LX 3-in-1) that fits 3 across the back seat. You can read a comparison of the Graco Extend2Fit vs SlimFit here.

On the other hand, some parents complain that they are either unable to utilize the extension panel or have to adjust the front passenger seat for the car seat to fit in the back seat.

You may expect this situation for really small cars. While the extension panel shouldn’t be much of a problem as some other car seats don’t come with it yet, parents and their little ones enjoy it; adjusting the front seat may be a pain.

Graco Extend2Fit Installation & Videos

Installing a car seat is usually challenging, irrespective of brand. However, some models and product lines are usually easy when the manufacturer considers it a top feature to include at a premium.

The Extend2Fit features two installation methods – the LATCH system, which comes with an additional InRight™ LATCH attachment that allows an easy installation, and the seat belt method, which is regular (no special feature in this model).

Here’s a guide on how to install Graco car seats.

Note: do not install using the LATCH system in forward-facing when a child is weighing more than 45 lbs.

Extend2Fit Installation - Rear-facing

using LATCH
using seat belt

Graco Extend2Fit Installation - Forward-facing

4Ever Platinum

How to Remove and Replace Seat Cover - Video

How to Lengthen Car Seat Straps - Video

Extend2Fit Manual

The car seat manual is your best guide on any information regarding your car seat – registration, date of manufacture, installation, and maintenance.

You can find the Extend 2 Fit manual here.

You can find the expiry dates for all Graco car seats here.

Frequently Asked Questions for the Extend2Fit Car Seat

Is the Graco Extend2Fit safe for Newborns?

The Graco Extend2Fit is perfectly safe for newborns. The car seat is rigorously tested in frontal, rear, side, and rollover crashes to ensure it is safe for an occupant. The seat is well-padded and comes with newborn inserts that make it suitable for tiny babies and can be removed as they grow.

Is Graco Extend2Fit FAA Approved?

Yes, the Graco Extend2Fit car seat is FAA approved and has the label on the side of the seat. The car seat can be used as rear-facing and forward-facing on only forward-facing aircraft seats but should not be used as a booster seat.

How long is Graco Extend2Fit good for?

The Graco Extend2Fit has a lifespan of 10 years. That means the car seat is good for 10 years, counting from the date of manufacture. The DOM label can be found on the side of the car seat.

Final Wrap-up

The Extend2Fit truly meets the expectation of its name. The extended usage in rear-facing up to 50 lbs. and the adjustable four-position extension panel for enough legroom give the car seat a top-notch quality in its cliché.

According to other parents, the car seat is comfortable, easy to use, and more affordable than the Graco 4Ever DLX. You can read my comparative study of both seats here – Extend2Fit vs. 4Ever DLX.

I recommend the Extend2Fit car seat, and you can pick any series confidently – Extend2Fit 4Ever 4-in-1, 3-in-1, 2-in-1, and Platinum.

Happy Parenting!

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