In 2016 Newell Rubbermaid changed its name to Newell Brands when they acquired Jarden. In 2002, Graco launched the Turbo Booster, a booster seat designed to help parents stay in graco travel system compliance with many states’ passage of laws requiring children to stay in a car seat longer. In 2007, the company purchased established German baby product brand, Teutonia.
Kids’ car seats undergo a significant amount of messy action and require regular cleaning in one way or another. For this reason, we test how difficult it is to remove the fabric covers for washing. We prefer covers that are machine washable and easy to remove. We like handwashing methods over spot cleaning only, but because there is a high potential for throwup, spit-up, and poopy blowouts, it is ideal to have a machine washable cover you can remove quickly. The Evenflo Tribute LX is a top-performer for removing the cover and straightforward, parent-friendly cleaning. This straightforward cover removes quickly, is machine-washable and dryable, and fits back on the shell without a hiccup.
Most safety/performance ratings you’ll find are measured under independent research through organizations such as the NHTSA which has a 5-star ease-of-use scale. This, we feel, is the most important measurement because an improperly used car seat can be almost as dangerous as none at all. Generally, the easier it is to firmly install the seat and secure the child, the safer your child will be. For overall safety, the 4Ever is a great option, including the ability to use LATCH in booster mode .
The Graco 4Ever 4-in-1 has two cup holders which we used for water bottles. A typical disposable water cup fits in them, as well as most sippy cups. While baby bottles also fit, infants using the car seat will most likely not be able to reach the cup holders themselves. You can remove the high back for a backless booster but the height and weight requirements differ.
If you’re willing to spend a little extra for theChicco NextFit Zip model — which comes with a detachable, zip-off seat pad — clean up will be even easier, too. Many car seats use a bubble or dial to show that the seat is in the correct position, while others make a sound when the seat is in the correct spot. If the idea of shopping for a new car graco travel system seat after just a year sounds expensive , you might want to skip theinfant car seatand look into buying a convertible car seat right away. We can confidently recommend the Graco 4Ever 4-in-1 Convertible Car Seat as a great buy. It’s easy to clean and keeps your child safe through all the ages and stages until they’re out of a car seat for good.
The 50-pound weight limit for the rear-facing position that this model offers is the highest in this entire list. If you like the idea of having your child ride in the rear-facing position, then this is a standout feature that other car seats don’t usually match. The Heir does NOT meet the minimum requirements to use a booster seat yet. However, I’ve gone ahead and placed him in the 4Ever as a high back booster just so I can show you what it looks like. In order to use the Graco 4Ever as a high back booster, the child must be four years old, 40″ tall, AND 40 lbs. The Heir only meets the age and height criteria at this time, and he’s far from being mature enough to sit still in a booster seat.
An Amazon user praised the new easier-to-remove cover of the Graco 4Ever DLX 4-in-1 Car Seat, which has been enhanced to make pulling them on and off for machine washing as easy as possible. “The covers come off easily and are intuitive to put back together,” she says. Easy installation, with an audible clicking sound to assure you it’s properly installed. Riding in a car comes with a level of danger that requires vigilance. This matters particularly when it comes to our littlest family members.