The Nautilus 65 LX is a prime example of such products. But take it from us; this is one of those car seats you will purchase and wish you had come across earlier after getting to know how much it has for you and your little pumpkin to enjoy. The Nautilus 65 in forward-facing mode received an overall rating of 4 stars and 3 stars in booster mode. If you can’t stand the heat…The company states that the car seat was created to withstand high car interior temperatures during those really hot months. This is important because, after all, a car can reach around 125 degrees Fahrenheit or hotter on blazing summer days.
We highly recommend keeping your kids in the forward-facing seat for as long as they fit safely. Only switch to the booster seat when their weight or height is above the limit specified by the product manufacturer. As an added convenience for your child, the seat also offers a cup holder and storage pockets for all the things they need. The storage pockets are easy to access while safely buckled in the seat, so there will be no struggling to reach the necessary books or toys. On this model, the belt fit in backless mode was good in multiple cars, though I might have wanted to use the belt adjuster guide in one car.
This high-back booster then keeps your growing child safe by keeping your vehicle’s seat belt in the safest location possible. It also retains the added protection from the seat’s back and sides. The Nautilus has generally been an easy seat to install and use since it was released in 2007.
That’s why the bottom buckle is adjustable outward to make room for a bigger kid. The company says it should be easy, but after struggling with it, a hammer had to be used to knock the buckle graco travel system into submission. That’s just a wee bit ridiculous for a belt that’s supposed to be easily adjustable. Graco has tested this product thoroughly to ensure that it’s completely safe.
In the 2013 review, and until this version of the seat, there were two crotch strap positions at 5.5″ and 7″ deep. Now, in the updated Nautilus there are three crotch strap positions. They still have the 5.5″ and 7″ deep slots, but they’ve added a third at 8″ out.
Installing the Nautilus is generally very easy in harnessed mode. The belt path is open behind the child, and the lower anchor connector strap comes routed in the belt path already. When installed correctly (remember to kneel in seat when latching seat belt!) Is solid as a rock with no moving. Love how easy it is to loosen straps for getting her out comfortably, and to tighten the straps to restrain her safely. With her old backward facing seat she used to scream incessantly when having to go somewhere but it is so blissfully quiet with this seat. I bought this car seat for my almost three year old and he loves it!
As for reader feedback, the Graco Nautilus earns positive marks from readers for its overall ease of use. A handful of dissenters say the seat was hard to install with a tight fit in their vehicles. Most of the complaints about the Nautilus are about pre-2014 seats before the crotch buckle issue was fixed. Going from backless to high back booster mode, reverse this process.
As if parents needed more questions to answer, you have to decide if you want to latch or seat belt this car seat in. The Graco Nautilus latches in considerably well, but it never seems to get tight enough. The fit may not be as snug and secure as some of us OCD parents would like, especially if it’s reclined. There was some rocking back and forth when getting the kid in and out of the seat, even though it was latched. The Nautilus car seat was built with EPS, which is a type of foam that absorbs impact.
A LATCH install is easy on the Nautilus 65 LX, the strap is already routed through, just attach and add weight and tighten. New to this version of the Nautilus, graco travel system the harness now has little pockets on the cover. The tongues of the buckle tuck in so the harness stays out of the way as the child gets in and out of the seat.
With a little coffee and a whole lot of Jesus, I’m just trying to raise my 3 kiddos and teach them to be good people. I want to help fellow moms find the best products to help their families thrive! In the tiny shreds of free time I get, I love to hike, sing, bake, and watch Netflix. Please note, a stock image is included to provide you with a visual snapshot of this item that we could not capture otherwise. The actual product may be a different color or model.