Graco Slimfit3 LX 3-in-1
When it comes to choosing the right car seat for your child’s safety and comfort, the Graco SlimFit3 LX emerges as a standout option. This compact and versatile car seat offers a range of features that cater to the specific needs of parents and caregivers. If you’re in search of a car seat that allows you to fit three across or if you have limited back seat space, the Graco SlimFit3 LX could be the perfect choice for you. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the key benefits of this car seat, highlighting its unique features and providing essential information for your purchasing decision.
- You need to fit 3 across.
- Your back seat space is very limited.
- Your vehicle has non-removable headrests.
- You want to skip an infant seat.
- You want this to be the last seat your child ever needs.
- It’s very compact rear-facing.
- Forward-facing lock-off
- Removable cupholders
Our Review of the
Graco Slimfit3 LX 3-in-1
When it comes to choosing the right car seat for your child’s safety and comfort, the Graco SlimFit3 LX emerges as a standout option. This compact and versatile car seat offers a range of features that cater to the specific needs of parents and caregivers. If you’re in search of a car seat that allows you to fit three across or if you have limited back seat space, the Graco SlimFit3 LX could be the perfect choice for you. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the key benefits of this car seat, highlighting its unique features and providing essential information for your purchasing decision.
Our recommendation: From 6 months until the seat is outgrown (average 7-8 years old)
A convertible car seat that can be used rear-facing and forward-facing
After the baby can sit unassisted or after the infant seat has been outgrown
Stand Out Features of this Car Seat
It’s very compact rear-facing.
It doesn’t take up a lot of space in the rear-facing mode. We’ve found that it fits well in a lot of smaller vehicles and behind taller parents.
Forward-facing lock-off
In the forward-facing mode, the Graco SlimFit3 LX offers a seat belt lock-off feature. In fact, this feature simplifies the installation process, ensuring a secure and tight fit in various car models. It’s especially handy when dealing with center seating positions or tight spaces, providing added peace of mind for parents concerned about installation safety.
Removable cupholders
A unique feature that sets the Graco SlimFit3 LX apart from other Graco seats is its removable cupholders. These cupholders add a layer of convenience to your child’s travel experience, providing a place to store drinks and snacks. Additionally, when you need to fit three car seats in a single row of your vehicle, removing the cupholders can be a practical necessity, allowing for a snug and secure fit of multiple car seats.
Seat is good for you if
You need to fit 3 across.
If your goal is to fit three car seats side by side in your vehicle, the Graco SlimFit3 LX becomes a top contender. Measuring just 16.7 inches in width, it ranks among the narrowest car seats available in the market today. This makes it an ideal choice for families facing the challenge of accommodating multiple car seats in their back seat. The forward-facing mode has a seat belt lock-off, which can be helpful to get a tight installation in some tight center seating positions. Whether you have triplets, three kids of varying ages, or simply need to make the most of your vehicle’s limited space, the SlimFit3 LX provides a practical and space-efficient solution.
Your back seat space is very limited.
This seat is fairly compact rear-facing, so it can be a good option for smaller vehicles or to go behind tall passengers.
Your vehicle has non-removable headrests.
We’ve found that this seat tends to fit well in most vehicles, even ones that have non-removable headrests.
Use caution if
You want to skip an infant seat.
While the Graco SlimFit3 LX offers a plethora of benefits, it’s important to exercise caution if you intend to skip using an infant car seat. We recommend waiting until your child can sit unassisted before transitioning to this seat. The SlimFit3 LX, even in its most reclined position, may not provide the necessary support and comfort for a newborn due to its slightly more upright orientation.
You want this to be the last seat your child ever needs.
While the high-back booster mode has 57″/100-pound limits, there is no child that will fit at either of those limits. The harness mode will last about a year after the harness mode is outgrown as the highest belt guide position is about an inch higher than the harness. You will need another booster once your child outgrows this seat.
Quirks to be aware of
Similarly named seats
In the world of car seats, it’s important to be aware of similar-sounding models. Apart from the Graco SlimFit3 LX, which is a narrow option, Graco also offers the Graco Slimfit 3 and Graco Slimfit 3 LX, neither of which boasts the same narrow design. These alternatives measure about 19 inches in width, making them wider choices. It’s also crucial to double-check the specific model you’re considering to ensure it aligns with your space requirements. Additionally, keep in mind that Graco True3Fit, a Walmart exclusive, is essentially the same as the slim Graco SlimFit3 LX, offering a narrow profile suitable for fitting multiple car seats in your vehicle comfortably.
Child Fit Information
Installation Information
Airplane Use
The Graco SlimFit3 LX is an FAA-approved car seat. Just get a travel cart to maneuver through the airport! Because it can be very compact in rear-facing mode, it will fit in that direction on most airplane seats. It is narrow as well, so you probably won’t even need to put the airplane armrests up to fit it!
If you are traveling internationally, you may be able to get away with installing with the lower anchors if the child is under 45 pounds and if the vehicles you end up in have lower anchors. But we would recommend contacting Graco for a free locking clip in case you need to do a rear-facing seat belt installation since most vehicles outside of the US and Canada will not have locking seat belts. For help on how to install a car seat with a locking clip, check out our video here. The forward-facing installation does have a seat belt lock-off. So no locking clip is needed when the seat is being used in that mode internationally. For help with all things airplane travel and car seats, check out our Wheels Up Course and private Facebook group.
Videos
SITS Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Graco SlimFit3 LX stands as an exceptional choice for families seeking a narrow and space-efficient car seat solution. Its ability to accommodate three car seats across and its compatibility with vehicles featuring non-removable headrests make it a versatile and practical option. Additionally, the forward-facing lock-off mechanism and removable cupholders enhance the user experience, ensuring a secure installation and added convenience.
Similar Car Seats
Specifications
Graco
Product Information
Weight: 18lbs
Width: 16.7"
Highest Harness Height: 17.75"
Rear Facing Limits
Height: 49"
Weight: 5-40lbs
Head Height Rules: at least 1″ below the headrest adjustment lever
Lower Anchor Connectors Weight Limit: 40 lbs
Forward-Facing Limits
Height: 49"
Weight: 22-65lbs
Head Height Rules: ears must be below the top of the headrest
Lower Anchor Connectors Weight Limit: 45lbs
No Back Booster Limits
Highest Belt Guide Settings
19.5"
High Back Booster Limits
Height: 43-57"
Weight: 40-100lbs
Head Height Rules: ears must be below the top of the headrest
Other Important Details
Newborn Fit
not recommended; recline is not suitable for a newborn
Expiration Limit
10 Years
Crash Replacement Policy
replace after any crash
Harness
no-rethread
Lock-off
forward-facing only
Vehicle Seat Protectors
This brand allows a mat or thin towel or blanket
Ford Inflatable Seat Belts
Bypass the seat belt lock-off when using this seat in the forward-facing position.