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Graco GoMax
The Graco GoMax infant car seat is a budget-friendly and travel-friendly option designed for families who need a quick and easy installation. With rigid lower anchors that snap back into place for convenience (Insta-Install), this seat is perfect for those who frequently use Uber, Lyft, or taxis. Unlike other baseless car seats, the GoMax also offers the option of a compatible base, providing added flexibility for parents on the go.
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Our Review of the
Graco GoMax
The Graco GoMax infant car seat is a budget-friendly and travel-friendly option designed for families who need a quick and easy installation. With rigid lower anchors that snap back into place for convenience (Insta-Install), this seat is perfect for those who frequently use Uber, Lyft, or taxis. Unlike other baseless car seats, the GoMax also offers the option of a compatible base, providing added flexibility for parents on the go.
Our recommendation: From birth until it’s outgrown, 9-12 months
An infant car seat
From birth
Stand Out Features of this Car Seat
Rigid Lower Anchors
The rigid lower anchors are located on the seat itself and not on the base. If you want to utilize the rigid latch feature, you will have to install the Graco GoMax without the base. We would actually recommend just buying the baseless version to begin with!
Lock-off
If you decide to install the base, it does have a lock-off. It can be installed easily with the seat belt.
Seat is good for you if
You frequently use Uber/Lyft/taxis.
The Graco GoMax car seat is easy to install baseless in any vehicle with lower anchors, which have been required since 2002. Just click it in, and you're ready to go!
You have already have a stroller that is compatible with Graco infant seats.
The Graco GoMax becomes a travel system because it is compatible with all of the Graco strollers except for Modes 3 Lite DLX/Platinum, Outpace LX, and Premier Merge. We are assuming that it will be compatible with Graco adapters for other strollers, but we will update this review when we find out for sure!
Use caution if
You are expecting a preemie.
Due to the no-rethread harness, we would not expect this seat to be a good fit for preemies, as that has been our experience with other Graco infant seats with a no-rethread harness. We would recommend looking at one of these seats instead.
Quirks to be aware of
Hard to loosen harness when installed
When the Graco GoMax infant seat was installed baseless with the rigid lower anchors, we found it very difficult to loosen the harness in order to remove the baby. Most people would not find this problematic, but if you like to leave the infant seat in the car sometimes, you might find this annoying. When not installed, the harness is very easy to tighten and loosen.
Level Line
If you choose to install the base, the level line is in an unusual location, making it difficult to tell if it is level with the ground. We recommend using the Graco GoMax without the base; it's much easier.
Child Fit Information
Our six-month-old model, who is 16 pounds and 25 inches, was happy to give this seat a try! She fit very well and found it comfortable enough for a nap.
Installation Information
Airplane Use
The Graco GoMax car seat is FAA-approved. This seat is a good option for travel. If traveling internationally, you should contact Graco for a locking clip in case you end up in a vehicle that doesn't have lower anchors unless you plan to take the base, which does have a seat belt lock-off. We have a video here of how to use it. For help with all things airplane travel and car seats, check out our Wheels Up Course and private Facebook group.
SITS Bottom Line
The Graco GoMax car seat is an affordable and convenient option for families who frequently use multiple vehicles. Its rigid lower anchors make baseless installation quick and effortless, while the automatic snap-back feature keeps the recline setting in place for future use. Unlike other baseless infant seats with rigid anchors, the GoMax offers the option of a compatible base, though it lacks additional safety features. While not ideal for preemies due to its no-rethread harness, the GoMax remains a solid choice for caregivers looking for an easy-to-use, travel-friendly infant car seat. We recommend the baseless version instead, as the base is really unnecessary in this case and is slightly more challenging to use due to the level line.
Specifications
Graco
Product Information
Weight: lbs
Width: 17.5"
Rear Facing Limits
Height: 32"
Weight: 4-30 lbs
Head Height Rules: at least 1" below the top of the seat
Forward-Facing Limits
No Back Booster Limits
Highest Belt Guide Settings
High Back Booster Limits
Other Important Details
Preemie Fit
unsure
Expiration Limit
7 years
Crash Replacement Policy
replace after any crash
Harness
no-rethread
Lock-off
yes
Handle Positions for the Vehicle
any locked position
Vehicle Seat Protectors
This brand allows a mat or thin towel or blanket