The Graco SlimFit Car Seat was gifted for this review
Depending on the size of your car, or family, or both, then the width of your car seat is important to keep your back seat passengers happy.
A SlimFit car seat can make all the difference to the passengers in the back of your car, as well as how many car seats you can get across the back seats.
Big L is out of a car seat now – he’s too tall – but when both he and Little L were in them there was very little room left in the back for an extra passenger, usually my mum.
When I was asked to review the Graco SlimFit car seat I have to be honest, I hadn’t heard of it. It’s been a while since I bought a car seat as Little L has a group 0+/1/2/3 seat. Having a wide car meant the size of our car seat didn’t really matter when I bought it but as we are thinking of getting a new car in the future a slimmer car seat would mean that we wouldn’t have to worry about having such a large car.
The Graco SlimFit Car Seat is packed with features:
The Graco SlimFit Car Seat installed in Booster Mode
SlimFit™ baby car seat (Group 0+/1/2/3) car seat featuring TrueShield™ Safety Surround™ Side Impact Protection is the only car seat you’ll ever need from Birth to approx. 12 years.
It’s three seats in one, for comfort at every stage. Rearward facing for longer – from birth up to approx. 4 years (0-18kg), Forward facing harness mode approx. 1 to 4 years (9-18kg) and Highback booster mode from 4 to approx. 12 years (15-36kg).
EPS, energy-absorbing foam for effective impact energy management, integrated belt lock-off for easier installation, padded inserts for comfort and a removable cupholder, this car seat really has it all.
The Graco SlimFit Car Seat in Booster mode
Graco SlimFit Car Seat – The 5 point harness stores away
As Little L is 5 I’ve installed the Graco SlimFit in booster mode. It was very simple to follow the instructions to remove the buckle and tuck away the harness in its compartment. He is over the moon to use the car seatbelt like a big boy rather than the harness!
It can be easy to become complacent with car seat safety as the years go on so Graco has devised the five step ‘H.A.P.P.Y’ safety checker for every parent or caregiver to sanity check and stay calm before setting off:
H: Headrest & Handlebar
For forward facing Group 1+ car seats that grow with the child, the bottom of the headrest must be in line with the child’s chin and for Group 0+/i-Size infant carriers the handlebar must be upright, as it acts as a secondary safety measure in the event of an accident. 35% of Graco’s social media followers admit to travelling with the handle down. 1 in 10 of Graco’s followers travel with the headrest too high.
A: Airbag
94 per cent or Graco’s followers know to deactivate the front seat air bag when travelling with a child rear facing in an infant carrier. It is a legal requirement to deactivate the air bag. Yet, only 58 per cent deactivate the air bag for children aged 4-12 travelling forwards. You must check the car manual. Some vehicles do not allow a child under 12 years or less than 135cm in the front of the car.
P: Pinch test (you might know it as the two finger rule)
To ensure the 5-point harness is secure, not too tight and not too loose, try to pinch the belt strap – if you can pinch it so the fabric bunches in your fingers, the harness is too loose. 60 per cent of Graco’s followers do not know about this simple test.
P: Passenger Side
Always position the youngest passenger behind the passenger seat. 85 per cent of Graco’s followers do this. In the event of an accident or breakdown you are safer leaning in to remove the little one from the car while standing on the pavement side.
Y: Years, height or weight?
Keep checking your child is in the right seat for their height and weight – the age measure is only a suggested guide. There are two systems commonly used: R44 and i-Size. R44 regulated seats are grouped based on weight while i-Size seats are defined height. Check out this useful blog from Halfords which simplifies the process.
There are also plenty of car accessories that will help keep you and your passengers happy
Available from Halfords are a Backseat Baby Mirror – this was invaluable when they were rear facing as you could see them by glancing in the rear view mirror. The mirror attaches to the seat headrest and you angle it so the reflection can be seen in the rearview mirror. It’s always handy to know if they are asleep or not! As well as the Car Backseat Organiser which has handy pockets for all sorts of things like tissues or wipes, snacks, books, drinks and so on.
Where can you buy a Graco SlimFit Car Seat?
The Graco SlimFit Car Seat is available from Halfords in a choice of colors RRP £185.00.
