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Graco Contender Slim Convertible Car Seat

Graco

Graco Contender Slim Convertible Car Seat

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Is the Graco Contender Slim Convertible Car Seat worth it?

Yes, for the right buyer. The Graco Contender Slim Convertible Car Seat ranks #4 in our Best Convertible Car Seats list. Its biggest strength: slim profile saves space. The main caveat: lower rear-facing limit than Extend2Fit.

Overview

What the Graco Contender Slim Convertible Car Seat does well

A slim, 16 lb convertible seat that is FAA approved and fits tighter back seats.

The trade-offs

Pros & cons

Pros

  • Slim profile saves space
  • FAA approved for flights
  • No-rethread harness
  • Rear-facing to 40 lb

Cons

  • Lower rear-facing limit than Extend2Fit
  • Less padding
  • Cup holder takes space
Fit check

Should you buy the Graco Contender Slim Convertible Car Seat?

Buy it if you're…

  • Shopping for small cars
  • Shopping for travel
  • Shopping for budgets under $300

Think twice if this matters to you

  • Lower rear-facing limit than Extend2Fit
  • Less padding
  • Cup holder takes space
Where it ranks

Featured in 4 best-of lists

ListRank
Best Convertible Car Seats#4 / 6
Best Car Seats for Small Cars#4 / 5
Best Car Seats for Travel#4 / 4
Best Car Seats Under $300#5 / 5
Cross-shop

Alternatives to the Graco Contender Slim Convertible Car Seat

Products ranked near it in our research, each better for a slightly different buyer.

Buying advice: car seats

  1. Infant seats are rear-facing only and portable. Convertible seats go rear-facing then forward-facing. All-in-one seats add booster mode. Boosters are for older children who have outgrown a harness.
  2. Experts recommend keeping children rear-facing as long as the seat allows. Higher rear-facing weight and height limits let you do that for longer.
  3. Look for clear level indicators and lock-offs or tensioning systems that make a tight install easier. A seat that is hard to install is more likely to be installed wrong.
  4. Measure the back seat, especially for compact cars or three-across setups. Rear-facing seats can push front seats forward.
  5. Car seats expire, usually 6 to 10 years from manufacture. Check the date and never use a seat that has been in a moderate or severe crash.

Read the full guides

Answers

Graco Contender Slim Convertible Car Seat: common questions

Is the Graco Contender Slim Convertible Car Seat worth buying?

Yes, for the right buyer. The Graco Contender Slim Convertible Car Seat ranks #4 in our Best Convertible Car Seats list. Its biggest strength: slim profile saves space. The main caveat: lower rear-facing limit than Extend2Fit.

Who is the Graco Contender Slim Convertible Car Seat best for?

Based on our research it suits small cars, travel and budgets under $300. It's ranked #4 of 6 in our Best Convertible Car Seats list.

What are the downsides of the Graco Contender Slim Convertible Car Seat?

The main trade-offs owners and reviewers point to: lower rear-facing limit than Extend2Fit; less padding; cup holder takes space.

What are the best alternatives to the Graco Contender Slim Convertible Car Seat?

Worth comparing: Graco 4Ever DLX 4-in-1 Car Seat, Britax Boulevard ClickTight Convertible Car Seat and Graco Extend2Fit Convertible Car Seat. Each ranks near it in our research for a slightly different buyer.

Where can I buy the Graco Contender Slim Convertible Car Seat?

It's sold on Amazon. Prices and stock change often, so check the current listing before you buy, our link takes you straight to it.

What does a convertible car seat mean?

A convertible car seat converts between rear-facing and forward-facing orientations in the same shell, unlike an infant seat that only rear-faces and detaches from a base. Some convertible seats, like the Graco 4Ever DLX, also convert into a highback and then backless booster, which is why they are sometimes called all-in-one or 4-in-1 seats.

At what age should a child switch from rear-facing to forward-facing?

There is no single age. Pediatric safety groups recommend keeping a child rear-facing until they reach the seat's maximum rear-facing height or weight limit, which for the seats in this list is 40 pounds. Many toddlers reach that weight limit well after age 2, which is why current guidance emphasizes the seat's limits over a fixed birthday.

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