Graco 4Ever Extend2Fit DLX Review - The Ultimate All-In-One Car Seat

As a parent, keeping your child safe is the number one priority. That's why choosing the right car seat is such an important decision. The Graco 4Ever Extend2Fit DLX has become one of the most popular options for parents looking for an all-in-one convertible car seat that can grow with their child from infancy through the booster seat years.

After extensive research comparing infant, convertible, and booster seats, I decided the Graco 4Ever Extend2Fit DLX would be the best choice for my family. In this review, I'll share an in-depth look at all of the features, pros and cons, and things to consider to help you determine if it's the right convertible car seat for your child.

Graco 4Ever Extend2Fit DLX Review

Overview of the Graco 4Ever Extend2Fit DLX All-In-One Car Seat

The Graco 4Ever Extend2Fit DLX is what's known as a "4-in-1" convertible car seat, meaning it has 4 different modes:

  • Rear-facing infant car seat: For babies 4-50 lbs
  • Forward-facing toddler car seat: For toddlers 22-65 lbs
  • Highback booster seat: For children 30-100 lbs
  • Backless booster seat: For children 40-120 lbs

This allows you to use the same car seat from infancy through grade school, maximizing your investment.

Some of the key features of the Graco Extend2Fit DLX include:

  • 4 positions for the rear-facing mode to accommodate growing infants
  • Extend2Fit adjustable leg extension provides 5" of extra legroom
  • 10-position adjustable harness height for proper shoulder strap placement
  • Dual integrated steel bars for strength and stability
  • Simply Safe Adjust no-rethread harness makes adjusting the height easy
  • 6-position recline for optimal comfort and safety

In other words, this seat is designed to provide maximum safety and comfort in every mode, while also being easy to install and adjust as your child grows.

Now let's take a deeper look at how the Graco Extend2Fit DLX performs in each mode.

Using the Graco 4Ever Extend2Fit DLX Rear-Facing

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, infants should remain rear-facing until they reach the maximum weight or height allowed by the car seat manufacturer.

For the Graco Extend2Fit DLX, that is 4 lbs to 50 lbs. The seat can be installed rear-facing in your vehicle using either the LATCH system or the vehicle seat belt.

One of the top reasons parents choose the Extend2Fit DLX is for the 4 recline positions in rear-facing mode. Proper recline angle helps reduce the risk of infant breathing obstructions. Many infant car seats only have a 1 or 2 position recline.

Another standout safety feature is the Extend2Fit leg extension panel. This provides up to 5 inches of extra leg room that allows your rear-facing child's legs to bend comfortably as they grow. Proper leg positioning is essential so kids don't slouch, which can obstruct breathing.

You can see how much extra room the extensions provide in this photo:

The 4Ever Extend2Fit DLX also makes it easy to get a safe, snug installation each time in rear-facing mode. It has a quick-adjust 8-position headrest and no-rethread harness that adjusts together. The dual steel reinforced frame bars add stability and protect your child in a crash.

Many parents can safely keep their child rear-facing beyond age 2 with the Extend2Fit DLX thanks to the 50 lb weight limit and tall shell design. The American Academy of Pediatrics states this is the safest option.

Forward-Facing Use of the Graco 4Ever Extend2Fit DLX

Once your child outgrows the rear-facing size limits of the Extend2Fit DLX, you can transition to using it forward-facing. This seat has a forward-facing weight range of 22 lbs to 65 lbs.

Some of the great safety features that make this seat ideal for the forward-facing stage include:

  • 10-position headrest and no-rethread harness makes proper positioning easy
  • Steel reinforced frame provides strength and stability in crashes
  • Side impact protection shields your child from collision forces

The Simply Safe Adjust Harness System is a huge time saver and prevents mistakes. You adjust the headrest and harness together by raising or lowering the headrest. There are audible clicks so you know it's locked in place properly.

The 6-position recline adds comfort for napping children, and can help prevent slouching. Recline angle doesn't affect safety as much during forward-facing use, but comfort can make a big difference in your child's willingness to ride happily.

Many children can remain in forward-facing mode with the Extend2Fit DLX until around age 5 or 6. Always follow the height and weight limits set by Graco to maximize safety.

Using the Graco Extend2Fit DLX Booster Mode

The Graco 4Ever Extend2Fit DLX converts to a belt-positioning booster seat for older kids. This includes both a highback booster and backless booster.

It can be used as a highback booster for children 30 lbs to 100 lbs and 38"-57" tall. The highback helps properly position both the shoulder belt and lap belt.

When your child exceeds the height limit for the highback booster, you remove it to convert to a backless booster for children 40 lbs to 120 lbs and 40"-57" tall.

In booster mode, the Extend2Fit DLX still provides side impact protection. The dual cup holders are also handy to keep drinks and snacks secure.

Using the Extend2Fit DLX as a belt-positioning booster ensures your big kid has the right fit for their seat belts. The shoulder belt should cross midway over their shoulder and chest, and the lap belt stay low across the hips and upper thighs.

By using this Graco seat in booster mode, many kids can comfortably ride in a proper belt-positioning booster until age 10 or older until they pass the 5 Step Test.

Installation of the Graco 4Ever Extend2Fit DLX

One of the most common pain points with car seats is getting a correct installation. The good news is Graco engineered the 4Ever Extend2Fit DLX to make installation as simple as possible while still providing a safe and secure fit.

Here are some tips for easy installation with the Extend2Fit DLX:

  • Use your vehicle owner's manual. Consult the section on car seat installation and LATCH locations. This will provide specifics for your car.
  • Pick an appropriate location. The best spots are typically the rear middle seat or rear passenger side. Never place a car seat in front of an active airbag.
  • Adjust recline before installing. Make sure the recline angle indicator shows proper level for rear or forward-facing modes.
  • Attach lower anchors or seat belt. For easiest install, start by securing the lower anchors or vehicle seat belt through the rear-facing belt path.
  • Lock the seat belt. In seat belt installs, make sure the seat belt is in locked mode to keep the seat secure.
  • Check for movement. The car seat shouldn't move more than 1" side-to-side or front-to-back when properly installed.

It's always best to read through the full instruction manual and videos provided by Graco on their website for step-by-step guidance. If you still have any trouble getting a tight, secure fit, a local certified child passenger safety technician can assist with the installation.

Graco 4Ever Extend2Fit DLX Safety Ratings

When it comes to car seats, safety is the number one priority for parents. We want assurance we're providing the best protection possible for our children.

The Graco 4Ever Extend2Fit DLX performs very well in official safety testing by independent organizations:

  • Meets or exceeds all applicable US FMVSS safety standards: This includes rigorous crash testing to ensure protection in accidents.
  • Side Impact Tested: Earns a "Best Bet" rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety for extra side impact protection.
  • IIHS Top Safety Pick [2022]: Recognized as a top car seat for crash protection.
  • NDHSTS Safety Rating: Earns 4 out of 5 stars from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

These ratings confirm the Extend2Fit DLX provides excellent safety and security across every stage from infancy through the grade school years.

Pros and Cons of the Graco Extend2Fit DLX Car Seat

Now that we've covered all the features and usage of the Graco 4Ever Extend2Fit DLX, let's summarize the key pros and cons parents should know:

Pros

  • Grows with child from 4-120 lbs
  • 4 recline positions for optimal rear-facing angle
  • Extend2Fit legroom extension for rear-facing comfort
  • Simply Safe Adjust no-rethread harness
  • Machine washable seat pad
  • 10 year lifespan before expiration

Cons

  • Heavy and bulky, not ideal for frequent switching between vehicles
  • Doesn't include infant head insert or body support pads
  • Difficult to install forward-facing with some vehicle seat belts
  • Fabric and padding is not very breathable

Graco 4Ever Extend2Fit DLX Alternatives to Consider

The Graco 4Ever Extend2Fit DLX is a popular choice, but there are some other similar all-in-one convertible car seats you may want to look at:

  • Graco 4Ever DLX 4-in-1: Very similar but doesn't have Extend2Fit legroom extension panel.
  • Britax One4Life ClickTight All-In-One: Higher price but excellent for ease of install and safest fit.
  • Evenflo EveryStage DLX: Budget friendly option that also grows with child to 120 lbs.
  • Chicco NextFit iX Zip: Designed for extended rear-facing use with 9 recline positions.

Make sure to compare key factors like weight limits, safety ratings, fit in your vehicle, and ease of use. Your child's safety is worth taking the time to research and choose the best seat.

FAQs

Here are answers to some of the most common questions parents have about this popular convertible seat:

Does the Graco 4Ever Extend2Fit DLX require the base?

No, the base is not required. This seat can be installed safely using the vehicle seat belt or LATCH lower anchors in all modes. The base is an optional accessory if you want a slightly easier install.

Is the Graco Extend2Fit DLX FAA approved for air travel?

Yes, this seat is approved for use on aircraft in harness mode (rear-facing or forward-facing). You must use the internal harness. It cannot be used as a booster seat on planes.

What is the weight of the Graco 4Ever Extend2Fit DLX?

This seat weighs approximately 27 lbs. The steel bars and protective padding add weight but enhance safety.

Can I wash the Graco 4Ever Extend2Fit DLX cover?

Yes, the seat pad and harness covers are machine washable. Use cold water on a gentle cycle and air dry. The plastic shell should just be wiped clean.

Does this car seat fit 3 across in the back seat?

In most vehicles, the 4Ever Extend2Fit cannot fit 3 car seats in a row due to its wider design. But it depends on your exact car model. Measure the back seat to find out for sure.

Is the Graco Extend2Fit DLX the Right All-In-One Car Seat for Your Family?

The Graco 4Ever Extend2Fit DLX 4-in-1 convertible car seat is packed with safety features and adjustability to make it easy to use the seat from infancy until your child is ready to ride solely with the vehicle seat belt.

Key benefits like the 4 recline rear-facing positions, Extend2Fit leg extensions, and no-rethread harness system help set it apart from less accommodating all-in-one options.

While the Graco Extend2Fit DLX is bulkier and pricier than some other convertible seats, the extra room it provides in rear-facing mode makes it worthwhile for many families.

I hope this thorough review has helped break down all the details to determine if the Graco 4Ever Extend2Fit DLX is the right multi-mode car seat for your child! Let me know if you have any other questions.

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