Graco makes some of the best baby car seats in the world, but they just have so many models – some that even have similar names. It can be very difficult to recognize what makes each model different. On this page, you are going to find out what are the key differences between two of their most popular models, the Graco SlimFit 3-in-one and the Graco SlimFit3 LX 3-in-one baby car seat.
They are both slim and space-saving models, and they carry the SLIM FIT name. What makes Slimfit3 LX different from SlimFit? Is it a big difference? Does it matter?
Check out the comparison table below to find out what you need to know. You can continue reading below the report to better understand this table.
Quick Summary
The Graco Slimfit3 LX 3-in-1 car seat is the winner when compared to Graco Slimfit 3-in-1. The Slimfit3 LX is 3-inches slimmer – allowing 3 of the same car seats to be installed in a standard vehicle backseat. The seat includes 2 rotatable cup holders which can be twisted inwards when not used to save more space.
If space is not an issue, the Graco Slimfit 3-in-1 is a cheaper option with almost the same features and functionality that once can expect in Slimfit3 LX.
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| Graco Slimfit 3 in 1 | Graco Slimfit3 LX 3 in 1 | |
 |  | |
| Key Difference | Built to fit 3 of these car seats in the backseat | |
| Dimensions | 21.5 x 19.9 x 25.5 inches | 20.7 x 16.7 x 24.5 inches |
| 5 Point Harness | Yes | Yes |
| Adjustable Headrest | No rethread simple adjust – 10 Positions | No rethread simple adjust – 10 Positions |
| Cup Holder | 2 x Rotatable | 2 x Removable |
| Fabric Breathability | Yes | Yes |
| Fabric Material | Soft Polyester Mesh Material | Soft Polyester Mesh Material |
| Front Facing Adjustment Options | 2 | 2 |
| Front Facing Weight Limit | 22-65 lbs | 22-65 lbs |
| Rear Facing Adjustment Options | 2 | 2 |
| Rear Facing Weight Limit | 5-40 lbs | 5-40 lbs |
| High Back Booster Weight Limit | 40-100 lbs | 40-100 lbs |
| Recline Positions | 4 (2 front facing, 2 rear facing) | 4 (2 front facing, 2 rear facing) |
| Safety | Graco® ProtectPlus Engineered™ | Graco® ProtectPlus Engineered™ |
| Side impact protection | Tested | Tested |
| Stroller Compatibility | No | No |
| Build Material | Steel Reinforced Frame with EPS Energy Absorbing Foam | Steel Reinforced Frame with EPS Energy Absorbing Foam |
| Installation Latch | Push-button InRight™ LATCH | Push-button InRight™ LATCH |
| Removable Cover | Yes | Yes |
| Washable Cover | Machine Washable | Machine Washable |
| Harness Storage Compartment | Yes | Yes |
| Removable Plush Head & Body Inserts | Yes | Yes |
| Level Indicators | Yes | Yes |
| Average Customer Rating | 4.9 out of 5 | 4.9 out of 5 |
| Where to Buy | Click here for price | Click here for price |
As you can see from the table, both models are almost entirely the same but there is a difference in the title and the price point which can make buyers confused. Are you confused as well?
Let’s talk about the similarities before getting on to the main key differences as it will help you understand what makes the Slimfit Series so great.
The Similarities
Designed to be compact models, the Slimfit and the Slimfit3 LX are both from the same tree. Except for a difference or two, they have exactly the same qualities. Let’s take a quick look at these.
Level of Safety
The Graco Slimfit and Slimfit3 LX car seats are both built with Steel Reinforced Frame with EPS Energy Absorbing Foam. This makes them both extremely strong and durable against any impacts or crashes.
All car seats are expected to include the 5-point harness. It’s an industry standard and GRACO, being one of the best in the market, no doubt complies with this regulation.
All GRACO Car seats are tested and certified with protection against front impact, side impact AND the rear. With TrueShield Technology, Anti Rebound Bar & Safety Surround™ Technology, GRACO baby car seats are some of the safest in the market. They call it Graco ProtectPlus Engineering.
Ease of Use
Graco Slimfit Series has some of the most easiest and convenient car seat designs in the market today. Firstly, it comes with Push Button Inright Latch connectors which is just as easy as using the latch connectors on your vehicle’s car seat. It’s strong and easy to click in and click out.
Secondly, these connections are easy to store in the storage compartment. No more struggle to find these connectors once in place. No discomfort for the baby during all this struggle and simply convenient for parents to get the job done as quickly as possible.
Level indicators and clearly marked arrows and symbols along the car seat help parents make sure the baby seat is correctly installed every time.
The car seat covers are removable and machine washable. These covers take no more than 60 seconds to remove making them one of the most straightforward car seat covers to remove.
With the No-Rethread harness, you can adjust the straps to the perfect position without having to press and unlock them each time you have to adjust. Most threaded harnesses have a tendency to split or break during extensive use.
Graco Slimfit and Slimfit LX car seats are designed for extended use throughout the Child’s growing years from infancy to toddler stage. A no-rethread harness is the way to go to ensure long-lasting durability and convenience of use.
Child Comfort
Slimfit LX is the slimmest in the range of Graco Baby Car seats but that doesn’t take away the comfort or safety of the child using the seat.
Both Graco Slimfit and Slimfit3 LX seats come with 4 recline positions (2 rear facing and 2 front facing) to adjust for the mood of the baby.
These seats also come with removable plush inserts that can add extra cushion and comfort for the baby from the sides for extra comfort and impact protection during their infancy stages.
Adjusting the headrest is simple since it comes with No Rethread Harness system. You can adjust the headrest up to 10 positions to fit the child as they grow in height to make sure they always stay safe and comfortable.
You can spot dual cup holders in both models, the Slimfit 3-in-One and the Slimfit3 LX 3-in-One, but there is a difference between the placements of these cup holders which will be highlighted in the differences section below.
The Differences
Cup Holders
As mentioned previously, both Slimfit and Slimfit LX car seats come with two holders, one on each side but there is one key difference in their placement. In the Slimfit LX, you get removable cup holders while the Slimfit comes with rotatable cup holders which can be moved away when not used.
Graco Slimfit Car Seat: 0
Graco Slimfit LX3 Car Seat: 1
Space Consumption
Graco Slimfit is the slimmest in the series of baby car seats produced by the company, but the Slimfit3 LX takes it one step further but reducing the width of the frame by an additional 3.2 inches.
Graco Slimfit Car Seat: 0
Graco Slimfit LX3 Car Seat: 1
Slimfit LX3 is only 16.7 inches in width, making it compact and slim enough to place 3 of the same Slimfit3 LX car seats in the back seat of your car. This measurement is based on most sedans and SUVs in the market, but may not fulfill its promise in a few mini or compact vehicles. It’s best to check the total width of your backseat to ensure you can fit 3 x 16.7 inch Slimfit3 LX car seats before you make your investment solely for this feature.
Final Conclusion
The Graco SlimfitLX3 Car Seat has 2 main differences from the Graco Slimfit Car Seat. The Slimfit LX3 has removable cup holders and a 16.7″ frame width which allows for 3 of the same car seats to be placed across the backseat of most vehicles.
The Graco Slimfit on the other hand comes with 2 rotatable cup holders and a 19.9″ frame width which is still slim compared to most baby car seats in the market but loses the advantage against Slimfit LX3 which is 3.2-inches slimmer than its predecessor.
Although Graco Slimfit3 LX 3 in 1 Car Seat wins the comparison, it’s not the ideal choice unless the following conditions are met:
- 3 back seat passengers (including baby car seat)
- Compact vehicle
- 3 car seats are required at the same time
If any of these conditions are met, the Slimfit3 LX would be the wisest choice ever made. If otherwise, go with the Graco Slimfit 3 in 1 and give your child more breathing space to grow.
