Wanting to know how the Graco Tranzitions 3 In 1 Harness Booster Seat compares to its competition? In our detailed review below we take a close look at how the Graco Tranzitions booster delivers on safety, comfort, practicality, and ease of use.
If your child is at that age where they have grown out of their infant or toddler car seat and are ready to move to a big kid booster, there are plenty of great options on the market. In fact, there can sometimes be too many options and looking for the right booster can become a time consuming and stressful experience.
To save you some time we have compiled a quick overview of the Graco Tranzitions 3 In 1 Harness Booster Seat:
Quick Summary
4.7/5
- 3 different seating modes in the 1 car seat, including a harness booster, a highback belt-positioning booster, and a backless belt-positioning booster.
- Has a wide weight range, catering to children from 22 to 100 pounds.
- Highly rated for its built-in safety features and crash test results.
- Features various easily adjustable features to ensure a comfortable and secure ride for your child.
- 7-year expiration date.
- Designed for easy cleaning with machine-washable pads and covers.
Check out what we believe is the best booster seat here.
Graco is an American brand that has been designing and manufacturing safe, practical, comfortable and user-friendly products for over 60 years. Graco infant and child products include car seats, strollers, baby swings, and high chairs.
What Are The Key Features of The Graco Tranzitions 3 In 1 Harness Booster Car Seat?
The Graco Tranzitions booster is packed full of features that not only ensure a safe and secure ride for your child but also prioritize comfort, ease of use and practicality. These features make life with kids a little bit easier and here are some we believe are worth highlighting:
- 3 different booster modes in the 1 car seat.
- Features Graco’s no-rethread Simply Safe Adjust Harness System, which allows you to adjust the height of the harness and headrest in one motion.
- 8-position adjustable headrest, keeping your growing child comfortable.
- Engineered and crash tested to meet or exceed US safety standards.
- 7 years of usage.
- Features open-loop belt guides to ensure a properly secured seat belt
- 1-year warranty.
- Integrated dual cup holders.
- Machine-washable seat pad, harness and buckle covers.
- Available in 3 different color choices.
Will The Graco Tranzitions 3 In 1 Fit In Your Vehicle? The Specifications
If you’re a family who frequently transfers their car seats between vehicles, you will definitely appreciate how lightweight the Graco Tranzitions booster seat is. At 12.5 pounds this booster is lighter than most other booster seats on the market, making it a great choice for families on the go.
Here are the specifications for the Graco Tranzitions:
- Weight: 12.5 pounds
- Depth: 10.5 inches
- Width: 18.9 inches
- Height: 26.5 inches (extends to 33 inches with the headrest fully extended)
- 2 crotch strap positions: 6 and 7.5 inches
The Graco Tranzitions is also narrow, meaning it will fit in most standard vehicles and is a good choice if you plan on fitting 2 or more car seats in the back seat. By folding the integrated cup holders this booster becomes even more narrow. Parents have commented that with the Graco Tranzitions they have been able to fit 3 car seats across their back seat.
However, as always we recommend comparing the measurements of the back seat of your vehicle to the Graco Tranzitions specifications prior to purchasing.
Will Your Child Fit The Graco Tranzitions 3 In 1 Car Seat?
One of the reasons why we find the Graco Tranzitions car seat so impressive is its large weight and height range. This 3-in-1 booster caters to children who are aged 3 or 4 through to when they are 7 or 8 years old. This means the Graco Tranzitions is designed to grow with your child until they no longer require a car seat.
To help you in making the best decision possible when it comes to your child’s car seat, we have provided the exact weight and height specifications for each seating mode:
- Harness booster: suitable for children within a 22 to 65-pound weight range measuring between 26.5 and 49 inches in height.
- Highback belt-positioning booster: ideal for young kids weighing 30 to 100 pounds and within a height range of 38 and 57 inches.
- Backless belt-positioning booster: perfect for children within a 40 to 100-pound weight range and measuring between 40 to 57 inches.
We are happy to report that the Graco Tranzitions booster is rated as a ‘Best Bet’ Booster by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Best bets are boosters that provide a good belt fit for children aged 4 to 8 years old in almost any car, minivan or SUV.
The American Academy of Pediatricians (AAP) and the National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA) both recommend that children should use the built-in harness system until they reach the maximum weight or height. They also recommend that children 4 feet, 9 inches tall or under should be in a belt-positioning booster seat. Remember to always check your local state laws regarding car seat usage!
Is The Graco Tranzitions 3 In 1 Harness Car Seat Easy Is To Setup And Install?
Overall, parents reported that setup and installation for the Graco Tranzitions booster is fairly simple. However, some parents did experience some significant challenges in ensuring a secure and tight fit.
Both installation and converting the Graco Tranzitions from its harness mode to both booster modes is made easy thanks to Graco’s built-in features. These include Graco’s no-rethread Simply Safe Adjust Harness System, which enables you to adjust the height of both the harness and headrest in one motion.
However, some parents did experience some hiccups when it came to installation. The ease of installation ultimately depends on the design of your vehicle’s seats and belts. In particular, you may find some difficulty if your vehicle’s shoulder belt is anchored at the side or in front of the back seat, rather than behind it.
The Graco Tranzitions uses hook connectors rather than push-on connectors. Parents whose vehicles have deep-set anchors may experience difficulties with connecting the lower anchors, particularly ensuring the seat is tight and secure enough.
We suggest that if you come across any issues during installation to do the following:
- Follow the installation steps outlined in your Graco Tranzitions user manual.
- Watch Graco Tranzitions installation YouTube videos created by other parents.
- Read reviews written by other parents on Amazon or the Graco website itself that are specific to setup and installation.
If you are still experiencing issues with installation we recommend contacting Graco directly for assistance.
How Safe Is The Graco Tranzitions For Your Child?
We know that safety is your number one priority when looking for the right car seat for your child. Overall, the Graco Tranzitions booster is a safe, secure and sturdy car seat, designed to give you peace of mind.
Here are some of the Graco Tranzitions’s safety highlights:
- Rigorously crash tested to meet or exceed US safety standards.
- Has been side impact tested to test the built-in 5-point harness system.
- Rather than using EPS or EPP foam lining, the Graco Tranzitions is made of a blow-molded plastic, which absorbs energy significantly well in the event of a collision. This is the same plastic used in car bumpers and crumple zones.
Parents have shared real-life crash experiences using the Graco Tranzitions. One parent said that her daughter was protected during a 60mph side-impact collision. Another parent shared how her daughter was left completely unscathed with not even a single scratch or bruise after being involved in a collision where the car flipped onto its side, the side that her daughter was on positioned in her Graco Tranzitions booster.
Testimonials like these really do show how well the Graco Transitions 3 In 1 Harness booster performs in real-life crash scenarios but remember that a car seat is only ever safe when properly set up and installed!
Optional Accessories
While the Graco Tranzitions 3 In 1 Harness Booster seat includes a number of handy features and accessories, we know that no car seat is perfect! Here are a few highly rated accessories we have found and recommend to improve your car seat experience:
This baby mirror can be fitted in your vehicle within a matter of seconds and can be rotated and pivoted 360 degrees so you have a full and clear view of your little one while you drive. This baby mirror will fit most standard vehicles, including cars, vans SUVs and trucks. The mirror itself is made of acrylic safety glass and surrounded by a black plastic frame, meaning that in the event of a collision your child is safe. This accessory comes with a lifetime satisfaction guarantee so if for any reason you are not 100% satisfied, you can return it at any time for a full refund.
Car shades are definitely a must-have in any parent’s car, especially in the warmer months. These window shades provide absolute sun protection by protecting your child from sun glare, heat, and harmful UV rays. These shades will not only keep your child cooler but your car as well! These window shades are designed to fit larger car windows of SUVs, minivans and full-size cars so be sure to check the measurements prior to purchasing.
What Are The Alternative Options? Graco Atlas 65 2-in-1 Harness Booster Car Seat
The Graco Atlas 65 2-in-1 Harness Booster Car Seat is a great alternative option as it is another booster car seat available within the Graco family. The Graco Atlas is a safe, stylish and comfortable 2-in-1 booster that converts from a 5-point harness forward-facing car seat to a highback belt-positioning booster.
There are plenty of similarities between the two boosters with the Atlas also having an impressive weight range from 22 to 100 pounds. Both boosters also include Graco’s Simply Safe Adjust Harness System, which enables you to adjust the height of both the harness and the headrest in one motion.
Other similarities include integrated dual cup holders and machine washable pads and covers for easy cleaning.
However, there are also differences between both of these fantastic booster seats. While the Tranzitions has 3 seating modes, the Atlas has 2. Furthermore, the Atlas has a 10-position adjustable headrest compared to the Tranzition’s 8-position headrest.
Key features of the Graco Atlas:
- Converts from a harness forward-facing car seat to a highback belt-positioning booster.
- 2-position recline.
- Integrated harness storage compartment.
- One-hand 10-position headrest.
- Integrated dual cup holders.
- Machine washable seat pad, harness, and buckle covers.
The Good: Easy to install, integrated harness storage compartment and 10-position headrest.
The Bad: Heavier than the Tranzitions booster, 2 seating modes compared to 3 with the Tranzitions and no push-on connectors.
Final Thoughts
While it’s not perfect (no car seat is!), the Graco Tranzitions 3 In 1 Harness Booster Seat is a great choice and a strong contender on the booster seat market. This booster definitely delivers when it comes to safety, security, protection, and comfort.
To sum up our review, here are our pros and cons:
- 3 car seats for the price of 1.
- Lightweight, which means it is easily transferable between vehicles.
- Affordable.
- Easily convertible between each of the three different seating modes.
- Machine washable seat pad, harness covers, and cushions.
- No push-on connectors.
- No integrated harness or manual storage.
- Difficulties with getting a tight and secure installation in some vehicles.
The Graco Tranzitions booster is not only an affordable, comfortable and stylish option but because it is lightweight it is also a great choice for families who are on the go and intend on frequently transferring this car seat between vehicles.
This booster will also provide you with many years of use (7 to be exact) as it is designed to grow with your child until they no longer require a car seat.
FAQs
Is the Graco Tranzitions 3 in 1 harness booster car seat FAA approved? ›
FAA Approval This seat is approved for airplane use in harnessed mode only. Belt positioning boosters cannot be used on board an aircraft. This information is located on a sticker on the bottom of the seat. Manual Storage There is a mesh pouch under the front cover of the seat (turn the seat over to pull it out).
What age is Graco Tranzitions 3 in 1 for? ›What ages is Graco Tranzitions 3 in 1 for? The Graco Tranzitions is designed for children between 22.0 and 100.0 pounds and up to 57.0 inches tall. This car seat can accommodate children between 1 and 12 years old, depending on their size.
How long is a Graco Tranzitions car seat good for? ›| model | expiration date | manual |
|---|---|---|
| Tranzitions™ 3-in-1 Harness Booster Car Seat | 7 years after the date of manufacture. | Owner's Manual |
| TurboBooster® TakeAlong™ Highback Booster | 10 years after the date of manufacture. | Owner's Manual |
| Harness mode | Backless booster | |
|---|---|---|
| Weight range | 22 – 65 pounds | 40 – 100 pounds |
| Height range | 27 – 49 inches | 40 – 57 inches |
If your seat has been approved for aircraft use, there will be a sticker (either on the back, bottom or side of the seat, depending on the size of the label) that says "This restraint has been certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft" in red lettering.
How do I know if my car seat is FAA? ›Does it have an FAA Approved Car Seats Sticker – FAA approved infant car seats, and FAA approved toddler car seats MUST have a sticker affixed to them that reads “This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft”. Ground staff and a flight attendant may check for this when you are boarding.
Is a 5-point harness safer than a booster? ›For young children, booster seats are not as safe as 5-point harness style seats. The seat belt fits properly when the lap belt lays across the upper thighs, and the shoulder belt is across the center of a child's chest and shoulder, not across the neck or face.
Is a harness booster safe for 3 year old? ›You'll see car seats that are called “Harnessed Boosters”, “Harness + Booster”, 3-in-1, or All-in-One. All of these types of seats are generally appropriate to use for a typical 3-year-old child but only when used with the 5-point harness.
When should I switch to high back booster? ›A child is ready for a booster seat when they have outgrown the height or weight limit of their 5-point harness car seat. This is usually when they reach over 65 pounds or 49 inches. You can check your car seat's manual for its height and weight limits and if it can be converted to a booster seat.
What weight is the Tranzitions for? ›Graco Tranzitions® 3-in-1 harness booster is lightweight and designed to grow with your child (from 22-100 lb), and features the Simply Safe Adjust™ Harness System.
Are Graco car seats good for 10 years? ›
Graco defines “useful life” as 10 years for belt-positioning boosters and for steel-reinforced belt path car seats and 7 years for plastic-reinforced belt path car seats.
How wide is the Graco Tranzitions 3 in 1 harness booster seat? ›Width across armrests: 18″ Width across front with optional cup holders: 19″ Width across front without optional cup holders: 17.5” Width at bottom of base: 17”
What is the weight limit for a 5-point harness Graco? ›It secures your child in a 5-point harness from 22-65 lb, converts to a belt-positioning booster from 30-100 lb, and becomes a backless booster seat from 40-100 lb.
What is the height and weight limit for Graco booster seats? ›Helps your big kid properly position the vehicle seat belt for comfort and safety. These booster car seats are for kids 40-120 lb and 43” to 60” tall.
What is the minimum height for Graco booster seat? ›Graco® offers seats with extended harness weight ratings up to 65 lbs. - After they outgrow the need for a harnessed car seat, children should use a Belt-Positioning Booster Seat until the vehicle seat belt fits properly, typically when they reach 4 ft. 9 in. tall, age 8-12.
Do airlines check booster seats for free? ›Most airlines will allow you to check a car seat into the hold for free in addition to your baggage allowance. This applies to toddler car seats and booster seats as well as baby car seats.
Do airlines charge to check booster seats? ›Children's strollers and child safety seats are not counted as part of the standard baggage and therefore can be easily checked for free. For your convenience, these items may be checked at the curbside, the ticket counter or at the gate. Child safety seats may be brought on board the plane in certain circumstances.
Are Graco booster seats FAA approved? ›Most harnessed Graco® car seats are certified for use in aircraft, when used according to manufacturer's instructions. However, booster seats are only certified when used as a five-point harness car seat.
Do airlines check your car seat? ›If there is space and your baby's car seat can fit, you can store it in the overhead bin. However, if it doesn't fit, you will need to gate-check the car seat. That means it will be tossed under the plane and is likely to get dirtier than you might like.
What age can a child sit by themselves on a plane? ›Most U.S. airlines will permit children who have reached their fifth birthday to travel unaccompanied. Kids ages 5 through 11 who are flying alone must usually travel pursuant to special “unaccompanied minor” procedures. On some airlines, these procedures are required for unaccompanied children as old as 14.
What does it mean if a car seat is not FAA approved? ›
An FAA-approved car seat means that it is certified by the Federal Aviation Authority (or CAA in the UK) for use on aircraft as well as in motor vehicles. If you want to use your car seat on the plane, you must make sure that it is an FAA approved car seat.
Should my 7 year old be in a 5-point harness? ›The five-point harness can be used for children who weigh 40 pounds or more. The harness can then be removed and the seat becomes a belt-positioning booster that works with the vehicle's lap and shoulder belt. Some of these seats can safely accommodate children up to 100 pounds.
Is 7 too old for a 5-point harness? ›Over 4 years and over 40 lbs:
Best Practice: Child should remain in five-point harness car seat until they reach the maximum height OR weight limits of the seat. After that, a highback or backless booster seat should be used until they can properly fit in a vehicle.
Current California Law:
Children under the age of 8 must be secured in a car seat or booster seat in the back seat. Children who are 8 years of age OR have reached 4'9” in height may be secured by a booster seat, but at a minimum must be secured by a safety belt.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, it is best for children to ride in a car seat with a five-point harness for as long as possible, at least to 4 years of age. If your child outgrows his seat before reaching 4 years of age, consider using a seat with a harness approved for higher weights and heights.
Should a 3 year old be in a 5-point harness? ›NHTSA recommends children remain in a forward-facing car seat with a 5-point harness until the child reaches the top height or weight limit allowed by the seat.
How long should a child ride in a seat with a harness? ›4 – 7 Years
Keep your child in a forward-facing car seat with a harness and tether until he or she reaches the top height or weight limit allowed by your car seat's manufacturer. Once your child outgrows the forward-facing car seat with a harness, it's time to travel in a booster seat, but still in the back seat.
However, here are some general guidelines that will help you determine if your child is ready to move to a booster seat. Your child weighs at least 40 pounds. Your child is at least 4 years old.
Does my 5 year old need a high-back booster? ›Most children transition from their convertible car seat to a high-back booster seat at about four or five years old. Children usually switch from a high-back booster to a backless booster at around age six. Age isn't the only way to determine whether your child is ready for a backless booster seat.
Should a 6 year old be in a high-back booster? ›Booster seats should be used until your child can correctly fit in the adult lap and shoulder seat belts, typically when they are around 4 feet 9 inches in height and 8 to 12 years old.
Why do booster seats expire? ›
Car seats expire because the parts and materials used to keep your child safe gradually weaken or wear down after constant use and because of exposure to heat and cold.
What car seat should a 10 year old be in? ›Children should stay in a booster seat until adult seat belts fit correctly, typically when children reach about 4 feet 9 inches in height and are 8 to 12 years of age.
How do you know if a car seat is outdated? ›To find out if your car seat is expired, you can check your car seat for a label or printed area that lists the car seat date of manufacture. Some car seat models have a longer lifespan due to steel reinforcements or other features, and these seats will likely list an exact expiration date.
What is the difference between a 3 point and 5-point harness car seat? ›Ultimately, the 3-point harness will keep your child in place and provide adequate support, but for very young children the extra layer of support offered by the 5-point harness cannot be beaten and should definitely be considered as an investment for your child's safety.
What weight do you switch from a 5-point harness? ›Like an infant seat, a convertible seat relies on a five-point harness to keep a kid restrained. Although the laws vary, many states require that a kid remain in a car seat with a five-point harness until they're at least 40 pounds or 4 years old.
Is a 5-point harness safer than a 3 point harness? ›Children develop slowly and both physically and mentally are not mature to sit correctly in a 3 point seatbelt until they are 4 or 5 years old; so for a child below 4 a 5 point harness is safer as it keeps the child in the correct position, over that age the child has to understand that they need to sit in the right ...
What is considered a 5-point harness? ›A 5-point harness has five attachment points designed to restrain your child at the shoulders and hips, which are the most rigid parts of their body. If there is a crash, the car seat harness transfers the forces of the crash to these rigid points of the body and into the seat.
Is my child tall enough for a booster seat? ›You can safely make the switch only if your child is at least 35 inches tall and can sit in the booster seat with their back against the vehicle seat and their knees bent comfortably at the edge of the seat cushion.
What is the booster limit for high back? ›Booster Limits: High back: 40-100 pounds, 38-57 in., 19.5 in. top belt guide. Backless: 40-100 pounds, 40-57 in. Pros: Lightweight, narrow, price, shoulder belt guide to help with seat belt fit when used backless, and 2 crotch buckle positions.
Can you use Graco Tranzitions on a plane? ›Most harnessed Graco® car seats are certified for use in aircraft, when used according to manufacturer's instructions. However, booster seats are only certified when used as a five-point harness car seat. Please refer to your owner's manual for specifics on any seat.
Is Graco Milestone 3 in 1 FAA approved? ›
The Graco Milestone is FAA approved only with the 5-point harness and not in booster mode since airplanes have no shoulder straps.
What is FAA approved car seat? ›An FAA-approved car seat means that it is certified by the Federal Aviation Authority (or CAA in the UK) for use on aircraft as well as in motor vehicles. If you want to use your car seat on the plane, you must make sure that it is an FAA approved car seat.
Does a 5 year old need a car seat on a plane? ›The FAA recommends that children under 40 pounds continue to use a car seat and that children over 40 pounds use the seat belt on the airplane seat. The AAP recommends that you continue to use a car seat on a plane for any child who uses one in a car.
How wide is the Graco Tranzitions 3 in 1 harness booster car seat? ›Width across armrests: 18″ Width across front with optional cup holders: 19″ Width across front without optional cup holders: 17.5” Width at bottom of base: 17”
What is the best seat on a plane for a toddler? ›Each airline will have its rules about who can sit where, but a bulkhead seat is generally considered an excellent option for families traveling with young children. The bulkhead is at the front of the cabin and sitting in those seats usually guarantees you some extra leg room.
What Graco products are being recalled? ›Recall Details
This recall involves the inclined sleeper accessory sold with the Graco Pack 'n Play Day2Dream Playard with Bedside Sleeper, Graco Pack 'n Play Nuzzle Nest Playard, Graco Pack 'n Play Everest Playard and Graco Pack 'n Play Rock 'n Grow Playard with the following model numbers.
Although children who have not reached their second birthday are permitted to travel as lap children, the FAA strongly discourages this practice and recommends that you secure your child in an approved CRS in their own seat for the entire flight.
Do Graco seats expire? ›Graco defines “useful life” as 10 years for belt-positioning boosters and for steel-reinforced belt path car seats and 7 years for plastic-reinforced belt path car seats.
Is seat F on a plane a window seat? ›Occasionally, aircraft with a seating structure of 2+2 may letter the seats as "ACDF" to keep with the standard of A/F being window and C/D being aisle on short-haul aircraft (which generally have 3+3 seats).
Can I check my car seat and base on a plane? ›Most airlines will allow you to check a car seat into the hold for free in addition to your baggage allowance. This applies to toddler car seats and booster seats as well as baby car seats.
Do booster seats need to be FAA approved? ›
If your booster seat doesn't have a harness mode, it's not FAA approved. There's no such thing as an airplane booster seat. The vast majority of booster riders don't need a car or booster seat on a plane since they're over 40 lbs, the weight at which the FAA says airplane seatbelts fit kids well enough.
Is it better to gate check a car seat? ›Pros of Gate Checking Car Seats
The biggest advantage of gate checking car seats is that it minimizes the opportunities for damage or loss. While the airline will still be handle your travel carseat, it's for a limited period of time. Also, though it still goes in the luggage hold, it's right near the front.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration requires permanent, visible labels that say the car seat is certified to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards or FMVSS 213.