There are so many different types of car seats out there, you are probably overwhelmed trying to figure out which one to choose. I’ve been there. A car seat is one of the most important products you will buy for your growing baby, so of course, you want to be sure that you are making the right decision. I chose the [walmart_link subid=’parentingpod-20′ target=’/ip/Graco-Contender-65-Convertible-Car-Seat-Black-Carbon/33396182′]Graco Contender 65 convertible car seat[end_walmart_link]. It grows with your child, which is a nice perk of anything that you buy.

Safety is also extremely important, and this car seat provides you with the peace of mind that you are searching for. Before purchasing, I did my own research and read many Graco Contender 65 reviews. There were a few standout features, like the Simply Safe Adjust harness system and level indicator, that aided me in choosing this car seat. I am so pleased with the quality and safety of the Contender. I am going to share with you all the important details of this car seat, as well as my experience using it.

Quick Stats and Measurements

• Depth:17.5 in

• Height: 24.75 in

• Weight: 16.05 lbs.

• Rear-facing weight limit: 40 lbs.

• Forward-facing weight limit: 65 lbs.

• Height limit: 49 in.

Features

• 5-point harness system

• 8- position adjustable headrest

• LATCH system and easy-to-read level indicator

• Removable head and body support

• Machine-washable seat pad and two buckle positions

• 1 integrated cup holder

What’s in the Box?

There isn’t much that comes in the box besides the car seat itself and the instructional manual.

How Safe Is the Graco Contender 65?

The Graco Contender’s seat is Safe Seat Engineered. The two buckle positions allow the car seat to grow with your child, ensuring they’re safe and snug every time you take them for a ride. This car seat also has EPS foam, which gives it the ability to withstand a crash. Also, it is side-impact tested.

When I was researching car seats, I discovered that Graco is one of few brands that side-impact tests, and that alone made me feel more secure with my decision. It has been crash-tested enough to exceed US safety standards.

Another feature I want to touch upon is the Simply Safe Adjust harness system, which automatically adjusts the harness and the headrest height as your child grows. I can say from my own experience that this is true. It has been so easy to be sure that as my son grows, his car seat grows with him and conforms to his ever-changing height and weight. I worry so much less because I know the Contender keeps my child snug and secure.

How Comfortable Is It?

In all honesty, the Graco Contender 65 car seat is a little on the bulky side. This is fine though, because it takes up the exact amount of space that it should: just one back seat in your car. Some padded inserts can be removed when your little one is no longer an infant, and you can adjust the shoulder straps as your child grows, as well. These features ensure that children stay both safe and comfortable.

My son has never given any indication that his car seat is uncomfortable. We use it every single day with no issues. The same is true for the occasional long rides. However, my husband is over 6 feet tall, and he will tell you that when the car seat is rear-facing, the front seat passengers lose a little bit of legroom. But that’s a small price to pay for safety.

How Easy Is It to Install Rear Facing?

Luckily, this car seat is very easy to install rear facing. I have always struggled with putting things together, so I was concerned that I wouldn’t be able to do it. It is much easier than I thought, so that was a huge relief for me. I am sure that the average parent will find this car seat even easier to install in their car, so that is one less thing for you to worry about.

All you have to know is where to find the anchors in the seat of your car, to ensure that it is installed properly. The instructions are very straightforward, and I have never had any issues with installing this car seat. The most important thing to pay attention to, though, is the easy-to-read level indicator on the side of the car seat. This will tell you whether or not it has been correctly installed and is safe to start using. This and the LATCH system are what makes the installation process hassle free. The best part is that if you misplace the instruction manual, you can download a copy straight from Graco’s website.

Graco Contender vs Extend2fit

The main goal of the Graco Extend2fit is to allow your child to ride rear facing longer. It has a higher maximum weight at 50 pounds, compared to 40 pounds with the Contender 65, as well as the MyRide 65 and the Size4Me. So if you like this idea, then this may be a better fit for you, though the high limit is not completely necessary. The 5 inches of extra legroom is also helpful for an extended rear-facing infant. Again, this will be a preference.

You will notice that the harness system is similar to the Graco Contender 65, as it features the Simply Safe Adjust harness. There is also the InRight LATCH system to automatically adjust the headrest and harness all in one motion. The Extend2fit is also ProtectPlus engineered, meaning it has gone through rigorous crash testing. Of course, the seat pads and cover are machine washable as well. This car seat has a lot of great perks, but it is still just as safe as the Contender 65.

Verdict

Each of these car seats promises hassle-free installation, several safety features which include side-impact testing, a 5-point safety harness, and two buckle positions to help keep your growing child secure. At the end of the day, I will still choose the Graco Contender 65 over other convertible car seats. It has everything that you need, and it is very affordable. It is perfect for a forward-facing toddler and holds a rear-facing infant from 5 pounds all the way to 40 pounds. Even though it only has one cup holder, it offers a couple of different color options. Besides, as a parent buying a car seat, the main concerns that you should have are safety, comfort, and ease of use. The Contender 65 checks all of these boxes.

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