Graco Tranzitions Review – Safety and Comfort Without Breaking The Bank

Graco Tranzitions 3 in 1 Harness Booster Seat Review
A drunk driver hit my friend’s car at 50 while they were stopped at a traffic light…

It was a terrible wreck. He was expecting the worse for his child. The trunk was gone. The backseat was bent out of shape.

And his daughter was fine. Wide-eyed but fine without a scratch.

This is a happy ending story all because they bought the right car seat. Now, after the crash, they had to change it. Can you guess which one did they choose?

You are right. They went with the same one, which was the Graco Tranzitions car seat.

Before we get any further, let me give you a quick preview. Here’s what this car seat can offer: it’s a 3 in 1 harness booster convertible car seat. It’s the lightest one I’ve ever had the chance to review. So it’s easy to move it around. This car seat is meant for the growing child. It will be perfect at an older age.

It has dual cup holders. This means that the drinks will be at arm’s reach. Plus, it’s easy to clean.

Let’s get this Graco Tranzitions review started. If you stick with me until the end, I will tell you the pros/cons. Some of them are unexpected.

Who is the Graco Tranzitions 3 in 1 harness booster seat for?

This car seat is for parents who are active and busy. Since it’s lightweight, it can be easily transferred in and out of the car.

This chair is not for infants, and it’s great for the growing child. It supports kids up to 100 pounds.

If you have a growing kid, then it will be a perfect fit.

What can the Graco Tranzitions car seat do for you?

The Graco Tranzitions is a 3-in-1 system. It can be transformed from a harness booster into a convertible car seat.

This car seat is as plug and play as it gets. The installation is a breeze, and you can do it in a matter of minutes. Nothing special needed. Just follow the simple instructions.

Here are the main reasons why it’s a good buy. First of all, it’s super lightweight. You can transition in and out of the car smoothly.

It has a narrow profile. This means that you can put three across easily. If you want to sit an adult between two car seats like this, there will be enough room for them.

Back to the Graco Tranzitions. It has a 5-point harness. Your child will be safe with this strap. It’s secure and easy to assemble.

The problem with many seats like this is the legroom. With the Graco Tranzitions, you don’t have to worry about that because it comes with ample legroom. My biggest worry was the dreaded head slump. Well, after positioning it, there were no issues what so ever. My kids are sleeping without issues.

This car seat has enough cushion for comfort. Not the youngest or the oldest has complained about discomfort.

Graco Tranzitions 3 in 1 shortcomings

For some reason, this is the most popular section of my articles. Don’t worry; I won’t disappoint you. The truth is that this top rated Graco car seat has only a handful of flaws that I could find. Even so, it might be a deal-breaker for some.

So I have to mention them.

I will be upfront with you. I could only find a few things wrong with this car seat.

First of all, the armrests seem to be short. My kids aren’t big, and still, they can’t utilize them to the fullest. Now there’s only one way to get the most out of them. This is done in the backless booster mode.

The second thing that I’ve found was the looks. I mean, I understand that you get what you pay for. And this is one of the cheapest car seats I’ve ever reviewed. It’s not the nicest car seats to own. Plus, it gives a cheap feeling to it.

Now, if looks are important to you, then you might want to reconsider buying this, either way, it’s good value for the money.

Well, this was short. I hope you’re still with me.

How To Get The Most Out Of the Graco Tranzitions Harness Booster seat?

First of all, the car seat has to be installed. Did you know that 75% of car seats are installed incorrectly? This is a big problem. To have it installed correctly means that the car seat is sitting tight and snug. There’s no movement what so ever.

Just to be on the safe side, check with a licensed professional.

The safest place where you can mount the seat is the middle of the car. That’s the most protected space. Now, if this isn’t practical, then the second safest place is behind the driver.

The installation is a breeze. It has a latch system for the fastest install.

Many parents have complained that the cup holders are the wrong size. The Graco Tranzitions got this right. We had no issues with them.

There’s one subject that I forgot to mention, and this is the covers. You can easily remove them and wash them. Yes, kids are messy, and younger ones have accidents from time to time. But no worries, a quick wash gets rid of stains and smells.
Graco Tranzitions 3 in 1 Harness Booster Seat Review

Pros
  • Finally, a super lightweight car seat that’s easy to transition in and out
  • It has a narrow profile so three car seat can be fitted in the back
  • The cushion gives extra comfort, so it’s good on long road trips
Cons
  • The armrest feels short you can only utilize them in backless booster mode
  • It’s not the prettiest car seat around it gives a cheap feeling

Conclusion for the Graco Tranzitions Review

The Graco Tranzitions is a good choice if you are on the budget. Thanks to the design, you can use this car seat from early childhood to late one. It’s easy to install and light to move left and right.

Of course, kids at this stage walk by themselves so you don’t have to carry.

The truth is that it’s not the prettiest thing, yet it does everything that’s advertised. Most importantly, it’s safe and comfortable.

We have reached the end of the Graco Tranzitions review. By now, you know if this car sit is a good fit for you.

I’ve covered everything there’s about this car seat. If I happen to miss something, do let me know. If you would like me to review another car seat, I’m open for suggestions.

Catch you next time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

What is the difference between Graco WAYZ and Tranzitions?

There isn’t much difference between the Graco Wayz and Tranzitions. The Wayz comes in one color which is red and the Tranzitions has three color options to choose from. That’s the difference.

Does Graco Tranzitions have latch?

Yes, the Graco Tranzitions has a latch system.

How do you loosen the straps on a Graco Tranzitions?

The straps are auto-adjusted after the headrest. Also, you can loosen them by pressing the release button.

How can you clean the Graco Tranzitions 3-in-1 harness booster seat?

The Graco Tranzitions 3-in-1 harness booster seat comes with machine-washable seat pad. We’re talking about kids so you know that they will make a mess this is why it’s so important to have a machine washable fabric. The seat pad is used a lot so make sure you wash it well with the harness covers with the seat cover.

Read also: The most narrow booster seat list

How do you use the Graco Tranzitions 3-in-1 harness booster seat?

As the name suggests it’s a 3-in-1 harness booster seat. You can use it as a harness car seat, high back belt positioning booster and as a backless belt positioning booster seat. The harness mode can be used with the following weight and height limit 22 to 65 pounds. The harness mode is the big kid starter seat. The weight limit for the belt-positioning booster car seat is 30 to 100 pounds. And the weight range for booster car seat model is 40 to 100 pounds. This car seat comes with the weight limits of 22 up to 100 pounds. The seat weight is just 18 pounds. The shell height is 26 inches tall. The seat width and the seat depth is 17.4 x 26.5 inches.

What’s a good alternative for the Tranzitions 3-in-1 harness booster car seat?

The Graco Nautilus 65 is a good alternative. If you want to check out the full review of the nautilus 65 you can read it here.

How do you install the Tranzitions 3-in-1 harness booster car seat?

The only solution is the vehicle seat belt. You need to follow the seat belt guides and the seat belt path. In high back booster mode you have to use the shoulder belt.

How comfortable is this Tranzitions combination seat?

These combination seats are made for comfort. You little one will be comfortable no matter how many year old are they. There are enough recline positions for your little one to be comfy. The harness straps won’t twist. The harness and headrest move in unison. Since it’s an adjustable headrest the straps are adjusted at the same time. There are multiple color choices to choose from. On the seat base the crotch strap is adjustable to make long rides comfortable. The seat cushion is soft so there’s no sore bum with these vehicle seats.

What kind of safety features do the Tranzitions high back boosters have?

These harness boosters have top-of-the-line safety features. First of is the simply safe adjust harness system. With the simply safe adjust harness system you don’t have to rethread the harness so it’s that much easier. There’s thigh support and full body support and it was rigorously crash tested. The Tranzitions passed all the safety standards and abides with state laws. The foam lining is done good so it doesn’t stick out. Your child is kept in place with the 5 point harness which is the most secure on the market. Also, there’s a harness storage compartment that to put the harness away when it’s not in use. Other safety features included: lower anchors, anchor connectors and locking clip.

How long can you use the Tranzitions car seat?

The car seat usage is limited to 7 years.

Which one is the right choice Graco Tranzitions or Nautilus 65?

Graco Nautilus is the better choice.

Is the Graco Tranzitions worth it?

The Graco Tranzitions booster seat is one of the most popular booster seats on the market. It is easy to install and use, and it is adjustable to fit a variety of different body types. The Tranzitions also has a number of safety features, including a five-point harness and side-impact protection. The seat can be used in both booster mode and forward-facing mode, making it a good choice for families with multiple children. The Tranzitions is also one of the more affordable booster seats on the market, making it a great value for families on a budget. Overall, it is an excellent booster seat that is sure to please parents and children alike.

Last Updated on November 1, 2023 by Brian Beasley

Written by Linda Reid

Hey there, I'm Linda, a mom of three cool kids. I've tried so many car seats, you could call me a "Car Seat Detective." Searching for the perfect car seat can feel like finding a needle in a haystack, but don't worry! I've committed to researching and reviewing car seats that are super safe, cozy, and great for growing kids. Together, we'll find the perfect car seat that keeps your child safe and cozy, and makes you feel like a super-parent!