What are the best Safety 1st car seats? Your needs decide the answer to this question.
We’ll list and compare the Safety 1st car seats in this ultimate guide.
Very different from Graco which has released a ton of car seats (almost 40+ car seats we listed) to dominate the market, there are only a few Safety 1st car seats.
Safety 1st is also the manufacturer of Disney car seats. So you’ll see the key features and specs between them are exactly the same. Only the seat pad subject is different.
Safety 1st car seats (including Disney car seats) are very cheap. They come with basic-level safety features and very few extras.
In this ultimate guide for the best Safety 1st car seats, we reviewed the top 4 models of different types and for different use situations. We also list and compare all Safety First car seats belonging to the same group. Click the button below to explore the Safety 1st car seats in that type or group – infant, convertible, or booster.
Top 4 Safety 1st Car Seats
Best Safety 1st Car Seats List
Infant
All 5 Safety 1st Infant Car Seats Comparison
Convertible
All 6 Safety 1st Convertible Car Seats Comparison
Booster
All One Safety 1st Booster Seats Comparison
Safety 1st Grow and Go - Best Overall
Safety 1st Grow and Go
Key Features
- Weight range (lb): 5-40 (RF): 22-65 (FF); 40-100 (Booster)
- Height limits: ~49" (RF&FF); ~57” (Booster)
- Stage: 1st, 2nd, 3rd
- Lifespan: 10 years
The Good
- Super budget price
- Last three car seat stages
- 10 years of lifespan
- Multiple colors for boys and girls
The Bad
- Less headrest and recline
- Lower height limit for booster (only 52")
- Not fit 3 across in small cars
$179.99
Last weekend, my sister-in-law ran around taking care of errands. When she stopped at a Stop sign just for seconds, a truck smashed into her car probably going between 30 and 45 mph.
She got hurt, with her legs jarred into the floor and her shoulder area bruised. But my 18-month-old nephew slept through the crash and sustained no injuries. Not a single bruise, not a hair out of place.
The Grow and Go should be your first choice if you’re finding a Safety 1st car seat. It’s an all-in-one car seat. That means you can use it for rear-facing, forward-facing, and booster.
This Safety 1st car seat has a 40lbs/40″ rear-facing size limit, making it one of the best car seats for extended rear-facing. Two years old toddler can even fit well in rear-facing in it.
The 100lbs/57″ booster size limit allows it to last good years to grow with your child. It should be the last Safety 1st car seat you can purchase because the car seat laws in most states in America only require a child under 57″ to ride in a car seat or booster.
It performs the best among Safety 1st car seats. It has a solid build. The metal frame is protective while the thick cushion is comfortable. You can easily remove the pieces that are solid from the seat for cleaning and install them back effortlessly.
The cup holders are removable and can be cleaned in the dishwasher. They are good to store your child’s juices and snacks.
Safety 1st Grow and Go is a cheap car seat, priced under $200. I think this is the main reason why so many parents choose it.
It’s a pity that this Safety 1st car seat is not narrow enough to fit 3 across the back seat. Luckily, there are a few alternatives, like the Diono Radian 3R (same price range) and Graco SlimFit3 LX (a bit pricier).
Safety First 360 Car Seat
Safety 1st Turn and Go 360 DLX
Key Features
- Weight range (lb): 5-40 (RF): 22-65 (FF); 40-100 (Booster)
- Height limits: 19-40"(RF); 29-49"(FF); 43-52" (Booster)
- Stage: 1st, 2nd, 3rd
- Lifespan: 10 years
- Suitable: Birth to 7-8 years old
- Rotating: 360 degrees
- Base: Built-in Base
The Good
- 360-degree rotation
- Plenty of padding for comfort
- Relatively budget price
- 10 years of lifespan
The Bad
- Lower height limit (only 52")
- Lack advanced additional features
$349.99
Safety 1st Turn and Go 360 DLX is a remarkable 360-degree rotating car seat designed to simplify your parenting journey while ensuring the safety and comfort of your child. If you’re new to the world of swivel car seats, this innovative solution offers an excellent starting point.
Like the other 360 car seats, the standout feature of this car seat is its ability to swivel a full 360 degrees. This means that you can effortlessly place your child in or take them out of the car without awkward bending or stretching. For first-time parents, or if you have backbone problems, this feature is a game-changer, making the daily routine of securing your child an absolute breeze.
The car seat boasts plenty of padding and high-quality materials that not only keep your child comfortable but also contribute to their safety. Ample padding cradles your child, providing gentle support and minimizing discomfort during car rides. Additionally, the materials used in the car seat have been rigorously tested to meet safety standards, ensuring your child’s well-being.
Designed as an all-in-one car seat, the Turn and Go 360 DLX is versatile. It transitions through rear-facing, forward-facing, and booster modes, accommodating your child’s growth from infancy to early childhood. This means you won’t need to replace the car seat as your child grows, making it a cost-effective choice. The only pity lies in its booster height limit – only 52 inches, which is 5 inches less than the standard height requirement in most states’ car seat laws.
That’s one of the drawbacks of the Turn and Go 360 DLX. Move on reading to think twice before purchasing this Safety First rotating car seat.
While the 360-degree rotation is a massive convenience, the car seat’s 22-inch width might make it challenging to fit three car seats across in smaller vehicles. If you have a smaller car, this could limit its compatibility with other car seats.
Unfortunately, this car seat is not FAA-approved, which might impact frequent travelers who rely on air transportation. An FAA-approved car seat is designed for use on airplanes, offering familiar and secure seating for your child during flights.
Safety 1st Jive - Best Budget
Safety 1st Jive
Key Features
- Weight range (lb): 5-40 (RF): 22-65 (FF)
- Height limits: ~43" (RF); ~49” (FF)
- Stage: 1st, 2nd
- Lifespan: 8 years
The Good
- Super budget price
- Fits 3 across in the back seat of most vehicles
- Lightweight and portable design
- 10 years of lifespan
The Bad
- Less headrest and recline
- Lack advanced additional features
$99.99
If you want a cheap car seat to fit 3 across, the Safety 1st Jive is a good option. It’s inexpensive and works just as well as all other car seats.
The Safety 1st Jive doesn’t have extra protective features but just the basic ones. So it’s a good backup car seat for accommodating your child in the grandparents’ or babysitters’ cars.
This Safety 1st car seat is slim designed and can do 3 across in large vehicles. The two cup holders on both sides do not increase the width, but just being placed at the front angle.
The Jive is one of the Safety 1st convertible car seats. You can use it in both rear-facing and forward-facing. The size limits are average as other convertible car seats, 40lbs/40″ and 65lbs/49″.
In rear-facing mode, the Jive is a good car seat option for toddlers around 2 years old. It’s one of the best car seats with an extendable rear-facing. In forward-facing mode, it lasts good years, fitting big toddlers around 5 years old.
It provides two methods for installation. LATCH is easier than a seat belt because most parents complain that the Safety 1st Jive can’t be installed tightly with the seat belt rear-facing. So you should pay attention to this point, better to follow the user manual to install it.
The Safety 1st Jive is a lightweight convertible car seat, only 14.25 pounds. That’s a bit heavier than most infant car seat carriers. But it’s still light enough for carrying. You can use it for air travel. The slim fit width fits well in the narrow window seat.
This Safety 1st Jive has multiple color options. If you have a little girl, the Carbon Rose is a good option. It’s very similar to pink. We listed it in the best pink car seats (the cheap price contributes a lot for Jive to have a position).
Safety 1st onBoard 35 LT Comfort Cool Infant Car Seat
Safety 1st onBoard 35 LT
Key Features
- Weight range (lb): 4-35 (RF)
- Height limits: ~32" (RF)
- Stage: 1st
- Lifespan: 6 years
The Good
- Lightweight infant carrier
- Include infant inserts
- Stylish colors
The Bad
- Slightly pricey
- A bit difficult to adjust the canopy
$159.99
Safety 1st onBoard 35 LT is the best infant car seat option. It’s a great beginner car seat for your newborns.
This Safety 1st infant car seat is able to accommodate a baby between 4 and 35 pounds until he or she reaches 32″ tall. That’s as excellent as other infant car seats on the market. The 35lbs/32″ size limit makes this car seat good for 1-year-old toddlers.
It has many removable pads that will accommodate basically any baby size. My friend Lora has one for her 5lbs 5oz boy and he fits in it great. The thickly padded inside seems comfortable for him and he doesn’t move around much and sleeps for a long time in it.
This Safety 1st onBoard 35 LT is a good car seat. It’s lightweight and easy to get in and out of the base with the QuickClick tech. There is only a quiet click sound and won’t disturb your sleeping baby when attaching or detaching the infant carrier to the base.
Installing this Safety 1st car seat with LATCH will be easier than with the seat belt. Keep in mind that buckle the harness in the right position following the user manual. If you still have any questions, find a YouTube video tutorial or contact the manufacturer for an inquiry. I’m sure they’d be happy to serve.
This Safety 1st infant car seat is very cheap, at least cheaper than Graco infant car seats and Chicco infant car seats, making it a good one if you don’t want to spend a lot on an infant car seat. After all, you’ll need another convertible or combination car seat after your little one outgrows the 35lbs/32″ limit.
Safety 1st Grand 2-in-1 Booster Car Seat
Safety 1st Grand
Key Features
- Weight range (lb): 30-65 (FF); 40-120 (Booster)
- Height limits: 43"-57" (Booster)
- Stage: 2nd, 3rd
- Lifespan: 10 years
The Good
- Budget price
- Fits 3 across in the back seat of most vehicles
- Lightweight and easy to carry
The Bad
- Lack advanced additional features
- Limited padding
$79.99
If you want a Safety 1st car seat with the highest weight limit, you should consider the Grand. It’s a combination car seat and one of the best 5-point harness car seats with a 120-pound weight limit.
The Safety 1st Grand can be used forward-facing only. But it has two modes including a 5-point harness and booster. The first mode is good for small toddlers at least 1 year old and big preschoolers around 5 years old. Make sure your little precious reach the minimum of 30-pounds (most 1-year-old toddler can do this) and does not exceed the maximum of 65-pounds in this mode.
Otherwise, you should remove the harness and switch this Safety 1st car seat to booster mode. When used in this mode, the Safety 1st Grand has an impressive 120-lb weight limit. That’s the highest for all the car seats on the market. This is more commonly seen in the premium all-in-one car seats and more expensive car seats.
But Safety 1st Grand costs only $79.99 (the sale price when this post was written). It’s a cheap car seat. If you don’t have much budget for a car seat after your little boy or girl outgrows their infant car seat, it’s a great option then.
It’s slim design and can do 3 across in most vehicles. As a matter of fact, it’s very similar to the Cosco Finale DX, which is also one of the best cheap car seats. It’s easy to understand this, they’re two brands coming from the same manufacturer, Dorel Junivellience.
Safety 1st Grand is a lightweight car seat, weighing just 11.73 pounds. It’s good for air travel, in 5-point harness mode. However, the limited padding is less comfortable for small toddlers. So I don’t recommend it for long road trips. But you can use it as a backup car seat.
Safety 1st Infant Car Seats Comparison
| Model | Weight/ Height Limits | Recommend Age | Online User Manual |
|---|---|---|---|
| onBoard™35 Air 360 Infant Car Seat | 35 lbs/ 32" | Birth-12/18 months old | User Manual |
| onBoard™ 35 LT Infant Car Seat | 35 lbs/ 32" | Birth-12/18 months old | User Manual |
| Disney Baby Light 'n Comfy 22 Luxe Infant Car Seat | 22 lbs/ 29" | Birth-6/9 months old | User Manual |
| onBoard™35 SecureTech™ Infant Car Seat | 35 lbs/ 32" | Birth-12/18 months old | User Manual |
| onBoard™ 35 LT Comfort Cool Infant Car Sea | 35 lbs/ 32" | Birth-12/18 months old | User Manual |
Safety 1st Convertible Car Seats Comparison
| Model | Weight/ Height Limits | Recommend Age | Online User Manual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grow and Go™ All-in-One Convertible Car Seat | 100 lbs/ 52" | Birth- 8 years old | User Manual |
| Turn and Go™ 360 DLX All-in-One Convertible Car Seat | 100 lbs/ 52" | Birth- 8 years old | User Manual |
| Continuum All-in-One Convertible Car Seat | 80 lbs/ 52" | Birth-7 years old | User Manual |
| Grow and Go™ Extend 'n Ride LX All-in-One Convertible Car Seat | 100 lbs/ 57" | Birth-8 years old | User Manual |
| Grow and Go™ Comfort Cool All-in-One Convertible Car Seat | 100 lbs/ 57" | Birth-8 years old | User Manual |
| Jive 2-in-1 Convertible Car Seat | 65 lbs/ 49" | Birth- 5 years old | User Manual |
| Guide 65 2-in-1 Convertible Car Seat | 65 lbs/ 49" | Birth-5 years old | User Manual |
Safety 1st Booster Car Seats Comparison
| Model | Weight/ Height Limits | Recommended Age | Online User Manual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grand 2-in-1 Booster Car Seat | 30-100 lbs/ 57" | 1-10 years old | User Manual |
When do Safety 1st Car Seats Expire
How long Safety 1st car seats are good mainly depends on the type.
Safety 1st infant car seats are good for 8 years of use from the date of manufacture.
Safety 1st convertible car seats (including the all-in-one) are good for 10 years from the date of manufacture. So do the Safety 1st booster seats.
Same as Graco and Diono, the expiration date of Safety 1st car seats is not printed directly on the white sticker. You can find the manufacture date only on that label, which is commonly stuck on the back or side of the Safety 1st car seats. Then need to do a simple calculation to finally get the expiry date.
Visit this post on Safety 1st car seats expiry date to learn more details.
Where to install Safety 1st Car Seats
The rear middle of the back row is considered the safest position to install the Safety 1st car seats.
It’s furthest from the sides and the front. Crash energy would decrease a lot when reaching this position. Along with the car seats for protection, your little one would be safe.
However, this has one condition. It’s that you should install the Safety 1st car seats PROPERLY.
If you can’t get a tight and proper installation for any Safety 1st car seat in the center of the back seat. Choose either side of the window seat. The seat behind the driver and the seat behind the front passenger has the same level to be the #2 safest position. Kindly remind, to make sure you can properly install a Safety 1st car seat in that spot. It’s best to follow the user manual.
Safety 1st Car Seats Recalls List 2022
We draw this list of recalled Safety 1st car seats in 2022 based on the data of the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administrator). You can check what Safety 1st car seats have been recalled and confirm if your Safety 1st car seat has been on the list or not.
We do this list to help you avoid buying a car seat that has been through a recall event.
It’s best to register the Safety 1st car seat once you receive it. You can do this via the user manual, or contact the manufacturer’s customer service.
SAFETY 1ST ALPHA OMEGA ELITE
SAFETY 1ST 22-325 VIN GB1B
SAFETY 1ST 22-325 DTA GB1B
SAFETY 1ST COMPLETE AIR LX
SAFETY 1ST 22-325 TST GB1B
SAFETY 1ST ALPHA ELITE
SAFETY 1ST ALPHA OMEGA
SAFETY 1ST INTERA
DOREL 22-057 DBY (SAFETY 1ST)
DOREL 22-322 LXI (SAFETY 1ST)
DOREL 22-322 MAI (SAFETY 1ST)
DOREL 22-380 MSA (SAFETY 1ST)
DOREL 22-627 WAV (SAFETY 1ST)
DOREL 22-325 PAC (SAFETY 1ST)
DOREL SAFETY 1ST
SAFETY 1ST ENSPIRA
DOREL 22-085 LYN (SAFETY 1ST)
DOREL 22-322 KDL (SAFETY 1ST)
If you want to know all Safety 1st car seats that have been recalled, please go to the NHTSA recall page and type Diono for search.
Safety 1st Car Seats Buying Guide
What you should know before purchasing a Safety 1st car seat. What features are important to you before you click the ‘Buy’ button. Here are some tipes for you. We do this short buying guide, hoping it helps to find the best Safety 1st car seats to meet your needs. Of course, you can use these tips to compare and find any other car seats from other brands.
Safety
This is the most important factor to purchase a car seat. But you can be assured that all Safety 1st car seats and other car seats that are for sale in America are manufactured and crash tested under federal safety standards – FMVSS 213.
Most car seat brands will add extra safety features for enhanced protection. So does the Safety 1st.
All the Safety 1st car seats have a sturdy metal frame, except those backless boosters. Along with plently of cushion around the backress and bottom portion for energy absorption, the Safety 1st car seats have a solid build that delivers optimal protection.
Side impact protection is a good point. The more layers, the more protective, the better.
Most Safety 1st car seats (except backless models) have two layers of side impact protection.
That’s all.
These are very basic. Other car seats from other brands have these features as well. Very few will have more, for example, the Graco’s ProtectPlus, the Diono’s more layers of side impact protection.
Install
Improper car seat installation means no protection in a crash and may result in fatal death for a child if that happens.
So we believe that proper installation is more important than bonus safety features because all the car seats meet the FMVSS 213.
There are two methonds to install the Safety 1st car seats: use the LATCH or seat belt. NEVER use both.
It’s a pity that the Safety 1st car seats only have the common LATCH connectors and seat belt for installation. They don’t have rigid LATCH attachment or seat belt locking system.
A lot of parents complain the installation is hard. Practice makes perfect. Try several times before you get it tightly and properly installed.
Size Limits
This is the best place to save money, even though Safety 1st car seats are affordable. You can still save money by choosing a car seat with great size limits without compromising safety.
Safety 1st all-in-one car seats have the best performance in the size limits. They’re designed to grow with your child and can be used for good years. Taking Grow and Go for example, 100lbs/57″ size limit can last from your child’s birth to the day when they don’t need a car seat.
Fabric
We don’t ask the car seats should be made of ultra high-quality fabrics, but at least we will love those car seats with durable and machine washable fabrics.
Luckily, the Safety 1st car seats meet this criterion.
FAQs on Safety 1st Car Seats
Is Safety 1st a good brand?
Yes, the Safety 1st is a good car seat brand. It manufactures infant, convertible, and booster seats for affordable prices.
All the Safety 1st car seats are manufactured under the applicable federal safety standards. They are safe for everyday use and traveling.
How long can you use a Safety 1st car seat?
Safety 1st car seats expire between 6 to 10 years from the date of manufacture.
Most Safety 1st car seats have the expiration date printed on a label on the backside. Or you can find the expiry date in the manual, generally at the end section.
How do you change a Safety First car seat to a booster?
If your Safety First car seat belongs to an all-in-one or harness booster that combines a car seat and a booster into one, you can change the Safety First car seat to a booster when your little boy or girl reaches the 65-pound weight limit or 49-inch height limit in forward-facing 5-point harness mode.
Follow the instructions in the user manual, or see the video below for tips.
How do you install Safety 1st onBoard 35 LT?
Use the LATCH connectors or seat belt to install Safety 1st onBoard 35 LT.
You should always install Safety 1st onBoard 35 LT following the instructions and steps in the manual. So make sure you read the user manual before starting.
It’s a pity that Safety 1st onBoard 35 LT does not have rigid LATCH connectors. It may be a bit more difficult than other car seats with enhanced rigid LATCH.
Is Safety 1st Grow and Go FAA approved?
Yes, the Safety 1st Grow and Go is FAA approved for airplane use. Keep in mind that you can only use it for air travel in the harness mode (rear-facing or forward-facing mode).
Booster mode is not allowed on the plane. That’s the rule of child safety seat laws in most US states.
However, you won’t want to take the Safety 1st Grow and Go for air travel even though it is FAA approved. It’s bulky and not lightweight.
If you need any car seats for travel, find some lightweight convertible car seats.
Where are Safety First car seats made?
Safety First is a US car seat brand. It’s a subsidiary of Dorel Juvenile Group (includes Cosco, Maxi Cosi, and Safety 1st) in Columbus, Indiana.
But most Safety First car seats are made in China. You can find this information on the sticker along with the expiry date. The country’s origin can also be found on Amazon if those Safety First car seats are available on Amazon.
Can you put a towel under a Safety First car seat?
No, you shouldn’t do this unless the Safety 1st allows. You may want to protect your leather seat in the car. However, putting a towl between the car seat and the vehicle seat will reduce the tightness, resulting in improper installation and finally doing harm to your little child.
How long is a Safety First Grow and Go good for?
The Safety First Grow and Go are good for 10 years of use from the date of manufacture. It’s an all-in-one car seat to fit kids from birth to 8 years. The company designed it with durability and quality for the longest lifespan.
How heavy is a Safety First car seat?
The weight of a Safety First car seat depends on the specific model. Some are heavy, some are lightweight. But Safety First car seats are more lightweight than car seats in the same group as other car seat brands.
For example, the Safety First Grow and Go is 19.2 pounds, while the Maxi Cosi Pria is 21.8 pounds, Graco 4Ever DLX is 23 pounds, and Britax One4Life is 30 pounds.
How do you install Safety 1st Grand DLX booster?
First, make sure you have read the instructions in the manual to install Safety 1st Grand DLX booster.
If you choose to use the seat belt to install the Safety 1st Grand DLX booster, make sure to use the lap-shoulder belt.
Is Safety 1st OnBoard 35 lt FAA approved?
Yes. The Safety 1st OnBoard 35 is FAA approved for aircraft use. You can take it to protect newborns on a plane. It’s lightweight, narrow-profile, and easy to install.
What stroller is compatible with Safety 1st OnBoard 35?
Any stroller with the QuickClick feature on the frame. The Onboard 35 Air 360 will be compatible with any Cosco, Safety 1st, or Eddie Bauer stroller. These strollers are made by the same manufacturer – Dorel Juvenile Group.