Safety 1st Turn and Go 360 DLX Review

Safety 1st Turn and Go 360 DLX

Overall Rating

 4.4/5

Face Rear & Front

While its 360 swivel ability and budget price will endear it to parents who are first-time into the rotating car seats, its plenty of padding, 100-pound weight limit, and ease of installation mean it’ll also appeal to those looking for a safe and comfortable car seat to grow with their kids.

That said, the Safety 1st Turn and Go 360 DLX is operating in a crowded niche. So, in this review, we’ll explore how it compares to some similar rotating car seats on the key metrics of weight/height limits, safety, ease of use, and comfort, and put the Turn and Go 360 DLX’s extra features under the microscope.

I’ll also be letting you in on one of the best-kept secrets in the child car seat industry – so read on to find out if the Safety 1st Turn and Go 360 DLX is right for your kid and your family.

*Price may change due to e-commerce platform and brand sales promotion.

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Safety 1st Turn and Go 360 DLX - Best Budget Rotating Car Seat

Pros & Cons

The good and the bad

What is it best for

Who we recommend it for

Value for Money

Is it worth the price tag?

Design

Dimensions, weight, color, etc

Safety Rating

Crash tests, FMVSS213, SIP

Performance

Weight/height limits, airplane, etc

Installation

Install with LATCH or seat belt

Alternatives

Other car seats to consider

1. Pros and Cons

Pros

Cons

2. Who Is It Best For?

Will the Safety 1st Turn and Go 360 DLX Be a Good Fit For Your Child and Family?

The Safety 1st Turn and Go 360 DLX all-in-one car seat is particularly suitable for those who prioritize the convenience of a rotating seat and want a single seat that can accommodate their child from infancy to the transition into a booster seat.

The 360-degree rotating feature is especially beneficial for parents who want to simplify the process of getting their child in and out of the car, reducing strain on their backs and making the process easier. Many families purchase Safety 1st Turn and Go 360 DLX to install in the grandparents’ vehicles for more convenient use, more than the easy getting in and out. You just need to install the car seat once.

The one-time installation reduces not only the troubles of transitioning the car seat from rear-facing to forward-facing but also the chances for an improper installation.

As an all-in-one car seat, Safety 1st Turn and Go 360 DLX can potentially save money in the long run since you won’t need to buy separate car seats for different stages. It can be used rear-facing for infants between 5-40 pounds, toddlers between 22-65 pounds, and big kids between 40-100 pounds.

Along with the 10-year lifespan, it seems this Safety 1st car seat could be a good option to grow with your kid to the last days in a car seat. However, you should pay attention to the Turn and Go 360 DLX’s height limit, it’s only 52 inches, meaning your kid might need another booster seat if you’re living in a state that requires kids to use a child safety seat until 57 inches tall. At this point, the Safety 1st Turn and Go 360 DLX is similar to the Maxi Cosi EMME 360 but not as good as other competitors like the Evenflo Revolve 360 Extend and Graco Turn2Me.

Further Information

Best rotating car seats

3. Value for Money

Is the price tag worth it?

Considering the price of around $319.99 and the most impressive 360 rotational feature, the Safety 1st Turn and Go 360 DLX is a compelling option for families who want a rotating car seat without breaking the bank. The price is the cheapest among rotating car seats, even cheaper than the convertible car seats that swivel, like the Revolve Revolve360 Slim (priced at around $349.99 on Amazon).

It offers essential features such as 360-degree rotation, safety standard approval, adjustable harness, and headrest, ample padding for comfort, and 100 lbs weight limit and 52 inches height limit. While it might not have the advanced features of the Evenflo and Graco models, it provides a balanced combination of convenience and safety at a more affordable price point.

The 52-inch height limit might not be good enough to last until your kid is ready to wear a seat belt, but the price gap between the Graco Turn2 Me, and the Evenflo Gold Revolve 360 and its Extend version would cover the price for an affordable booster seat. But if you’re hesitant to choose between Safety 1st Turn and Go 360 DLX and Maxi Cosi EMME 360, the former would be better for the same features at a cheaper price ($319.99 vs $449.99).

Further Information

Best 360 car seats

4. Design

360-Degree Rotation

The 360-degree rotational ability makes the Safety 1st Turn and Go 360 DLX stand out among the rotating car seats.

The standout feature of the Safety 1st Turn and Go 360 DLX is its 360-degree rotating capability. This innovative feature elevates the convenience and accessibility of the car seat, making everyday travel experiences smoother and more comfortable for both you and your child. With the simple spin of the seat, you can effortlessly place your child in or take them out of the car without any awkward bending or twisting.

This rotational feature transforms the process of securing your child into a seamless action. Whether you’re placing them in the rear-facing position or transitioning them to the forward-facing mode, the 360-degree rotation allows you to easily position the car seat in the most accessible angle, ensuring that buckling up and adjusting harnesses is a hassle-free task.

Additionally, it’s a real boon in tight parking spaces, urban environments, or situations where you need to load your child from the curbside.

Moreover, the rotational feature doesn’t just enhance convenience; it can also contribute to safety. The ability to have face-to-face interaction with your child during the loading process enables you to maintain a better visual connection while ensuring their comfort and security in the car seat.

In summary, the 360-degree rotating feature of the Safety 1st Turn and Go 360 DLX is more than just a convenience—it’s a game-changer in how you navigate the daily routine of securing your child in the car. This innovative design element not only streamlines the process but also adds an extra layer of ease and interaction, making your journeys with your child more enjoyable and stress-free.

Dimensions and Width

It’s obvious that the Safety 1st Turn and Go 360 DLX is bulky. It has a large and sturdy frame with lots of padding around for safety and comfort. Let’s dive into the details of the dimensions related to the car seat’s compactness and suitability for fitting three car seats across or in small cars:

Size Considerations:

Depth (19 inches): The 19-inch depth is relatively standard for many car seats and should fit well in most vehicles, especially when considering rear-facing positions where a slightly reclined angle might be needed.

Width (22 inches): The 22-inch width is definitely among the large car seats, limiting its ability to fit three car seats across in small vehicles, but will be good if you don’t have to install multiple car seats in the same row in most vehicles. Actually, most rotating car seats are not designed for 3 across, except the Evenflo Revolve360 Slim, which is the narrowest car seat on the market, only 16.75 inches wide.

Height (23 inches): The height is within a typical range for convertible car seats. It’s essential to consider the height of the car seat in relation to your vehicle’s interior space, especially if you have a small car with limited headroom.

Fitting Three Across:

Fitting three car seats across in a single row can be a challenge, especially with wider car seats. The 22-inch width of the Safety 1st Turn and Go 360 DLX might make it difficult to fit three car seats comfortably side by side in most vehicles. It’s recommended to measure the width of your vehicle’s back seat to determine if there’s enough space for three car seats, considering the space needed for installation and safety.

Suitability for Small Cars:

The fit of a car seat in a small car depends on both the car seat’s dimensions and the interior space of the car. While the dimensions of the Safety 1st Turn and Go 360 DLX are within a reasonable range for many vehicles, the 22-inch width could be a re-consideration factor for families with small cars.

Portability

All-in-one car seats are commonly heavy; rotating car seats are averagely heavy as well. While the Safety 1st Turn and Go 360 DLX is a rotating all-in-one car seat, it’s not surprising about its weight – up to 30 pounds. That would be five to six times the lightest infant car seats and more than two times the best lightweight convertible car seats.

Reviewing its weight and dimensions, we’ll give it a low score in portability rating – 5 points.

That means the Safety 1st Turn and Go 360 DLX is not a good portable car seat for travel. Luckily, you don’t need to carry or take it if you place it in the main vehicle for daily pickups.

It’s very common among multi-car families to have two or more car seats. For families with multiple kids in a car seat, it’s better to use some car seats that can fit 3 across.

If you plan to frequently transfer the car seat between different cars or locations, you might want to consider the weight as a factor. While 30 pounds isn’t exceptionally heavy, it could be less convenient for frequent carrying compared to lighter car seats. However, if the primary use of the car seat is within a single vehicle, the weight might have less impact on your overall experience.

Further Information

Best portable car seats for easy carry

Cup Holder

Safety 1st Turn and Go 360 DLX has two large cup holders, which are in square shape. They are removable and offer practicality and convenience, catering to both you and your child during car rides.

For parents, the cup holders provide a designated space to securely hold drinks, preventing spills and reducing distractions while driving. Whether it’s a water bottle, a coffee cup, or a travel mug, these holders keep beverages within easy reach without the need to juggle items or divert your attention away from the road.

For your child, the cup holders serve as handy compartments for their snacks, drinks, or small toys. That’s why the cup holders are located on the armrest field for easy reach. This accessibility empowers them to independently access their items during the journey, fostering a sense of control and comfort within the car seat.

The only pity is that the area is square, which is less gripped than circular to hold most water bottles and cups.

Wedge Pillow

The Safety 1st Turn and Go 360 DLX includes a wedge pillow, which works as the infant insert in other car seats. But different from the typical infant inserts that can be used rear-facing only, the Turn and Go 360 DLX’s wedge pillow can be used forward-facing as well. Just make sure that your kid weighs not exceed 30 pounds.

According to its weight and height limits, the wedge pillow is probably used for the rear-facing (40 pounds weight limit) and removed when your kid is 30 pounds.

Head Pillow

There is also a head pillow included in the Safety 1st Turn and Go 360 DLX. Different from the wedge pillow that can be used for both rear-facing and forward-facing, the head pillow is for rear-facing use only. It’s also removable and can be easily removed from the the harness straps.

Both the wedge pillow and head pillow are used for young kids that can’t hold their heads and bodies steadily. These additional accessories will work perfectly to provide add extra support to keep them safe and comfortable in the Safety 1st Turn and Go 360 DLX.

As your kid grows bigger and can be tightly and securely harnessed in the car seat, they’re not helpful then and can be replaced by the headrest for protection.

Padding

The ample padding is obviously found on the Safety 1st Turn and Go 360 DLX. The padding contributes to not only the comfort but also the safety of your kid throughout car trips.

The generous padding strategically placed within the car seat serves as more than just a cushion. The thick padding helps to cradle your child’s body, offering gentle support and minimizing discomfort during the journey.

Beyond comfort, the materials chosen for the Turn and Go 360 DLX also play a pivotal role in safety. The padding is made of energy-absorbing materials, helping distribute crash force in case of any collisions and enhancing its protection performance.

5. Performance

Weight and Height Limits

Given by the manufacturer, the Safety 1st Turn and Go 360 DLX is an all-in-one car seat with a 100-pound weight limit and 52-inch height limit, matching its purpose to accommodate your child’s growth and development across various stages. These 100 lbs/ 52″ weight and height limits provide flexibility and ensure that the car seat can be used for an extended period while keeping your child safe and comfortable, from infancy to big kid period.

In the rear-facing mode, the weight range spans from 5 to 40 pounds. This allows you to use the Safety 1st Turn and Go 360 DLX car seat from the early infant stage to the point where your child reaches around 40 pounds or 40 inches tall, providing a rear-facing option for optimal safety during the initial years.

It’s important to note that the rear-facing lower anchor weight limit is 25 pounds. This indicates that you can use the lower anchor system to secure the car seat in the rear-facing position up to this weight limit.

As you transition to the forward-facing mode, the weight limit to using the lower anchor system goes up slightly up to 30 pounds while the weight range remains accommodating, from 22 to 65 pounds. This progression caters to toddlers and young children, ensuring that they can continue to use the car seat with the security of a five-point harness system as they grow. The height limit in this mode is up to 49 inches and you should make sure that the top of your kid’s ear is under the headrest’s top.

After your kid outgrows the harness height or weight limit, you can still use the Safety 1st Turn and Go 360 DLX as a booster. In the booster mode, the weight range extends from 40 to 100 pounds, with a height range of 43 to 52 inches.

Here, another point needs your attention – it’s the 52-inch height limit. It’s a bit lower than the 57-inch requirement stated in car seat laws in most US states. That means you may need another booster seat when your kid outgrows the Safety 1st Turn and Go 360 DLX.

These weight and height limits reflect the car seat’s adaptability, making it a comprehensive choice for families seeking a single car seat solution for multiple stages of childhood. By accommodating a wide range of sizes, the Safety 1st Turn and Go 360 DLX caters to the changing needs of your child, from infancy to early childhood and beyond. Always remember to follow the manufacturer’s guidelines and recommendations for weight and height limits to ensure your child’s safety while using the car seat.

Further Information

Car seat weight and height limits

Stage / Modes

As a 3-in-1 car seat, the Safety 1st Turn and Go 360 DLX car seat transitions through three main stages, each catering to specific age and developmental milestones.

1. Rear-Facing Stage:

When used in the first of three car seat stages, the Safety 1st Turn and Go 360 DLX is suitable for infants from 5 to 40 pounds. Rear-facing car seats are considered the safest option for newborns and young children. They provide optimal protection for a child’s head, neck, and spine in the event of a collision.

The 40 lbs/ 40″ weight and height limits are average among the convertible car seats. If you want to extend the rear-facing for a longer time, check our best rear-facing car seats up to 50 lbs.

2. Forward-Facing Stage:

After your kid approaches or reaches the top weight or height for rear-facing, it’s time to transition to forward-facing. The best part is that you don’t need to install the Safety 1st Turn and Go 360 DLX. You just need to spin it.

In this stage or mode, the Turn and Go 360 DLX is able to accommodate toddlers between 22 to 65 pounds until they’re 49 inches tall. Actually, you probably use it after your child is 40 pounds or 40 inches. That means the real use time would be between your kid’s 40-65 pounds weight range or 40-49 inches height range.

That’s average among the convertible car seats for the forward-facing 5-point harness stage. If you want a longer harness riding time, try Chicco Fit4 and MyFit. They are the only two car seats with a 54-inch harness height limit in our database.

3. Booster Stage:

When your kid grows to over 65 pounds or 49 inches, the 5-point harness might be too short or tight for them. Then you should change the car seat to booster mode. It’s easy – follow the Safety 1st Turn and Go 360 DLX’s user manual to store the harness system.

You don’t need to re-install it or do anything else.

This Safety 1st 360 car seat suits kids from 40 to 100 pounds and 43 to 52 inches tall, extending usability but not as much as the best all-in-one car seats, which commonly have a higher height limit up to 57 inches.

Tips on transition from rear-facing to forward-facing and then to booster:

Don’t turn to the forward-facing stage too soon. It’s best to keep your child rear-facing for as long as possible because that’s the safest position for small kids.

Don’t turn to booster mode too soon, even though the manufacturer states that the minimum weight requirement for a child to sit in Safety 1st Turn and Go 360 DLX is 40 pounds. It’s best to keep your child in the 5-point harness forward-facing for as long as possible.

When your kid reaches 65 pounds or 49 inches, don’t hesitate to turn the Safety 1st Turn and Go 360 DLX from forward-facing to booster mode. It’s not safe if the 5-point harness can’t work properly to secure your kid.

Age Range

The Safety 1st Turn and Go 360 DLX car seat does not have a specific age limit listed in the provided information. This is because children’s growth and development can vary widely, and car seat usage is primarily determined by weight and height rather than a fixed age range.

By the given weight and height range, we would estimate an approximate age range for a quick reference.

For example, when in the rear-facing stage, the Safety 1st Turn and Go 360 DLX can be used from your kid’s birth until he is 40 pounds or 40 inches, no matter whichever comes first. That means, your kid could stay rear-facing at their 2 years old.

Using the same way, the forward-facing stage is good for kids around 2-5 years of age while the booster stage is for big kids around 5-7 years old.

Sometimes, you’ll see the manufacturers provide a 4-year-old age requirement to use the all-in-one car seat in booster mode or a booster seat. That’s because the US car seat laws require that children sit in a booster seat or the same leveled restraint system should be at least 4 years old.

Further Information

Car seat age and stage

Best car seat for 1 year old

Best car seat for 2 year olds

Airplane

Is Safety 1st Turn and Go 360 DLX approved for use on a plane?

While the Safety 1st Turn and Go 360 DLX offers an array of practical features, it’s important to note that it’s not approved for use on airplanes by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This limitation can impact families who frequently travel by air, requiring them to consider alternative options when it comes to ensuring their child’s safety and comfort during flights.

But it’s acceptable anyway. Just look at its bulky body, you won’t want to take it to navigate through the busy airports.

Actually, not many rotating car seats are FAA-approved for air travel. As far as we know, the Evenflo Revolve360 Slim and Extend (not the original Gold model), Graco Turn2Me, and Baby Jogger City Turn are certificated for air travel in the 5-point harness mode.

Further Information

Tips to use car seats on airplanes

Lifespan

How long is Safety 1st Turn and Go 360 DLX car seat good for

The Safety 1st Turn and Go 360 DLX has a 10-year lifespan expiration date since the date of manufacture. The expiration date of the Turn and Go 360 DLX can typically be found on a sticker located on the bottom of the seat’s shell.

This sticker provides important information including the date of manufacture and sometimes the expiration date. It’s important to adhere to the expiration date provided by the manufacturer. Using a car seat beyond its expiration date could put your child’s safety at risk, as the seat may not provide the level of protection it was designed for.

If the car seat has expired or is nearing its expiration date, it’s time to consider replacing it with a new one that meets current safety standards.

Further Information

Car seat expiration tips

When do Safety 1st car seats expire

What to do with expired car seats

Warranty

The Dorel Group company provides a one-year warranty for the Safety 1st Turn and Go 360 DLX swivel car seat.

6. Crash Tests and Safety Ratings

Is it safe to use Safety 1st Turn and Go 360 DLX?

Yes, the Safety 1st Turn and Go 360 DLX is designed with safety in mind and includes several features to help ensure your kid’s safe during car rides.

First and most fundamentally, the Safety 1st Turn and Go 360 DLX has undergone rigorous crash tests and meets safety standards like the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213 and regulations set by relevant authorities like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administrator.

By the way, all car seats old in the US should adhere to these strict safety guidelines.

Second safety enhancement comes from the 5-point harness for side-impact protection, which is built into the car seat body and design. 5-point car seats should pass this type of crash test as well, proving they could provide additional support and safety in the event of a collision from the side of the vehicle.

Besides these two essential but basic safety features, what’s more you can find in Safety 1st Turn and Go 360 DLX?

While not a direct safety feature, the ample padding and materials used in the car seat contribute to the overall safety and comfort of your child during car rides. The padding is made of energy-absorbing foam that can help absorb the crash energy if a collision happens. So does the padded headrest.

SecureFit technique is not a direct safety feature as well, as we know, proper installation is the first step to use the car seat correctly. The SecureFit enables an easy and tight installation for the Safety 1st Turn and Go 360 DLX and helps reduce the chance of unsafe situations happening.

Crash tests

The Safety 1st Turn and Go 360 DLX takes an extra step in prioritizing your child’s safety by incorporating advanced side-impact protection into its design. It’s essential to have side-impact protection for a small kid, considering the potential dangers of side-impact collisions.

Don’t worry, all the US-sold car seats with 5-point harness are crash tested and proved to provide side impact protection. Some car seats may have advanced features to enhance their SIP performance. For Safety 1st Turn and Go 360 DLX, they are:

Energy-absorbing materials: The seat is engineered with energy-absorbing materials strategically placed along the sides. In the event of a side impact, these materials work to absorb and dissipate the forces, reducing the impact transferred to your child.

Deep side wings and headrests: The deep side wings and headrests are designed to create a protective cocoon around your child’s head, neck, and torso. They act as a shield against the forces generated by a side collision, reducing the potential for injury.

Reinforced Shell: The car seat’s shell is reinforced and structured to provide stability and additional protection in the event of a side impact. Working with the energy-absorbing foam, this robust construction helps distribute the crash forces to achieve the protection objective.

7. Safety 1st Turn and Go 360 DLX Installation

Before starting to install the car seat, you may where to put it. The center of the back seat is probably the safest position to install a car seat.

If possible, install the car seat on that spot. If that seat is not applicable for a proper installation, for example lacking a shoulder belt, either seat on the side would be safe. You may choose any of them based on your family’s and kid’s needs.

Here are the steps to install the Safety 1st Turn and Go 360 DLX car seat in the car and airplane.

Safety 1st Turn and Go 360 DLX Manual

You should always read the user manual before starting to install and use it for riding your child.

The Safety 1st Turn and Go 360 DLX car seat manual is stored in a small storage slot at the frame of the car seat, but you can always find the online user manual on its official website, or download the PDF here.

8. Specification and Comparison

Brand
Brand	Safety 1st
Type
Suitable for	Newborns, infants, and big kids
Positions	Rear- and forward-facing
Design
Portability (1-10)	4.5. Heavy and bulky
Weight (pounds)	30 in total
Weight limits (lb.)	5-40 (RF); 22-65 (FF); 40-100 (Booster)
Height limit (inch)	19-40″; 29-49″; 43-52″
Dimension	‎22″ W x 19″ D x 23″ H
Cup holder	Two cup holder
Performance
Age Range	Birth-7~8 years old
Stage	1st, 2nd, and 3rd
Installation	LATCH and seat belt
Headrest Positions	8
Recline positions	–
Airplane	Yes
Lifespan	10 Years
Extra Features	–

Safety 1st Turn and Go 360 DLX vs Evenflo Gold Revolve 360

Car Seats Comparison	SnugRide SnugRide 35 Elite	SnugRide SnugLock 35 Elite	SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX
Price	$269.99	$249.99	$229.00
Weight limits (lb)	4-35	4-35	4-35
Heights Limits	32"	32"	32"
All-Weather Boot	✓	-	-
Easy-to-Remove Seat Pad	✓	✓	✓
Silent Shade Canopy	✓	-	✓
1-Hand Adjustable Handle	✓	-	✓
No-Rethread Harness	✓	✓	✓
Adjustable Recline	✓	✓	✓
Anti-Rebound Bar	✓	-	✓
Energy Absorbing Base	-	✓	-
LATCH	One-Second InRight LATCH	One-Second InRight LATCH	One-Second InRight LATCH
SnugLock® Installation Technology	✓	✓	✓
Belt Lock-Off	✓	✓	✓
Carrier weight without base	9.8	9.6	8.8
Width (in.)	17	17.5	17.5

*About the height limit for rear-facing: The top of the head must be 1” (2.5 cm) below the headrest adjustment lever.

9. Alternatives

What other rotating car seats should you consider?

Evenflo Gold Revolve360

Weight range (lb): 4-40 (RF): 22-65 (FF); 40-120 (Booster)
Height limits: 17-40"(RF); 28-49"(FF); 44-57"(Booster)
Stage: 1st, 2nd, 3rd
Lifespan: 10 years
Suitable: Birth to 8-10 years old
Rotating: 360 degrees
Base: Built-in base

Why is it better than Safety 1st Turn and Go 360 DLX?

Why is it worse than Safety 1st Turn and Go 360 DLX?

Evenflo Gold Revolve360 Extend

Weight range (lb): 4-50 (RF): 22-65 (FF); 40-120 (Booster)
Height limits: 17-40"(RF); 28-49"(FF); 44-57"(Booster)
Stage: 1st, 2nd, 3rd
Lifespan: 10 years
Suitable: Birth to 8-10 years old
Rotating: 360 degrees
Base: Built-in base

Why is it better than Safety 1st Turn and Go 360 DLX?

Higher weight/height limit (120 lbs/ 57” vs 100 lbs/ 52”)
Lower rear-facing minimum weight requirement (4 lbs vs 5 lbs)
Higher rear-facing weight/height limits (50 lbs/ 48” vs 40 lbs/ 40”)
Easy to remove Quick Clean Cover
Longer warranty

Why is it worse than Safety 1st Turn and Go 360 DLX?

Graco Turn2Me

Weight range (lb): 4-40 (RF): 22-65 (FF); 40-100 (Booster)
Height limits: 17-40"(RF); 28-49"(FF); 44-57"(Booster)
Stage: 1st, 2nd, 3rd
Lifespan: 10 years
Suitable: Birth to 8-10 years old
Rotating: 90 degrees
Base: Built-in base