Battle of the Convertibles: Comparing the Graco Extend2Fit to Chicco NextFit

As a new parent:

Car seats are one of the most important baby accessories you’ll need to buy. So many hospitals won’t even let you leave after birthing until you show that you have one in the car. 

Therefore:

In this article, I’ll be giving you an insight into two of the most popular convertible car seats in the market–Graco Extend2Fit and Chicco NextFit.

This should help you make the best choice for you and your baby.

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Graco Extend2Fit Vs Chicco NextFit 

Looking to choose between the Graco Extend2Fit and Chicco NextFit convertible car seats? Here are the key things to know: Both seats have a steel frame and 5-Point harness for safety. NextFit has more recline levels, while Extend2Fit has more headrest levels. Extend2Fit has a larger size but is harder to install. Read on for the full details of these key points and more.

What is a Convertible Car Seat? 

Before comparing the Graco Extend2Fit and Chicco NextFit, let me explain what a convertible car seat is.

A convertible car seat is such that you can use it in two different ways:

• Rear-facing for newborns and
• Forward-facing for toddlers who have reached the height and weight requirements 

They’re more economical than other car seats, as you can use them for newborns and toddlers.

Comparing Graco Extend2Fit to Chicco NextFit 

Now that you understand what a convertible car seat is, let’s compare and contrast the features of the Extend2Fit and NextFit.

Safety

Without any doubt:

Safety is paramount when shopping for a car seat for your baby. Every other thing is secondary.

To further stress this point:

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has set strict safety standards for the manufacturing of infant car seats. 

This means that Extend2Fit and NextFit both meet these requirements, so you can trust them to protect your baby.

But then:

Which is better? Which would you trust more to keep your baby safe?

Well, below is a breakdown of the safety features of both seats:

Graco Extend2Fit

Graco Extend2Fit is reinforced with a steel frame that adds firmness and durability. It also has the True Shield on each side that is tested and trusted for impact.

Lastly:

The Extend2Fit has a five-point harness system that keeps your baby strapped to the seat during impact.

Chicco NextFit

To ensure the seat is totally firm, Chicco installs a steel frame on the seat shell of each NextFit. The seats also have DuoGuard on both sides to protect the baby from side impacts.

What’s more?

They’re reinforced with EPS energy-absorbing foam to help cushion the impact of a collision and a five-point harness system.

Verdict:

Extend2Fit and NextFit are inseparable regarding safety, as they have similar safety features. 

Comfort 

Both the Extend2Fit and NextFit provide a lot of comfort for your child. They’re equipped with a recline function that allows you to adjust the seat to different levels. 

Chicco Next2Fit has nine recline levels, three more than Graco Extend2Fit, which has six.

And truth be told, the more recline levels, the better.

However:

Draco has more headrest levels (10), one more than Chicco (9). 

Verdict:

I guess we can call it a tie.

Size Limits

Look around you:

Everything is getting more expensive as the day passes, and infant car seats are no exception. So that’s why you need to go for a seat with a higher size limit so your child can use it for longer.

So:

Which of these seats has a higher size limit?

Graco Extend2Fit

Graco Extend2Fit has a minimum weight limit of 4 lb and a maximum of 50 lb for rear-facing harnesses.

The forward-facing harness has a minimum weight limit of 22 lb and a maximum of 65 lb.

Chicco NextFit

Chicco NextFit’s rear-facing harness has a minimum of 12 lb and a maximum of 40 lb.

The forward-facing harness has the exact same weight limit as Graco’s.

Verdict:

From the figures above, we can deduce that your baby will potentially use Graco Extend2Fit for a longer period.

Installation 

Get this:

If you plan on moving the car seat between vehicles, you’d want a seat that’s easy to install and uninstall. 

So which of the two seats has the most straightforward installation? 

Graco Extend2Fit

The Extend2Fit is equipped with both the LATCH system and seat belt installations. In theory, it is very easy to use both methods, but the seat belt is a much easier method in practice.

All you have to do is pass it through the designated slot in the seat and buckle it.

The LATCH system is a bit more complicated, especially when doing the rear-facing installation. After buckling the seat’s latches to the car’s latch connector, you’ll need to push the seat down for a firm installation.

All in all:

It would take only a few minutes and effort to install.

Chicco NextFit

Like the Extend2Fit, NextFit also has the LATCH and seat belt installation systems, both of which are remarkably easy to do.

For the LATCH installation:

All you need to do is locate the seat’s latches by the side and connect them to the car’s latch connector. 

The seat belt installation takes a bit more time but is basically the same process as the LATCH.

Even better:

You don’t need to get inside the car to push down the NextFit before it’s firmly mounted.

Verdict:

NextFit has an easier installation.

Material

Here’s the thing:

Kids will always make a mess of their car seats no matter what. That’s why the material of the seat matters, as you don’t want to go through the extra hassle of cleaning it.

So:

Regarding the seat’s fabric, the Extend2Fit and NextFit are really good picks and are pretty much the same. 

In addition to being easy to remove, they’re machine washable and can be dried using a dryer.

Note:

Both manufacturers recommend using cold water and a gentle washing cycle. 

Verdict:

Yet another tie.

Additional Features 

Remember: 

We’re talking about kids, and kids get thirsty and hungry many times per day, so cup holders are kind of essential.

Now:

Both car seats have provisions for a cup holder, but I’ll have to go with Graco’s Extend2Fit on this one.

Their cup holders are built in and are placed on both sides of the seat for convenience. This prevents your baby from throwing them around, which they usually do if they can.

On the other hand:

The NextFit has a single attachable cup holder on either side of the seat. Babies can sometimes remove and throw them around, making them prone to damage.

Verdict:

Graco’s Extend2Fit easily takes this one.

Price 

The price difference between Extend2Fit and NextFit is significant, so should consider it. 

A quick check on Amazon shows that Extend2Fit has a price tag of $20, which is relatively low by industry standards. 

On the other hand:

The prices of NextFit on Amazon range between $250 – 320, depending on the color. That is at least $50 costlier than Extend2Fit.

Rating Summary Table

Specifications Table

Annie’s Recommendation

Graco Extend2Fit and Chicco NextFit are top-notch infant car seats with similar safety, comfort, and material features.

However:

There is a slight difference in the ease of installation and size limits. For example, NextFit is easier to install, while Extend2Fit has a higher size limit.

But the most significant difference has to be in the prices, as Next2Fit can be as much as $50 pricier than Extend2Fit.

All that said:

I recommend going for Graco Extend2Fit. It checks virtually all the boxes compared to Chicco NextFit and is much cheaper.

More so:

The New York Times rates it as the number one convertible car seat. So there you have it.

In any case, it is worth understanding that even if there are no child seats in your car, you can always rent an electric car with already installed seats and go with your child.

Final Tip: Annie Baby Monitor – Your Trusty Baby Car Monitor

Annie Baby Monitor is not just for the nursery or home; it’s you can also take it with you on the road and use it as a baby car monitor to keep your little one safe and sound during car rides.

Keep a watchful eye on your little one’s well-being while driving by easily positioning the monitor in your car.

Whether your baby is in a rear-facing or forward-facing car seat, Annie’s got you covered with her real-time video and audio monitoring. With Annie, you can focus on the road ahead while having added peace of mind.

Enjoy safe driving with Annie Baby Monitor.

Conclusion

Stuck on choosing between Graco Extend2Fit and Chicco NextFit? Here’s all you need to know about both infant car seats:

• Extend2Fit is equipped with safety features like  a steel frame, True Shield, and 5-Point harness
• It has six recline levels and ten headrest levels
• it has a rear-facing weight limit of 4-50 lb and forward-facing limit of 22-65 lb
• Extend2Fit has LATCH and belt installation methods
• It is machine washable and has a built-in cup holder
• The price ranges between $250 to $320 
• NextFit is equipped with safety features like a steel shell, DuoGuard, and 5-Point harness
• It had nine recline levels and nine headrest levels
• The rear-facing weight limit is 12-40 lb, while the front-facing limit is 22-65 lb
• It is equipped with LATCH and belt installation methods
• It is machine washable and has an attachable cup holder 
• The NextFit retails for $200 

And that’s it:

You now know the differences and similarities between the Graco Extend2Fit and Chicco NextFit. I hope you can make the best decision that suits you and your baby. 

If you have further questions, reach us via the comment section. We’ll get back to you ASAP.

Frequently Asked Questions About Graco Extend2Fit Vs Chicco NextFit