Graco Safe Seat Infant Car Seat, Portica
by Graco Baby
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List Price: Category: Baby Product See more product details |
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Baby Products Reviews of Graco Safe Seat Infant Car Seat, Portica
Customer Review: Perfect for new guidelines
Summary: 5 Stars
I purchased this car seat last year with our first child, after doing lots and lots and lots of homework/research on all the options. I picked it b/c of the increased weight/height limits, and the side impact protection. I had too many friends that had to purchase another car seat before the one year limit, b/c their baby was too big for their car seat. I love that I don't have to worry about this fact.
I'm even more pleased with this car seat now that the AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) has now put out a new statement on car seat safety. They are now recommending leaving children rear facing until they are two years old. They say that neck muscles are still not strong enough to withstand a car accident in front facing one year olds. So...while this doesn't sit well with lots of parents, my friends and sister's included, I'm going to follow this recommendation for as long as my son will fit in this car seat...which will be well beyond his first birthday.
It will be a lot easier to follow this new recommendation with this car seat. My son is 11 months and only 22 lbs and 27" long...he's a little bit short for his age. But, this means I don't have to purchase a new car seat for quite awhile. I love this fact!
Yes, the car seat is a little bit heavier than the other options, but it also accommodates 30lb children. Yes, my child has a bit of a problem seeing out the sides, but that is b/c of the side impact foam that the other options don't have. So, I'm willing to sacrifice a little comfort on my part to make sure my baby is safe. He doesn't know any different about seeing out so he's adjusted.
I've been VERY happy with this purchase, and would purchase this car seat again.
Customer Review: Color is great
Summary: 2 Stars
I bought this because I thought it had rated the best in a consumer's report article, and I loved the color. The straps are sometimes hard to work--they stick at times. Also, using this as part of the travel system with the stroller is a pain. It's not very sturdy and is sometimes difficult to release. The release is also sometimes problematic in the car base. The handle configuration is not easy on the back, esp. with a growing baby. The visor often falls down behind/under the carseat, which makes it a pain when transporting. I sometimes pull them off altogether to not be bothered with them.Customer Review: Glad I choose this one...
Summary: 4 Stars
The Graco Safe Seat is a great infant seat. It is larger than most seats so it lasts longer. My baby is only 6 mths old but is wearing 12-18 mths clothes. It might be heavy to carry a large seat with a large baby in it but if your child is asleep you have the option to leave them in the seat.
There is plenty of width to the seat which I have seen some that are tight for a bigger baby. The seat belt is very easy to use because it don't have the puzzle type and when unbuckling just push the button and the belt pops out. Some seats require you to really squeeze hard and pull on the belts. It has the option to buckle the seat in without the base and fits in most carts and strollers. The only thing I didn't like was the handle could be more comfortable for carrying.
Customer Review: The Seat is Good, Except...
Summary: 3 Stars
Your baby may not like it.
I was originally very excited when I got this seat and the extra base for it (found one in a Babies R' Us store). It seemed like it'd fit my car decently (a New Beetle), and I had a great stroller base as I was worried about fitting a full-sized stroller in the trunk.
Well, it is a lovely seat. It's solid, nicely padded, easy to install, the color rocks, and the sun shade is fantastic. There's just one problem...My daughter hates it. She is four months now, and still does not care for riding in it during longer trips and absolutely hates being in it at the store. She seems to get overheated and has difficulty looking at things.
Upon discussing this with other parents, I found out this is a very common issue with infant seats. It's not as big of an issue with convertible seats as they are supposed to be a lot more comfortable for the babies.
So, this week, we are getting my daughter a convertible seat. She's only 4 months old, but we have to make a 6 hour trip for a family emergency, and this is so not a good time to be sacrificing her comfort or our sanity.
As for getting her around in stores, I discovered that manufacturers of car seats have disclaimesr in fine print stating their seat should not be used as infant carriers as there is a risk of the child falling or overheating (which can be rapidly fatal).
I usually use a baby carrier (BabyHawks and Ergos are awesome), a nice stroller (love the Graco Metrolite), or I actually carry my daughter in my arms (she fits securely in one arm while cradled on my hip). All three of these methods appear to be way more convenient (and safer) than carrying an infant carrier.
Oddly, people tend to gawk at us when I carry her in my arms (though many are overjoyed to see her). I guess it's not so common for people to see babies out of carseats around here. :)
Customer Review: Wonderful Infant Car Seat
Summary: 5 Stars
We have used different car seats in the past from Chicco to Graco Snug Ride. We have an older car that does not have the "latch" system. We love how easy the Graco Safe Seat was to install using the seat belt. It fits perfectly in our car and there is not room for movement. We love the Rittenhouse pattern! Great modern design and perfect colors for a boy or girl!