1. Introduction and Overview
The Graco SlimFit 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat is designed to adapt as your child grows, offering three modes of use: rear-facing harness, forward-facing harness, and highback booster. This car seat is engineered for safety and convenience, providing a secure and comfortable ride for children from 5 to 100 pounds.
Its space-saving design, featuring unique rotating cup holders, allows for a slimmer profile in your vehicle's back seat. The Simply Safe Adjust™ Harness System simplifies adjustments, ensuring a proper fit as your child develops. With multiple recline positions and an easy-to-use LATCH system, installation and comfort are prioritized. The seat is Graco ProtectPlus Engineered™ to meet rigorous crash test standards, offering protection in various collision types.

Image: Graco SlimFit 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat
2. Key Features
- 3-in-1 Design: Transitions from rear-facing harness (5-40 lb) to forward-facing harness (22-65 lb) to highback booster (40-100 lb).
- Space-Saving Profile: Dual integrated cup holders rotate away, making the seat 10% slimmer for more back seat space.
- ProtectPlus Engineered: Rigorously crash tested to help protect in frontal, side, rear, and rollover crashes.
- Simply Safe Adjust™ Harness System: Allows simultaneous adjustment of the headrest and harness in one motion, eliminating rethreading.
- 10-Position Headrest: Provides a secure and comfortable fit for your growing child.
- 4-Position Recline: Ensures child comfort and aids in proper installation.
- InRight™ LATCH System: Offers a one-second attachment with an audible click for secure installation.
- Harness Storage: Compartment keeps the harness safely stored when in belt-positioning booster mode.
- Steel-Reinforced Frame: Provides strength and durability for extended use.
- Easy-to-Read Level Indicator: Helps confirm correct installation angle.

Image: Three modes of use for the Graco SlimFit car seat
3. Setup and Installation
Proper installation is critical for your child's safety. Always refer to your vehicle's owner's manual and the detailed instruction manual provided with your car seat for complete installation guidelines. This section provides a general overview.
3.1. Choosing the Correct Mode
Select the appropriate mode based on your child's weight and height:
- Rear-Facing Harness: For infants weighing 5-40 lb.
- Forward-Facing Harness: For toddlers weighing 22-65 lb.
- Highback Booster: For children weighing 40-100 lb.
3.2. Installation Methods
The Graco SlimFit car seat can be installed using either the vehicle's LATCH system or the vehicle's seat belt. Ensure the car seat is securely installed and does not move more than 1 inch side-to-side or front-to-back at the belt path.
Using the InRight™ LATCH System:
- Locate your vehicle's LATCH anchors.
- Attach the car seat's LATCH connectors to the vehicle's LATCH anchors. Listen for an audible click to confirm connection.
- Press down firmly on the car seat while pulling the LATCH strap to tighten, removing all slack.
- For forward-facing, attach the top tether strap to your vehicle's top tether anchor and tighten.
Using the Vehicle's Seat Belt:
- Route the vehicle's lap and shoulder belt through the designated belt path for the chosen mode (rear-facing or forward-facing).
- Buckle the seat belt and remove all slack by pressing down firmly on the car seat and pulling the shoulder belt.
- Lock the vehicle's seat belt according to your vehicle's owner's manual.

Image: InRight™ LATCH System for easy attachment
3.3. Level Indicator
The car seat features an easy-to-read level indicator to help ensure the correct recline angle for rear-facing installation. Always ensure the indicator is within the acceptable range.
3.4. Installation Videos
Video: GRECO SlimFit CarSeat - All Features Explained. This video provides a comprehensive overview of the car seat's features, including aspects relevant to installation and use.
Video: Watch how 2 Graco Slimfits actually fit in a compact car. This video demonstrates the space-saving design and how multiple SlimFit car seats can fit in a compact vehicle, offering insights into installation in tight spaces.
Video: Up Close View of the Graco 3 in 1 SlimFit Car Seat. This video offers a detailed look at the car seat's components and features, which can assist with understanding installation points.
4. Operating Modes
The Graco SlimFit is designed to grow with your child through three distinct stages:
4.1. Rear-Facing Harness Mode
This mode is for infants weighing 5-40 pounds. Ensure the car seat is installed at the correct recline angle, indicated by the level indicator, and the harness straps are at or below your child's shoulders.
4.2. Forward-Facing Harness Mode
For toddlers weighing 22-65 pounds. In this mode, the car seat faces forward, and the harness straps should be at or above your child's shoulders. Always use the top tether when installing in forward-facing mode.
4.3. Highback Booster Mode
This mode is for children weighing 40-100 pounds. In booster mode, the car seat's internal harness is removed and stored, and your child is secured using the vehicle's lap and shoulder belt. Ensure the vehicle's shoulder belt rests properly across your child's shoulder and chest, and the lap belt is low on the hips.

Image: Child in Graco SlimFit car seat
5. Adjustments
5.1. Harness and Headrest Adjustment
The Simply Safe Adjust™ Harness System allows you to adjust the headrest and harness height simultaneously with one hand. Locate the adjustment handle at the top of the headrest and squeeze to move it up or down to achieve the correct fit for your child's shoulders.

Image: Adjusting the 10-position headrest
5.2. Recline Positions
The car seat offers 4 recline positions to ensure your child's comfort and proper installation angle. Use the recline lever, typically located at the front base of the seat, to select the desired position.

Image: 4-position recline for comfort and installation
5.3. Rotating Cup Holders
The dual integrated cup holders can be rotated away to make the car seat slimmer, providing additional space in your vehicle's back seat. Simply push or pull the cup holders to rotate them inward or outward.

Image: Rotating cup holders for space-saving design
6. Maintenance
Regular cleaning and maintenance will help prolong the life of your car seat.
6.1. Cleaning the Seat Pad
The seat pad is machine washable. Refer to the care tag on the seat pad for specific washing instructions (typically cold water, delicate cycle, and air dry). Do not use bleach.
6.2. Cleaning the Harness and Buckle
Wipe the harness straps with a damp cloth. Do not machine wash or submerge harness straps in water, as this can weaken them. Clean the buckle by rinsing it with warm water and allowing it to air dry. Do not use detergents or lubricants on the buckle.
6.3. Cleaning Plastic and Metal Parts
Wipe plastic and metal parts with mild soap and cool water. Do not use abrasive cleaners.
7. Safety Information
Your child's safety is paramount. Always adhere to the following safety guidelines:
- Always use the car seat according to your child's weight and height limits for each mode.
- Ensure the car seat is correctly installed in your vehicle, either with the LATCH system or vehicle seat belt, and does not move more than 1 inch.
- Always secure your child snugly in the harness or vehicle seat belt. The harness straps should be at or below the shoulders for rear-facing and at or above the shoulders for forward-facing.
- Never leave your child unattended in the car seat.
- Do not use accessories or parts not approved by Graco.
- The car seat has a limited lifespan. Check the expiration date on the car seat label.
- In the event of a crash, the car seat should be replaced, even if there is no visible damage.
8. Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product Dimensions | 21.5 x 19.9 x 25.5 inches |
| Item Weight | 19.47 pounds |
| Minimum Weight Recommendation | 5 Pounds |
| Maximum Weight Recommendation | 100 Pounds |
| Maximum Height Recommendation | 57 Inches |
| Material Type | Polyester |
| Harness Type | 5-Point |
| Number of Reclining Positions | 10 |
| Rear-Facing Child Weight Range | 5-40 Pounds |
| Forward-Facing Child Weight Range | 22-65 Pounds |
| Booster Child Weight Range | 40-100 Pounds |

Image: Graco SlimFit Car Seat Dimensions
9. Troubleshooting
If you encounter any issues with your Graco SlimFit car seat, consider the following general troubleshooting steps:
- Installation Issues: Re-read the installation section of this manual and your vehicle's owner's manual. Ensure the car seat is tightly secured and the level indicator is correct. Watch the installation videos for visual guidance.
- Harness Adjustment: Ensure the Simply Safe Adjust™ system is functioning correctly. Check for any twists in the harness straps.
- Buckle Difficulty: If the buckle is stiff or difficult to operate, rinse it with warm water and allow it to air dry. Do not use detergents or lubricants on the buckle.
- Child Discomfort: Verify that the headrest and harness are adjusted to the correct height for your child. Ensure no clothing or accessories are interfering with the fit.
For persistent issues or concerns, please refer to the complete Graco SlimFit instruction manual or contact Graco customer support.
10. Warranty and Support
For detailed warranty information, product registration, and customer support, please refer to the official Graco website or the warranty card included with your product. It is recommended to register your car seat to receive important safety updates and recall information.
You can typically find contact information for Graco customer service in your full instruction manual or on their official website. When contacting support, please have your car seat's model number (1999656) and manufacturing date readily available.