My son started to get too heavy to carry in his infant car seat when he was about 4 months old. We decided to buy a new seat for my husband's truck and keep the infant seat in my van. We - OK, I - decided to purchase the Graco ComfortSport 8630 Convertible Car Seat. I purchased the Kimberton pattern which is dark blue and tan.

About the seat:

Features:

GracoPedic foam cushioned seating, EZ wash pad that can be quickly removed for cleaning without having to re-thread the harness system, infant head support and detachable head pillow, mesh pocket with plastic frame to store small toys or pacifiers, one cup holder with covered snack tray,5-Point harness, front adjusting harness straps, LATCH system, tether strap, and level indicator.

Rear Facing for Infants up to 30 Lbs. (Use Rear facing ONLY until 20 lbs AND 1 year)

Forward Facing for 20-40 lbs and up to 40 inches tall

The top of the child's ears must be below the top edge of convertible car seat and child's shoulders must not be above top harness slots.

Our installation experience

Remember I said I bought this for my husband's truck? Well it took over an hour of struggling to get it installed in the rear facing position in our 2003 Dodge Ram Quad Cab. I finally got it installed secure, level and tight. Only to discover that we could not adjust the harness straps. I have small hands, and even I could not fit my hand between the vehicle seat and the front of the car seat. I tried everything possible to make it fit, but I just don't think this seat is compatible rear facing with our truck. So we moved the infant seat to the truck and the Graco ComfortSport 8630 Convertible Car Seat to my van (2001 Nissan Quest). Installation was not as difficult, and though it is a tight squeeze, I am able to adjust the harness. I did not install with the LATCH - I could not get it tightened enough for my satisfaction. I only hope it's easier when it is forward facing.

How do we like it now?

My son is now 6 months old, and fits quite comfortably in his seat. He can look around easily and can see his big sister in the seat beside him, so he seems to be content. It is somewhat difficult to get him out of the seat - taking the harness straps off - but overall I feel that this seat is easy to use. The buckle is not the puzzle piece type - it's the type where each side of the harness snaps into the buckle (with the little red release button). The chest clip snaps together and is easy to adjust, but doesn't appear that it will be easy for little fingers to undo!

The recline seems to be enough for him at this age. He's not "on his back", but he isn't completely upright either.

I never used the head support, so I can't say how it works.

The GracoPedic foam cushioned seating is very soft and "molds" to the baby for added comfort.

Seatpad is a soft - suede feeling type material.

The cup holder comes off very easily. For right now, I've just taken it off all together until he's forward facing and old enough to use it.

The seat does take up a LOT of room - it does not leave much room for adjusting the front passenger seat. I have captain's seats in the middle row instead of bench seating which contributes to this.

Overall

I am happy with this seat and would recommend it, despite the difficult installation, and problems with adjusting the harness strap.

I think it will be OK once it is forward facing.

However, for my husband's truck, we now have the EvenFlo Triump 5. It's GREAT!!
See my review EvenFlo_Triumph_5


www.gracobaby.com
1-800-345-4109



Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 119.99
Age Range of Child: 0 to 12 Months