Full Review ⭐ Graco Avolve Harness Booster Car Seat: with ISOCATCH Connectors, Group 1/2/3 from approx. 1 to 12 years (9-36kg), Black fashion

Graco is one of the most trusted names in children's car seats, with over 65 years of innovation and experience. Founded in 1942, Graco is an American company that designs and produces baby products including car seats, strollers, high chairs, play yards, and swings. They are well-known for their rigorous crash testing standards and emphasis on safety. Graco aims to provide parents with top-rated car seats that offer advanced safety features, while still being easy to install and use. The Graco Avolve Harness Booster Car Seat is one of their latest innovations, designed for children from approximately 1 to 12 years old. This seat features a sleek, modern aesthetic while still prioritizing safety and comfort. In this review, we'll take an in-depth look at the key features and performance of this popular car seat.

Overview

The Graco Avolve Harness Booster Car Seat is designed for children from approximately 1 to 12 years old. With a weight range of 9-36kg, it can accommodate most kids from toddler age through the tween years.

Some of the key features of this car seat include:

• 5-point harness system for younger children that can be converted to a highback booster as kids get older
• ISOCATCH connectors for secure installation in your vehicle
• Fully adjustable headrest and harness heights to accommodate growing children
• Armrests, cup holder and storage compartment for kids' convenience
• Machine washable seat pad and inserts for easy cleaning
• Sturdy steel-reinforced frame for safety and durability

With its versatile design, the Graco Avolve transitions smoothly as your child grows to provide a safe and comfortable ride. The 5-point harness keeps little ones securely contained, then converts to a belt-positioning booster when they are ready.

In addition to the Avolve, the Graco Turn2Me 3-in-1 Car Seat: Brighton offers a unique solution for parents seeking a multifunctional seat. This model features a rotating base that makes it easier to get your child in and out of the car. It can be used in rear-facing, forward-facing, and booster modes, accommodating children from infancy to 10 years old, ensuring safety at every stage of growth. The Turn2Me is designed with safety features, including side-impact protection and a wide base for stability, making it a reliable choice for parents.

Safety

The Graco Avolve Harness Booster Car Seat has excellent safety features to protect your child while riding in the car. It meets or exceeds all applicable safety standards in Europe (ECE R44/04).

The seat has been rigorously crash tested to simulate frontal and side impacts. It has a sturdy steel-reinforced frame and EPS energy-absorbing foam to cushion your child in the event of a crash. The five-point harness system also keeps your child securely in place.

The Avolve has been side impact tested for occupant retention solely with the vehicle's seat belt. It does not have any side impact protection features beyond proper belt routing and a padded headrest.

The seat features Graco's Simply Safe Adjust Harness System, which makes it easy to adjust the harness height as your child grows. There are 10 height positions to ensure proper fit. The harness straps also have three positions to adapt width between the child's shoulders.

To keep your child safe, always follow the height and weight limits for the seat. Use the harness for children weighing 9-18 kg and then switch to booster mode up to 36 kg. Check the manual for full instructions on installation and use.

Overall, the Graco Avolve provides excellent safety for children in Group 1/2/3, with crash testing and harness adjustments for a customized fit. Follow all instructions carefully to ensure your child rides as safely as possible.

Setup and Installation

The Graco Avolve harness booster is easy to install and adjust, making setup a breeze. It features Isofix connectors that provide a secure installation in your vehicle. To install:

• Locate the Isofix anchors in your car and attach the connectors. Make sure you hear a "click" to confirm they are locked in place. This provides a rock solid foundation to keep the seat from moving.

• Use the seatbelt to secure the booster to the car seat. Thread the seatbelt through the guides and buckle it. The belt guides ensure the seatbelt sits properly across your child.

• Adjust the headrest and harness height as needed. The no rethread harness can be easily adjusted for a proper fit as your child grows.

• Tighten the harness with the front adjuster strap until it is snug against your child. You should not be able to pinch any excess fabric.

The booster is straightforward to install and adjust. The included manual provides clear visual instructions as well. With its Isofix system and easy harness adjustments, you can feel confident your child is properly secured every ride.

Harness System

The Graco Avolve harness booster seat features a 5-point harness system to keep children securely in place. This includes two shoulder straps, two hip straps, and one strap between the legs.

The harness straps can be adjusted vertically to properly position the shoulder straps at or above your child's shoulders. There are 3 height positions to choose from. To adjust, you simply slide the harness strap through the slot and re-clip it.

The harness straps can also be tightened or loosened to get a snug fit. There is a central adjuster at the front that lets you pull the straps tighter with one hand. The chest clip further helps position the shoulder straps properly across your child's chest.

Overall, the 5-point harness system provides a customized fit and keeps children safe and secure in the seat up to 18 kg. The multiple harness positions allow you to adjust the seat as your child grows.

Comfort

The Graco Avolve booster seat prioritizes comfort to keep kids happy during car rides. It features ample padding on the seat back and bottom, using a soft and breathable fabric. This helps prevent overheating while providing cushioning for the child's body.

The armrests are also padded for extra comfort. When in booster mode, the armrests can be adjusted up or down to provide the right fit as your child grows. This allows the armrest height to be customized to your child's needs.

The seat has multiple recline positions to accommodate sleeping, reading, or sitting up during rides. Finding the right recline helps keep kids comfy and content. The headrest is also fully adjustable, moving up and down to properly support your child's head and neck at the ideal angle.

With its plush padding, adjustable features, and breathable fabric, the Graco Avolve aims to make every car ride as comfortable as possible for your little one. This can help minimize fussiness and restlessness when in the car.

Additional Features

The Graco Avolve has a few nice features that add convenience for parents and kids.

• It has two integrated cup holders on either side of the seat that can hold sippy cups or water bottles. This is really handy for keeping drinks within reach during longer car rides.

• There is also a small storage compartment on the back of the seat. You can stash small toys, books, or snacks in here for easy access while on the go.

• The seat fabric on the Avolve is removable and machine washable. This makes it easy to clean up spills, messes, and keep the seat fresh.

• The seat has a level indicator that lets you know if you have it positioned at the right recline angle in your car. This takes some of the guesswork out of getting the right fit.

• For comfort on sunny days, the seat has a flip out visor that extends from the top. This helps block glare and sun from your child's face when rear facing.

• The harness holders keep the shoulder straps out of the way when loading and unloading your child. It's a nice feature that prevents straps from getting tangled.

Overall the additional features on the Graco Avolve are very useful for parents. The cup holders, storage, and other convenience features make everyday use easier.

Cleaning and Maintenance

The Graco Avolve Harness Booster seat has a removable machine washable cover that makes cleaning easy.

To remove the cover, first detach the harness straps from the splitter plate on the back of the seat. Then unthread them from the hip pads and headrest. Unfasten the elastic loops underneath and remove the cover.

The cover can be machine washed in cold water on a gentle cycle. Tumble dry low. Avoid using bleach or fabric softeners as they may damage the fabric.

Spot clean the plastic shell as needed with warm water and mild soap. Towel dry completely.

Be sure to reattach the harness straps correctly through the proper slots when replacing the cover. Refer to the instruction manual for details.

Inspect the seat regularly for any damage, cracks, or missing parts. Discontinue use if any issues are found and contact the manufacturer for assistance.

Following the care instructions will help keep the seat clean and extend its lifespan. Proper maintenance is important for safety too, ensuring all components remain securely fastened and functioning properly.

Pros and Cons

The Graco Avolve Harness Booster Car Seat has many excellent features but also some downsides to consider.

Pros

• Very safe and secure for children - has a 5-point harness system up to 25kg, then transitions to a highback booster. Meets or exceeds all safety standards.

• Easy to install and adjust harness height as child grows. ISOCATCH connectors make installation secure and simple.

• Comfortable padded seat and headrest for long journeys. Armrests can be raised for easy access.

• Removable, machine washable cover for easy cleaning.

• Cup holders and storage pockets for child's belongings.

• Fits children from approx 1 to 12 years (9-36kg). Gets years of use.

• Good value for money from a trusted brand.

Cons

• Bulky and heavy so not ideal for frequently moving between cars.

• Harness can be tricky to tighten evenly.

• Some found the fabric scratched easily.

• Doesn't recline so may be uncomfortable for sleeping child.

• Booster mode doesn't have a back, so needs vehicle headrest.

• Difficult to install with some vehicles' seatbelts.

Conclusion

The Graco Avolve Harness Booster Car Seat is an excellent choice for parents looking for a long-lasting car seat that can grow with their child. It has impressive safety features like side impact protection and a steel-reinforced frame. The harness system is easy to adjust and provides a snug, secure fit.

Padding in the seat and headrest ensure your child stays comfortable on long rides. Convenient features like the integrated cup holders, storage compartment, and machine washable covers add to the seat's versatility and ease of use.

While the seat is on the heavier side, the ISOCATCH connectors make installing and removing it a breeze. The price is very reasonable for the quality and lifespan this seat provides. Overall, the Graco Avolve offers excellent value and is highly recommended for children from approx. 1 to 12 years old. It's a smart investment that will meet your family's needs for many years.