Full Review ⭐ Graco Nautilus LX Harnessed Booster Car Seat: Group 1/2/3 (approx. 1 to 12 Years, 9-36 kg), Steeple Gray

Graco is one of the most recognizable and trusted brands when it comes to car seats. Founded in 1942, the American company has over 70 years of experience designing, manufacturing and marketing products for infants and children. They are known for their rigorous crash testing and innovative features that focus on safety, comfort and ease of use. Graco car seats undergo side impact testing, which is more stringent than the minimum government standards. The company has built a reputation for high quality, safe car seats across their range, from infant carriers to boosters. Parents can feel confident putting their child in a Graco car seat.

The Nautilus LX Harnessed Booster is one of Graco's newer car seat models, featuring the latest updates and features you'd expect from this trusted brand. Keep reading to learn more about how it performs for safety, comfort and everyday use.

Product Overview

The Graco Nautilus LX Harnessed Booster Car Seat is an innovative 3-in-1 car seat that transitions from a forward-facing 5-point harness car seat (suitable for children approx. 1-7 years), to a high back booster seat (approx. 4-12 years), and finally to a backless booster seat (approx. 4-12 years). This allows it to grow with your child, providing excellent safety and comfort from toddler to tween.

Key features include:

• 5-point harness with no-rethread headrest and harness adjustment for convenient fitting
• Steel-reinforced frame for strength and durability
• EPS energy-absorbing foam for effective impact protection
• Fully adjustable headrest and harness positions for proper fit
• Removable body support cushions for smaller children
• Integrated cup holders and storage compartment
• Machine washable seat cover for easy cleaning
• Meets or exceeds all applicable US safety standards

With its versatile design and adjustability, the Graco Nautilus LX Harnessed Booster provides the ultimate in convenience, safety, and value over multiple years of use. Parents know that finding the right car seat can be a challenge, but the Graco Nautilus LX takes the guesswork out of the process. This innovative 3-in-1 design transitions seamlessly as your child grows, keeping them safe and comfortable at every stage. The 5-point harness with no-rethread adjustment provides a secure fit for toddlers and big kids alike. Energy absorbing foam and side impact protection give parents peace of mind. Removable body support cushions and adjustable headrest accommodate children of all sizes. When your child is ready, the Nautilus LX becomes a highback booster, then a backless booster. With its steel-reinforced frame and rigorous crash testing, you can trust this seat to go the distance. From carpool to soccer practice and everywhere in between, the machine washable seat pad keeps this seat looking fresh. The Nautilus LX makes it easy to keep your growing child safe and comfortable in the car. For parents seeking maximum value and versatility, the Nautilus LX is the perfect choice.

For extended rear facing, the Graco Extend LX R129 Convertible Car Seat allows children to ride rear facing for an extended period, providing additional safety and comfort. Its simply safe adjust no rethread harness allows for easy adjustment of both harness and headrest height. The 4 position extension panel provides extra leg room allowing your child to stay rear facing longer. Engineered for safety with a steel reinforced frame, EPS energy absorbing foam, and rigorous crash testing. The Graco Extend LX R129 gives parents peace of mind knowing their child is well protected.

Installation

Installing the Graco Nautilus LX harness booster is straightforward thanks to its easy-to-follow instructions and well-designed LATCH system. It has an integrated, push-on lower LATCH connector that allows for a quick, secure installation in most vehicles.

The seat can be installed in both highback and backless booster modes. In highback mode, it can be installed with either the LATCH system or with the vehicle's seat belt. LATCH installation takes just seconds - simply attach the lower connectors and tighten the LATCH straps. The LATCH system has convenient storage compartments to keep the straps tidy when not in use.

For seat belt installation, the seat features belt guides that properly route the vehicle's seat belt or harness through the correct path. The seat has been crash tested and approved for use with lap-shoulder seat belts and can be installed in either rear or forward-facing configurations.

Overall, parents report that installation is simple and hassle-free with the Graco Nautilus LX. The detailed manual provides visual guidance and clear instructions for proper setup. Between the straightforward LATCH system and seat belt routing, getting a secure install takes just minutes.

The Graco Atlas 65 2-in-1 Harness Booster Car Seat in Glacier is another great option for parents looking for an easy-to-install car seat. This 2-in-1 seat can be used as both a forward-facing harness seat and highback booster. It features a no-rethread harness that adjusts the height as your child grows, 10 positions adjustable headrest, and LATCH equipped. The harness booster can accommodate children from 22 to 65 pounds in harness mode and up to 100 pounds in booster mode.

Installation of the Atlas 65 is simple with the LATCH system. Parents report that connecting the lower anchors and tightening the LATCH straps is quick and secure. The seat belt installation is also straightforward by routing the vehicle's seat belt or harness through the proper belt path. Overall, the Atlas 65 receives high marks for its easy installation thanks to the well-designed LATCH system and clear belt routing guides.

When comparing the Nautilus LX and Atlas 65, they share many similarities that make installation seamless. Both are equipped with LATCH systems and have belt guides for proper seat belt routing. The integrated LATCH on the Nautilus LX offers a bit more convenience, while the Atlas 65's no-rethread harness allows easier adjustments. So parents can't go wrong with either of these options when it comes to hassle-free installation.

For more details on the Graco Atlas 65 2-in-1 Harness Booster Car Seat, check out this review of the Glacier model.

Safety

When it comes to your child's safety, you want to ensure you're purchasing a car seat that's been rigorously crash tested and meets high safety standards. The Graco Nautilus LX Harnessed Booster performs very well in this regard.

The Nautilus LX has been engineered and crash tested to meet or exceed all applicable US FMVSS safety standards. It has also been side impact tested for occupant retention solely with the built-in 5-point harness system.

Furthermore, the Nautilus LX achieves impressive results in independent crash testing programs. In NHTSA testing, it receives a 4 out of 5 star overall rating. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) awards the Nautilus LX its highest rating of "Best Bet" for booster mode.

With its sturdy steel-reinforced frame, EPS energy absorbing foam, and rigorous crash testing results, you can feel assured that the Nautilus LX provides excellent protection for your child. Safety is truly a standout feature for this car seat.

Comfort

The Graco Nautilus LX offers excellent comfort for kids thanks to its ample padding and adjustable headrest. The seat and backrest are padded with thick EPS foam which provides cushioning and absorbs energy in the event of a crash. This makes the seat very comfortable for long car rides.

The headrest is adjustable with one hand and has multiple positions to give proper head support as your child grows. You can adjust the headrest without rethreading the harness, allowing you to easily get the right fit as your child grows taller. The harness itself has padding at the shoulders for added comfort.

For smaller children, there are body inserts that provide extra side cushioning and support. The seat is designed to keep kids comfortable in every stage. Between the padding, adjustable headrest and body inserts, your child will stay cozy and supported on even the longest road trips.

Ease of Use

The Graco Nautilus LX Harnessed Booster makes it simple to get your child in and out of the seat. The no-rethread harness adjusts easily from the front with one hand to provide the right fit as your child grows. Simply press the red button and pull the straps to tighten or loosen. The harness stores away neatly when switching the seat to highback or backless booster mode.

Bucking your child in is straightforward with the one-hand adjustable headrest and padded armrests that flip up out of the way. The seat features an easy-on comfort grip harness that clicks when buckled, so you can ensure it's fastened properly. The harness is also open on the bottom, so it's simple to place your child in the seat without having to thread their arms through.

Moving between harnessed, highback booster, and backless booster configurations is smooth and intuitive. You simply remove the back for the backless booster or the harness for the highback booster. The LATCH system makes installation easy and secure in harness mode. Overall, the Graco Nautilus LX makes getting your little one in and out of the car a breeze.

Size Range

The Graco Nautilus LX can accommodate children in 3 different modes, making it a versatile choice as your child grows.

In harness mode, it's rated for children 22-65 lbs (10-29.5 kg) and 27-49 inches (69-125 cm) tall. This allows you to keep your child harnessed up to around 4-5 years old.

Once your child maxes out the harness mode limits, you can transition the seat to highback booster mode. This accommodates children 30-100 lbs (14-45 kg) and 38-57 inches (97-145 cm) tall. Highback booster mode is ideal for ages 4-7 approximately.

Finally, the seat can be used as a backless booster for children 40-100 lbs (18-45 kg) and 43-57 inches (110-145 cm) tall. Backless booster mode can accommodate older kids from about 6-10 years old.

With its 3 modes, the Graco Nautilus LX can adapt as your child grows from toddler to youth. This helps maximize the lifespan of the seat and reduces the need to purchase multiple car seats.

Aesthetics

The Graco Nautilus LX comes in a stylish Steeple Gray color that will complement most car interiors. This neutral gray tone allows the seat to blend in rather than stand out, making it an attractive option for parents who want a subtle, sophisticated look.

Available in just one color choice, the grays and blacks of the Nautilus LX present a sleek, modern aesthetic. The overall design is relatively minimalist, without a lot of bells and whistles. The fabric features a houndstooth pattern on the headrest and seat cushion for a bit of visual interest. Sturdy steel reinforcement provides durability without detracting from the smooth, streamlined styling.

While not as padded as some other options, the Nautilus LX still looks plush and comfortable. The rounded edges and tapered silhouette create a softer profile compared to boxy boosters. Parents who want an understated yet smart-looking car seat should appreciate the refined styling of the Nautilus LX.

Price

The Graco Nautilus LX Harnessed Booster Car Seat is currently listed on Amazon UK for around £199.99. This price point positions it as a mid-range option - more affordable than premium brands like Maxi-Cosi and Cybex, but pricier than basic boosters from the likes of Cosatto and Joie.

When you consider the longevity of use - accommodating children from approximately 1 to 12 years old - the cost seems justified. For less than £200, you're getting a forward-facing harness seat, highback booster, and backless booster all in one product. This translates to years of use as your child grows.

The Nautilus LX also comes equipped with some nice extras like cup holders, storage, and a machine washable seat cover. These types of convenience features can drive up the cost of car seats, so their inclusion here helps make the £199.99 price tag seem reasonable.

Overall, while not the cheapest option on the market, the Graco Nautilus LX represents good value for money given its versatility, safety features, and longevity. The price point balances functionality and affordability.

Conclusion

The Graco Nautilus LX Harnessed Booster Car Seat is an excellent option for families looking for an adjustable seat to grow with their child. It has impressive safety features like a steel-reinforced frame and EPS energy-absorbing foam. The seat is easy to install and transitions smoothly between harness and highback booster modes.

Some of the key pros of this seat are the wide weight range, from 9 to 36 kg, and the ability to keep kids harnessed up to 25 kg. It provides a comfortable ride with padded armrests and headrest. The seat cover is machine washable for easy cleaning. Overall, it's a smart investment that can last 10 years or more.

Potential cons to consider are the large size, which may not fit smaller cars well, and the steeple gray color, which some parents may not like. The seat is also on the heavier side at over 11 kg.

For families seeking maximum safety, a long-lasting seat, and adjustable harnessing, the Graco Nautilus LX is highly recommended. Given its versatility from infant to tween, solid construction, and comfort features, this seat provides excellent value. It's a smart choice for keeping kids as safe as possible during their car seat years.