Install Graco Extend2Fit Forward Facing

Installing Graco Extend2Fit 2 in 1 or shopping for the best convertible car seat? This car seat review and installation how-to is for you!
The Graco Extend2Fit has 2 installation methods for installing the car seat forward facing:
0:00 Installing Graco Extend2Fit 2 in 1 Forward Facing
3:43 Forward-Facing Installation Issue
5:03 Installation Method 1: Lower Anchor Connectors
8:39 Storing Graco Extend2Fit Lower Anchor Connectors
8:51 Installation Method 2: Vehicle Seat Belt
10:57 Attaching the Top Tether
⚠️ The Graco Extend2Fit 2 in 1 has a huge quirk to be aware of when it comes to installing the car seat facing forward. Check out our full Graco Extend2Fit 2-in-1 car seat review for more: safeintheseat.com/graco-exten...
For Safe in the Seat recommended versions of this car seat convertible:
Graco Extend2Fit 3-in-1: urlgeni.us/amzn/gracoe2f3
Graco Extend2Fit 3-in-1 with Anti Rebound Bar: urlgeni.us/amzn/e2f3arb
(written review: safeintheseat.com/graco-exten...)
Looking for the best car seat? As always, our best-selling Car Seat Buying Kits are your go-to resource for choosing a seat that is best for you!
urlgeni.us/seat/buyingkit
If you have any questions drop them below!
#carseat #carseatsafety #carcrash #carseatreview #installation #convertiblecarseat #graco

[@armandoaguilar2971]

I was going crazy trying to figure out how to make the seat face forward. Thank you from a stubborn grandpa. I should have looked at your video earlier. Lol.

[@safeintheseat]

Haha I'm glad you found my video then!

[@megandunleavy2318]

I am OBSESSED with you and this content. Feel like I know EVERYTHING I need to know to transition my kiddo to forward facing. Thanks so so much!

[@safeintheseat]

Aww that's so kind of you to say!! Thanks for watching

[@haneenT2010]

Appreciate the clarity and practicality of your explanation.

[@safeintheseat]

Thanks for watching!

[@Dinky.bossetti]

Thanks so much, you made the switch so easy and better yet im confident my son is safe!

[@safeintheseat]

Thanks for watching!

[@sirsky11]

Your video helped me switch round to forward facing from rear facing. Thank you 🙏

[@safeintheseat]

Glad the video helped!

[@LadyLaDay]

Thank you! First time seat installer. Way better than the manual

[@safeintheseat]

Glad it helped!

[@vinnyo7992]

This is by far the best installation and explanation video I have seen so far!

[@safeintheseat]

Wow, thanks!

[@Olivia-hx2in]

Thank you for this! I could not for the life of me figure out how to move the latches to the forward facing belt path. The manual doesn’t explain, and graco was not help. THANK YOUUUUU

[@safeintheseat]

You're very welcome!

[@plutoismyprana5496]

Thank you for this!!! Now I’m not worried that I misunderstood the manual. Much love

[@safeintheseat]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@feracevedo6715]

Thank you so much. I was able to install it with your help. There were so many things when changing to forward facing that I did not know. And the manual sucks. 😅

[@safeintheseat]

Congrats on your install success!

[@HamsterOfPain]

Thank you so much! My daughter just hit 50lbs (way earlier than I wanted to turn her ugh) and I went to switch it and couldn't get the latches out. Not only did you show me but now I know she's too big for them anyways! You gained a like and follow! Ty

[@safeintheseat]

Thanks for watching! Hopefully you find some other useful videos in the future too!

[@ChimobiHD]

Thank you!!!!! I rarely comment on videos but I have to here. This made installation so easy in my car 😊😊

[@safeintheseat]

I'm so happy to hear you found the video worth commenting on, then!

[@JohnDoeSmith08]

Much better explanation than some of the other videos. Thanks!

[@safeintheseat]

Glad you think so! Thanks for watching!

[@PeterKazarian]

Extremely helpful. Esp the part about separating lap and shoulder belt to tighten it down. Thanks!

[@safeintheseat]

Glad it helped!

[@kelliw3334]

Very thorough and helpful!! Thank you!!!

[@safeintheseat]

Thanks for watching!

[@kristinholt2512]

So helpful!! Thank you for this!

[@safeintheseat]

Thanks for watching!

[@trishscanlon1391]

Great video! Watching a video vs reading a manual....huge!! Thank you!

[@safeintheseat]

Glad it was helpful!

[@denisseingerman]

Thanks! I did have a problem with the straps, they were loose and I did not how to adjust them back, you can show us how to check that?

[@Chivmo]

Very helpful and clear compared to the last video I watched. Still needs work on my end tho. I can't get it tight for some reason. I leaned on it, pulled on the excess seat belt and everything

[@safeintheseat]

Maybe meeting with a CPST in person for help would be a good idea. You can find one near you here: portalskcms.cyzap.net/dzapps/dbzap.bin/apps/assess/webmembers/secure/manage?webid=SKCMS&pToolCode=CERT-SEARCH&pAdd=Yes

[@user-ol3wf4bw2x]

I wish I had seen your videos before I bought this car seat for my visiting grandchildren, who definitely face forward. The instruction manual is worthless...for example, I love your explanation of how to "shimmy " the rear the lower anchor connectors up that metal bar-- a necessity since the car seat comes with these straps positioned for forward facing.. Who would ever figure out how to do that? And a simple thing such as raising the headrest all the way up (9:40) to gain access to what's behind the padding. I don't understand why Graco just doesn't include a link to this video in their instruction book. Thank-you for unlocking the secrets of car seat use and installation!🙏

[@safeintheseat]

Thanks for your kind words!

[@Boobear83]

Life saving amazing video!!! Best EXACTLY what I needed to figure this damn thing out video ever. Thank you thank you thank you

[@safeintheseat]

Wow! I'm glad you found it so helpful!

[@sunnygarcia419]

Thank you so much for your videos , have save me and my sanity lol

[@safeintheseat]

Happy to help!

[@bizzocom]

Thank you! So helpful!!

[@safeintheseat]

Glad it was helpful!

[@KaylaAndSamantha]

Great video thanks so much! Also love the lighting ❤🫶

[@safeintheseat]

Glad you like it!

[@festershinetop7444]

Thank you, extremely helpful

[@safeintheseat]

Glad it helped!

[@justingradwohl8461]

Learned plenty, thank you! Our kiddo is super tall so she's cramped rear facing but only 32lb. Had no idea how to install this and the manual can be very confusing lol

[@safeintheseat]

You had the leg panel all the way out for rear-facing? I've seen 48" 6-year-olds in this seat rear-facing. For forward-facing a child under 40 lbs, you must use recline 4 and the bottom of the car seat must be flat on the vehicle seat. You cannot recline the vehicle seat to do this. After making sure the base is flat, make sure the seat does not have too much overhang. If it does, then you either have to turn the seat back rear-facing or buy a new seat.

[@madhaticus3683]

@@safeintheseat yep, she was still cramped up. Have it front facing, no overhang, no wiggle, position 4 and no recline on the seat. She's quite big lol

[@24agonzo]

@@safeintheseat I noticed this instruction of recline level 4 for a forward facing child under 40lbs, but I couldn’t find that info in the owners manual. Was this a later update to the instructions? Thanks for your help!

[@hedlite56]

Great video

[@safeintheseat]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@bagira9351]

Thanks its help me alot

[@safeintheseat]

Thanks for watching!

[@michellemichlovsky5832]

Forward facing, recline 4, belt in upper area, and no over hang but to be in the dark blue there is a space at the back between seat and carseat base. Is this ok?

[@safeintheseat]

The recline ball is only for rear-facing. The base must be completely flat on the seat, there will be a gap between the car seat and the vehicle seat

[@cameronmiller5745]

Thank you

[@safeintheseat]

Thanks for watching!

[@804video5]

Driving a mini van and unless I'm blind there are no lower anchor bars in the set so I just used the one like in your video and the seat belt. So are the lower anchor ⚓️ clips just not used in my situation? Thanks!

[@safeintheseat]

You just need the seat belt and the top tether. Not every seating position in the vehicle has lower anchor connectors. And the installation with the lower connectors can only be used until 45 pounds anyways, while if you install with the seat belt instead you can use the seat until 65 pounds.

[@catherinesutton6563]

Thanks for this! Are crotch buckle and strap shoulder height in the harnessing video?

[@safeintheseat]

We don't have a harnessing video on KZbin. We have some in the Convertible Car Seat Course though. safeintheseat.com/convertiblecourse/

[@user-hi4zo1xu6j]

Absolutely best installation video I came across on youtube and I've watched plenty because I am crazy about my child's safety! Thank you for such clear and easy instructions! Is crotch buckle suppose to be moved to the farthest outer position and all padding, including head padding has to be removed for this installation to be complete?

[@safeintheseat]

Thanks for watching! For forward-facing, all inserts must come out, which does include the head insert. The crotch buckle must be in the slot furthest away from the child as well.

[@user-hi4zo1xu6j]

@@safeintheseat Got it! Thank you for your reply!))

[@TheAffanHabib]

Thank you, I was going crazy trying to install it, almost threw the seat out.

[@safeintheseat]

I'm glad you found this video before you did that then!

[@catherinecarroll7155]

What do you recommend if your kid is 49 inches, but not 40 lbs yet. Use this seat at the awkward recline angle forward facing or find a different seat?

[@safeintheseat]

This seat has a 49" limit for the forward-facing mode as well. You would need a Chicco Myfit since it can harness to 54" instead of the typical 49"

[@lexbeseler6675]

@safeintheseat Once our kid reaches 49” what is the next best seat? Like a high back booster with 5 point harness? She’s 4 and currently 46”.. very tall for her age. Just want to be prepared

[@jordanharris1566]

Can anyone tell me if you can or can't have the strap covers on the straps while forward facing? The manual says to remove them, but someone in a Carseat Safety group on FB said that Graco changed the rules and they're optional, but I can't download the new manual to confirm.

[@safeintheseat]

You can use them. They did change the rule and it is retroactive, meaning anyone who already had that seat can follow the new rule.

I have the same car seat. Child under 40 pounds, reclined at 4, used car seatbelts to install. Do I still need to also use the top tether? Or is that only for when child is over 40 pounds on recline 5 or 6?

[@safeintheseat]

Always use the top tether with any forward-facing harnessed car seat!

[@haleybanion-ogg4231]

I have a question and maybe I misunderstood it. So if my son is under 40 lbs and I have to have him on recline 4, can I still use the seatbelt install? Or do I have to use the anchors until he reaches 40 lbs and can use recline 5 or 6?

[@safeintheseat]

You can always use the seat belt to install the car seat regardless of which recline you are using. The lower anchors have a 45 pounds weight limit, but no other limitation.

[@ryanj3340]

Aloha, good vid. Question: what did you attach the stapler item to?

[@safeintheseat]

That's called the lower anchor connector and there is a lower anchor point (aka ISOFIX or UAS) in the vehicle that you can attach it to. Vehicles from 2002 onward in the US will have lower anchor points.

[@pattyg485]

I just took mine out of the box. This is for our 2 year old grand. He is 30+ lbs. I am installing it front facing, as that is how they have his car seat in their vehicle. Does it come set up for rear facing, where I have to switch it as you show?

[@safeintheseat]

If you want him to be forward-facing, I would highly recommend a forward-facing-only seat that will be longer lasting. This seat is best for people who will rear face until the child is at least 40 pounds (4-5 years old on average). You can find one here: carseats.safeintheseat.com/full-list?_gl=1*1wj03hv*_gcl_au*MzY2NzAwMzc4LjE3MTU2MDk5NTE.

[@samanthahenderson7415]

Two questions. Is kiddo is under 40 pounds in forward facing does that mean it needs to be in position four for recline ? And then once they hit 40 pounds, you can move it to five or six? Also the crotch buckle does that need to be moved up to the next insert spot?

[@safeintheseat]

Kids under 40 pounds must use recline position 4. And once they get above that, you have to move the recline to 5 or 6. Crotch buckle goes in the outer most slot.

[@carolebersole4025]

I wish you had video of the window side rear connector. I don’t have a metal connector in my car on the window side of the seat since the belt crosses over and connects near the middle. I guess I will have to install the car seat in the middle of the back seat so I can connect both connectors. But then again, I may be missing some key installation information. Thank you.

[@safeintheseat]

I don't really understand what you are saying. I would highly recommend you meet up with a CPST in person to make sure you have the car seat installed correctly. You can find one near you using this link: portalskcms.cyzap.net/dzapps/dbzap.bin/apps/assess/webmembers/secure/manage?webid=SKCMS&pToolCode=CERT-SEARCH&pAdd=Yes

[@courtneykirk3657]

Thank you but I’m confused about the latch straps. Don’t they have to be moved and not go through the seatbelt path when installing with the seatbelt?

[@bresanchez6790]

I’m also confused about that part as well! Did you find out?

[@safeintheseat]

You can move them if you want, but Graco does not require it. You do have to store them though.

[@IChill11]

Mine has a Lock-Off mechanism in the back of the seat so leaving the EZ tight strap in that position makes it too thick to store in the upper position and get it locked. People need to move it back to the rear facing position or it’s very hard to close the lock-off.

[@safeintheseat]

If you need to move it before installing, that's fine! But they don't make that version anymore, so most people aren't going to have that issue

[@krystinak7620]

Hi there. Debating on turning my almost 5 year old to forward facing. She is only 30lbs but is 3' 3" and I've extended the foot extension as far as it will go and she's starting to have to bend her legs because there is not enough room for them. Any thought or suggestions? Thank you!

[@safeintheseat]

It's fine for her to bend her legs, there is no safety issue there. If you can remove the vehicle headrest, she can put her legs straight up as well. Or she can put them to the sides of the seat or sit cross-legged. Whatever she prefers. Since she is under 40#, the seat would need to be on recline 4 when forward-facing. It's not compatible with all vehicles on this recline. It often has too much overhang, so you would need to try it.

[@bother2adapt]

Omg try sitting like that. It's Not comfortable at all.

[@jasmynmadison5984]

@@bother2adaptFor me, safety trumps comfort every time.

[@michellesharma8095]

Is the top tether necessary or can I just use the car seat belt to install?

[@safeintheseat]

The top tether makes it safer.

[@ilonamykhailyk1694]

Can backseat of the vehicle be reclines a bit ? Or it has to be in no recline at all?

[@safeintheseat]

Depends on the vehicle. Generally the vehicle manual will just say the vehicle seat has to be in the upright position.

[@krystalcanada4775]

What do you do when your child is only 31-32 lbs but has maxed out the rear facing hight?

[@safeintheseat]

I would need a lot more information to answer this question. It depends on how old the child is. But if a child is 49" and about 31#, it's going to be interesting for you. Probably need a Ride Safer Travel Vest until they get to 40#

[@rachelhathaway6239]

My son is 5 and hasn’t maxed out rear facing in this seat but it’s so hard to get him in and out while rear facing. Someone reassure me that he’s okay to switch to forward facing?

[@safeintheseat]

Can he not climb in by himself? If you leave the harness tightened, he can unbuckle and buckle on his own as well, and you can just double check after he does it. But if you want to turn forward-facing, that's ok too.

[@aliciadenae50]

Are able to turn the car seat to get them in and out in front facing mode?

[@safeintheseat]

The Extend2Fit is not a swivel seat.

[@chatelainfam3517]

Just wondering… Is it okay to extend the footrest when the seat is in the forward facing position?

[@safeintheseat]

No, it is not allowed to be used in the forward-facing mode

[@icelee9575]

@@safeintheseatcan you share the reason why? Thank you

[@lifeofdadYT]

My daughter is under 40 lbs but too tall to keep the seat rear facing. Is it okay to do the seatbelt method with the recline 4 position or should I do it with the lower anchors?

[@safeintheseat]

She's 49"? That's the height limit for this seat. If she is 49" then this seat is outgrown forward-facing as well. Legs don't matter as far as rear-facing goes, it's not a way the seat is outgrown. You can install this seat with lower anchors until the child is 45 pounds.

[@catherinecarroll7155]

You didn’t move the LATCH strap out of the forward facing belt path when you seat belt installed. Aren’t you supposed to move it to the opposite belt path when you do seat belt install?

[@safeintheseat]

You can, but Graco has said that you don't have to

[@joshuacarroll8409]

@@safeintheseat is that for all Graco seats, or just this one? (That you don’t have to move the LATCH strap)?

[@FollowMyNewChannel]

This was so helpful! Thank you ❤

[@safeintheseat]

You're so welcome!

[@ginamarandola6550]

The manual says over 40 lbs must be in recline position 6. It doesn't say anything about under 40. Did i miss that?

[@safeintheseat]

You may have a different version of the Extend2Fit, there are quite a few!

[@baileelucier1216]

Is this the same way you would install the Extend2Fit 3 in 1?

[@safeintheseat]

Yes!

[@andres1mike]

hello, what if my car doesnt have top tether strap? can i put this sit without it? or do i have to buy another tipe of seat, ty in advance

[@safeintheseat]

If your car is older than 2002 and does not have a top tether anchor, it is recommended to rear face until the child maxed out the seat. Hopefully they are at least 5 by then. If they are, you can move them straight into a high back booster and skip the forward-facing harness stage. If they reach the 50 lbs/49" rear-facing limits of this seat before age 5, we recommend the Ride Safer Travel Vest with the Energy Absorbing Tether Anchor Loop. You can use that until you feel they are ready for a high back booster. If your vehicle is not older than 2002, then it almost certainly has top tethers somewhere. You can check your vehicle owner's manual for the location and you can find that manual online if you do not have it anymore.

[@andres1mike]

@@safeintheseat thanks

[@andres1mike]

@@safeintheseat my car is 2019 but didn't even block the seatbelts ,I live in Colombia ,I dont know what baby seat can I buy 🤕

[@tiffotoole8091]

I feel so dumb because I thought my baby was safe I didn’t know about it being reclined if he’s under 40 pounds

[@safeintheseat]

You don't have to feel dumb! This is something that a lot of people miss in the manual

[@TC-88]

Can’t imagine the amount that weren’t installed exactly as intended before KZbin! The content creators saved my bacon on carseat matters too many times to count.

[@Flipper86]

@@TC-88Plenty still installed incorrectly. . . .

[@Flipper86]

It’s rather unique to this seat.

[@user-bo6qq3zr5b]

Thanks so much for this video! Is there anyway you could or would you please consider captioning on your videos? Thanks for all the education you provide 😁.

[@safeintheseat]

just click the cc button at the bottom of the screen!

[@user-bo6qq3zr5b]

@@safeintheseat thank you, I had no idea!!! 🤦🏻‍♀️

[@stevenconcepcion3637]

Can I use the extender in front facing so my boy can put his feet up.

[@safeintheseat]

No, Graco doesn't allow that. It's for rear-facing only

[@lindseyhoward1448]

My 2 year old is 32 lbs and 36 inches tall. He suffers from car sickness and the pediatrician suggested turning him forward facing. Any thoughts?

[@safeintheseat]

That rarely helps. We have some tips on our blog and there is a car sick highlight on our Instagram page as well. Here is the blog post: safeintheseat.com/how-to-get-rid-of-car-sickness/

[@NicoleChristin-ff5ol]

Does this apply to the extend2fit 3 in 1?

[@safeintheseat]

The installation is similar, but the 3-in-1 does not have the under 40 pounds recline rule for forward-facing

[@shauna-kayjeffers3699]

For front facing under 40 pound u install it in fast motion i wasnt able to see ot

[@safeintheseat]

Maybe you have the speed on a fast setting, you can slow it down. I did the video at real time speed.

[@HJohal-qb1jg]

Can you do both installations? The lower anchor and the seatbelt?

[@safeintheseat]

Nope! You can install with the lower anchors until the child is 45 pounds and then after that you can install with the seat belt instead.

[@grassyshock]

How do you transition it to a booster? I can't seem to find that answer anywhere 😅

[@safeintheseat]

This version does not turn into a booster. The 3-in-1 version does, and you can check in your manual how to do that.

[@grassyshock]

@@safeintheseat thank you I didn't realize they were different haha I appreciate the reply I definitely have this one not the booster one whoops! 🤣

[@karysa7586]

My 1996 Jeep doesn’t have a top tether attachment on the back of the seats or the roof of the car for forward facing. Do I just install the seat without it & only by the seat belt path?

[@safeintheseat]

In this situation, we highly recommend rear-facing until 5-6 and then going straight into a high back booster. There is a higher risk of head and neck injury without the top tether.

[@hannahsummers5717]

Is it okay for the crotch buckle to be on baby's belly? It's in the closest position to baby without being under her, but it seems like it comes up high on her belly

[@safeintheseat]

Yes

[@petekottmann4422]

You clearly missed an item in conversion! The bottom orange warning label states the “crotch strap” must be in the front most slot in forward-facing mode. I came here to see how it gets moved (I’ve not figured it out yet, but will). I can see in video (1:45 you’re still in back position) you did NOT make that conversion anywhere in video😡. If anyone has, can you please share how to….

[@safeintheseat]

Graco does require moving it to the outermost position for forward-facing. I have a reel on IG showing how to move the crotch buckle on a different Graco seat and it's the same for this one: instagram.com/p/C2uvh9DsDhG/

[@karinao9448]

Por que todos hablan de 40lb hastas que tengan ese peso deven de voltiar el asiento del auto o como?

[@MariahRacquel]

My daughter is 2 and everybody has been telling me to turn her forward already, but I’ve kept her rear facing forever in this seat. She’s only 24lbs BUT she’s almost 36in and her legs just don’t fit even with the extension for rear facing. At this point, is it safe to turn her forward? She scoots her legs up towards the headrest because of the discomfort so I think maybe it’s time?

[@MariahRacquel]

Also, ever since I washed the cover the last time I can’t get that pesky flap by the extension to stay tucked! lol

[@safeintheseat]

Kids are far more flexible than we are because their bones are not ossified. It's absolutely fine for her to have her legs anywhere she wants including having her feet near the headrest. The recommendation is to rear face until the child reaches one of the maximum rear-facing limits of the seat you have. For this seat, that is 50 pounds OR 49." At the very least, I would highly recommend waiting until 40 pounds as this seat is incompatible in many vehicles if you turn the child forward-facing before 40 pounds because it requires that you use recline 4, which has too much overhang. We see kids complain way more forward-facing about leg discomfort because at that point their legs are dangling. Right now, she basically has a comfy recliner in the vehicle.

[@MissKathyG]

I have the Evenflo 360 Slim right now. If they recall it this is the seat that we’ll switch to. If the 360 didn’t exist I definitely would’ve bought this seat instead.

[@safeintheseat]

Hopefully they won't be recalled. We love that seat!