As a parent, I’ve played the game of “backseat Tetris” more times than I can count. It starts with one infant car seat, which feels manageable. Then comes baby number two, and suddenly your mid-size sedan feels like a clown car. Add a third child, a grandparent, or even just the family dog, and the logistical puzzle becomes a full-blown crisis. You find yourself measuring, researching, and desperately trying to find a combination of car seats that doesn’t require upgrading to a massive SUV. Beyond the spatial challenges, there’s the financial and mental toll of a constantly evolving car seat journey: from the infant carrier to the convertible seat, and finally to the high-back booster. Each stage represents another significant purchase and another installation manual to decipher. The search for a single, reliable solution—a seat that is safe, comfortable, grows with your child, and, most importantly, respects the finite real estate of your car’s back seat—is a universal parental quest.
- ONE HAND ADJUST: With our new single hand adjustable headrest, keeping up with your child's growth has never been easier.
- BUILT TO GROW: The All-in-One car seat built to grow for extended use through 3 stages: Rear-facing 5-40 pounds, Forward-facing 22-65 pounds, and Belt-positioning booster 40-100 pounds.
- SIDE IMPACT PROTECTION: The Grow and Go Sprint's side impact protection helps keep your child safe. Plus, the 3-position recline makes it easy to get a good fit in your car.
Before You Buy: A Parent’s Guide to Choosing the Right Convertible Car Seat
A Convertible car seat is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for long-term safety, convenience, and financial sensibility. Unlike an infant-only seat that your child will outgrow in a year or less, an “All-in-One” convertible model is designed to be the only car seat you’ll ever need after the newborn stage. It transitions from a rear-facing harness for infants and toddlers, to a forward-facing harness for preschoolers, and finally to a belt-positioning booster for big kids. This adaptability solves the problem of repeated purchases and the hassle of learning new installation methods every few years. The primary benefits are threefold: safety through extended use in the proper mode, economic savings over a decade, and the sheer convenience of a one-and-done solution.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the challenges of a growing family, limited vehicle space, or a desire for practical, long-term value. This includes parents of multiples, those driving compact cars or sedans, and anyone who wants to avoid the recurring expense of new child safety seats. It’s a perfect fit for grandparents who need a versatile seat to accommodate grandchildren of different ages. However, it might not be the best choice for parents who heavily rely on the convenience of a detachable infant carrier system that clicks into a stroller during the first few months. If maximum portability in the newborn phase is your top priority, a dedicated infant seat followed by a convertible seat might be a better path.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: This is arguably the most critical factor after safety. Measure your back seat before you buy. A seat’s width determines whether it can fit alongside other passengers or car seats. Look for models specifically marketed as “slim” or “3-across,” as these are engineered to maximize space without compromising safety features.
- Capacity/Performance: A true “All-in-One” seat must have a wide weight and height range for all its modes. Check the limits for rear-facing, forward-facing, and booster modes. A higher rear-facing weight limit (like 40 lbs) is crucial, as safety experts recommend keeping children rear-facing for as long as possible.
- Materials & Durability: Your child will be using this seat for up to a decade, which means a decade of spills, crumbs, and accidents. Look for fabrics that are not only comfortable and breathable but also easy to remove and machine-washable. The durability of the plastic shell and the quality of the harness webbing are paramount for long-term structural integrity.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: Features like a no-rethread harness, which allows you to adjust the headrest and harness height simultaneously with one hand, are invaluable. Complicated installation processes can lead to improper use, so seats with clear belt paths and simple adjustment mechanisms are superior. Dishwasher-safe cup holders and dryer-safe seat pads are not just conveniences; they are sanity-savers for busy parents.
Keeping these factors in mind, the Safety 1st Crosstown DLX Convertible Car Seat stands out in several areas. You can explore its detailed specifications here.
While the Safety 1st Crosstown DLX Convertible Car Seat is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- [High Quality Material] The cigarette lighter plug adopts a high-quality anodized aluminum body, laser engraved letters, which will never fade or lose luster, durable, and has a long service life.
- Convertible car seat grows with your child from rear-facing harness (4-50 lb) to forward-facing harness (26.5-65 lb)
- 🔋 Six-Port Car Charger - With this USB car charger, you can greatly increase the charging space in your car. 6 USB ports, including 1 SCP/QC3.0 port, 2 3.1A ports, 2 PD ports and 1 SUPER fast...
First Impressions and Key Features of the Safety 1st Crosstown DLX Convertible Car Seat
Pulling the Safety 1st Crosstown DLX Convertible Car Seat from its box, the first thing we noticed was its manageable weight. For a seat promising a decade of use, it wasn’t the cumbersome beast we expected, a sentiment echoed by users who found it great for travel. The “Falcon” colorway is a handsome, practical charcoal grey that looks sleek and is adept at hiding minor stains. There’s virtually no assembly required beyond popping on the two cup holders. The fabric feels soft yet durable, and the padding seems ample in the key areas for a small child. The overall construction feels sturdy and reliable, meeting our expectations for a brand named Safety 1st. What immediately sets it apart, even before installation, is its profile. It looks noticeably narrower than many of its competitors, a visual confirmation of its 17-inch “ultra-slim” design claim. It immediately gives you hope that the “3-across” dream might just be achievable.
Advantages
- Exceptional 17-inch slim design enables “3-across” configurations in most vehicles.
- Incredible long-term value, serving as an All-in-One seat from birth to 10 years (5-100 lbs).
- Effortless cleaning with a machine-washable, dryer-safe seat pad and dishwasher-safe cup holders.
- User-friendly adjustments, including an 8-position, one-hand adjustable no-rethread harness.
Drawbacks
- A potential gap in padding can appear behind the child’s back when the headrest is raised to higher positions.
- Some users noted harness straps can be difficult to tighten, particularly in rear-facing mode.
Putting the Safety 1st Crosstown DLX to the Test
A car seat’s true measure isn’t found on the spec sheet, but in the day-to-day reality of installation, adjustment, and real-world use. We put the Safety 1st Crosstown DLX Convertible Car Seat through its paces, installing it in multiple configurations and vehicles to see if its performance lived up to its promising features. We focused on the core pillars of what makes a car seat great: installation ease, space-saving design, child comfort, and long-term durability.
Installation: The Make-or-Break Moment
Even the safest car seat is ineffective if installed incorrectly. This is where many parents feel overwhelmed, but we found the Crosstown DLX to be refreshingly straightforward. The belt paths for both rear-facing and forward-facing modes are clearly marked and easy to access. For our first test, we installed it rear-facing in a compact SUV using the LATCH system. The connectors were standard and clicked into the anchors without a struggle. The real work is in tightening. By putting our weight into the seat and pulling the tightening strap, we were able to achieve a rock-solid installation with less than an inch of movement at the belt path—the gold standard for safety. This experience was mirrored by one user who praised the “simple installation thanks to the clear instructions and the anchoring system, which remained firm from the first attempt.”
Switching to a forward-facing installation with the vehicle’s seat belt was similarly intuitive. The belt guides are well-designed, preventing the seat belt from twisting. The built-in recline foot is simple to adjust, helping to find the correct angle for either mode. While our experience was largely positive, it’s worth noting a common theme with many convertible seats that some users mentioned: achieving the perfect tightness, especially in rear-facing mode, can sometimes require a bit of muscle. One reviewer found the strap “very difficult to adjust” in their car, which can be a point of frustration. However, compared to many other seats we’ve tested, the Crosstown DLX’s clear design helps mitigate much of the usual installation headache, giving parents a strong sense of confidence that their child is secure.
The ‘3-Across’ Promise: A Game-Changer for Growing Families
This is the headline feature, the one that makes parents of two-plus kids stop scrolling. At a mere 17 inches wide, the Safety 1st Crosstown DLX Convertible Car Seat is built specifically to solve the backseat puzzle. We took this claim to heart and tested it in a 2018 Toyota Camry, a standard mid-size sedan not known for its cavernous interior. The results were genuinely impressive. We were able to install two Crosstown DLX seats and a standard infant carrier across the back seat. It was snug, as expected, but completely secure and the doors closed without any interference. This isn’t just a marketing gimmick; it’s a functional reality that can have a profound impact on a family’s budget and lifestyle.
Our findings are heavily supported by real-world users who have made this the primary reason for their purchase. One mother, on the verge of buying a new car, was ecstatic: “I fit 2 of these plus an infant car seat in the backseat of my Nissan Sentra and they fit perfectly, not too tight.” Another confirmed, “All 3 fit across the back of my 2007 Toyota Camry. Seems to be good quality. Very happy.” This feature single-handedly elevates the Crosstown DLX from just another convertible car seat to an essential piece of gear for families who thought their only option was a bigger vehicle. It provides safety without demanding a spatial premium, offering flexibility and peace of mind. For families struggling with limited backseat space, this space-saving car seat could be the solution you’ve been searching for.
Comfort and Daily Use: The Toddler’s Verdict
Safety and fit are for the parents, but comfort is for the kid. An uncomfortable child can make even the shortest trip feel like a cross-country ordeal. Our toddler tester seemed quite content in the Safety 1st Crosstown DLX Convertible Car Seat. The padding is plush and the fabric is breathable, preventing the sweaty-back syndrome common on warmer days. The multiple recline positions were a blessing for nap time, allowing for a more relaxed angle on longer journeys. The harness system, a component we interact with every single day, is a standout feature. The no-rethread design means that as our child grows, a simple one-handed squeeze and pull of the headrest adjusts both the head protection and the shoulder strap height simultaneously. This eliminates the frustrating process of uninstalling the seat to manually re-route the harness straps through different slots.
However, no seat is perfect, and we did encounter the one consistent criticism found in user feedback. As you raise the headrest for a taller child, a gap can form in the padding along the seat’s spine. One user noted, “it has a weird space in the middle that has no padding when you adjust the head piece up.” While the seat comes with a small extra pad to place in this area, we found, as the user did, that “it doesn’t stay in place.” This seems to be a design oversight that could affect comfort for some children at specific heights. On the plus side, the twin cup holders are a huge hit. They are deep enough to securely hold a sippy cup or bottle and are perfectly positioned for easy access. The fact that they are removable and dishwasher-safe is a massive win for daily maintenance.
Longevity and Cleaning: A Seat Built for a Decade of Messes
The “All-in-One” promise means you’re investing in a product for the long haul, from a 5 lb newborn to a 100 lb pre-teen. The Safety 1st Crosstown DLX Convertible Car Seat is built to withstand that journey. The transition between modes is logical, guided by the weight and height specifications clearly labeled on the seat itself. While we can’t test it for a full ten years, the quality of the plastics and the robust feel of the frame inspire confidence in its durability.
Where this seat truly shines for long-term ownership is in its cleanability. Children and car seats are magnets for messes. We’ve all discovered fossilized french fries and mysterious sticky substances in the crevices of a car seat. Safety 1st clearly designed the Crosstown DLX with this reality in mind. Removing the seat pad is a series of simple snaps and elastic loops—no complex wrestling match required. The fact that the entire pad is machine-washable AND dryer-safe is a feature that cannot be overstated. It’s a lifesaver. No more spot-cleaning or waiting 24 hours for a cover to air dry. This ease of maintenance ensures the seat can stay clean and hygienic through years of use, making the decade-long commitment feel far less daunting.
What Other Users Are Saying
After our own extensive testing, we combed through dozens of user experiences to see how our findings aligned with the broader public. The sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, particularly regarding the seat’s core promise. One user sums up the majority opinion perfectly: “These car seats are perfect, they are truly slim, have two cupholders, are comfy, and I fit 2 of these plus an infant car seat in the backseat of my Nissan Sentra.” This praise for the “3-across” capability is the most frequent and enthusiastic feedback.
On the other hand, the most common critique we found matched our own: the padding gap. One detailed review stated, “if you raise it up too far there’s that weird, uncomfortable space that has no padding.” A few isolated but notable negative reviews mentioned quality control issues upon delivery, such as “exposed Styrofoam parts” or “numerous deep creases” in the cushion. While these appear to be outliers, they serve as a good reminder to thoroughly inspect any car seat upon arrival and ensure it meets your standards before installation.
How Does the Safety 1st Crosstown DLX Compare to the Alternatives?
The Safety 1st Crosstown DLX Convertible Car Seat carves out a strong niche, but it’s important to see how it stacks up against other popular options. Depending on your priorities—be it budget, convenience, or style—one of its competitors might be a better fit.
1. Safety 1st Continuum 3-in-1 Car Seat
- Able to serve your family through three different stages, this Safety 1st convertible car seat supports 5 to 40 pounds rear-facing, 22 to 50 pounds forward-facing, and 40 to 80 pounds as a...
- Harness holders keep the harness open, making it easier for your child to get into and out of the seat.
- You and your front seat passenger can enjoy up to seven inches more legroom with the rear-facing infant seat's reduced footprint.
The Continuum is another strong contender from the Safety 1st family. It offers a similar 3-in-1 functionality, converting from rear-facing to forward-facing and finally to a belt-positioning booster. The main difference lies in its design focus. While the Crosstown DLX is engineered specifically for its ultra-slim profile, the Continuum is a more standard-width seat. It may offer different padding configurations and comfort features, but it will not solve the “3-across” problem as effectively as the Crosstown DLX. This makes the Continuum a great alternative for parents with larger vehicles who are looking for the long-term value and trusted safety of the brand but do not have the same critical space constraints.
2. Cybex Sirona S Rotating Convertible Car Seat SensorSafe
- Convertible Car Seat: The first car seat in the U.S to feature an innovative 360° rotatable seat, the Sirona S makes it quick and easy to switch between rear-facing and forward-facing positions and...
- EasyLock Bar: Reduces the force needed up to 4x for simple and secure car seat installation. Dual-level indicators ensure that your car seat is at the correct recline angle while our load leg can...
- SensorSafe: Built into the chest clip, SensorSafe provides app alerts if a child unbuckles themselves; if the back seat has become too warm or too cold, if a child has been seated for too long, or if...
The Cybex Sirona S represents the premium, tech-forward end of the market. Its defining feature is the 360° rotation mechanism, which allows you to swivel the seat towards the car door. This makes getting a squirming toddler in and out of the car remarkably easier on your back. It also includes SensorSafe technology, which alerts you to unsafe situations through an app. The tradeoff is a significantly higher price point and a shorter lifespan, as it’s designed for use only up to four years old (not an all-in-one booster). A parent might choose the Cybex Sirona S if their top priority is maximum convenience and innovative technology, and budget is a secondary concern.
3. Disney Baby Jive Convertible Car Seat 5-40/22-65lbs
- A 2-IN-1 CAR SEAT FOR DISNEY FANS The Disney Baby Jive 2-in-1 Convertible Car Seat in its stylish pattern is designed to carry your baby on their very first car ride and keep them secure as they grow...
- READY FOR THE AGES AND STAGES Bring Disney magic along on every car ride as your kiddo moves through the baby to big kid stages. This convertible car seat fits children rear-facing (5-40 lbs.,...
- GROWING FAMILY AND CARPOOL READY The compact car seat design fits 3 across the back seat of most cars. Whether the family is headed on a road trip or you’re on carpool duty, the kiddos will be comfy...
The Disney Baby Jive leans heavily into aesthetics and character appeal. For families who love the magic of Disney, this seat offers a fun and vibrant alternative to the standard neutral tones. Functionally, it is a 2-in-1 seat, handling rear-facing (5-40 lbs) and forward-facing (22-65 lbs) modes, but it does not convert into a belt-positioning booster. This means you will need to purchase a separate booster seat later on. Parents would choose the Disney Jive primarily for its playful design to delight their child. It’s a solid, comfortable choice for the toddler years, but it lacks the long-term, all-in-one value of the Safety 1st Crosstown DLX Convertible Car Seat.
Our Final Verdict: Is the Safety 1st Crosstown DLX the Right Choice for You?
After extensive testing and analysis, our verdict is clear: the Safety 1st Crosstown DLX Convertible Car Seat is an outstanding product that delivers emphatically on its core promises. Its ultra-slim, 17-inch design is not just a feature; it’s a genuine solution for a common and stressful problem for growing families. The ability to comfortably and safely fit three seats across the back of a standard sedan is a game-changer that can save families the immense expense of a new vehicle.
Beyond its spatial efficiency, it provides exceptional long-term value, lasting a child for up to ten years. The user-friendly features, like the no-rethread harness and incredibly easy-to-clean materials, demonstrate a thoughtful design that understands the realities of parenting. While it has minor flaws, like the potential padding gap at taller settings, its strengths in safety, practicality, and value are overwhelming. We highly recommend the Safety 1st Crosstown DLX Convertible Car Seat to any parent with multiple children, a compact vehicle, or anyone seeking a smart, one-time investment in their child’s safety and comfort.
If you’ve decided the Safety 1st Crosstown DLX Convertible Car Seat is the right fit, you can check its current price and purchase it here.
Last update on 2025-10-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API