Graco Contender Slim
The Graco Contender Slim rear-faces up to 40 lb, forward-faces up to 65 lb, and is 18.9 in wide, per Graco. A fairly light, slim Graco convertible with a no-rethread harness and a 7-year life.
- $189.99List price
- 40 lbRear-facing to
- 65 lbHarness to
- 16 lbSeat weight
Contender Slim: key facts
- The Graco Contender Slim rear-faces from 5 to 40 lb; forward-faces with a harness from 26.5 to 65 lb and up to 49 in tall, per Graco.
- It installs with LATCH.
- Graco says it expires 7 years after the date of manufacture.
- It's 18.9 in wide at the widest point and weighs 16 lb.
From Graco's published specs. Always follow the limits on your seat's labels.
How the Contender Slim stacks up
Against the 39 convertible car seats we track. The shaded band is where the middle half of them fall; the dot is this one.
Below the typical range for convertible car seats (9 years to 10 years).
Within the typical range for convertible car seats (40 lb to 50 lb).
The same as most convertible car seats (65 lb).
Within the typical range for convertible car seats (17 in to 18.9 in).
Below the typical range for convertible car seats (21.6 lb to 27.9 lb).
Within the typical range for convertible car seats ($129.99 to $499.99).
What sets the Contender Slim apart
Measured against the 39 convertible car seats we compare, from each maker's published specs.
- 5th lightestof the 25 convertible car seats with it published: 16 lb
- Width: 18.9 inin the middle half of the 28 convertible car seats that publish it (17 in to 18.9 in)
Next to its closest matches
- Maxi-Cosi RomiNext to it, the Contender Slim is 3 years shorter before it expires; 15 lb higher forward-facing limit; 6.8 lb heavier.
- Disney Baby EllarisNext to it, the Contender Slim is 3 years shorter before it expires; 0.1 in narrower; $60 more.
- Disney Baby Jive 2-in-1Next to it, the Contender Slim is 3 years shorter before it expires; $60 more.
Listed features
- Light at 16 lb
- Slim for the back seat
- Certified for aircraft
Worth checking
- 40 lb rear-facing limit
- Only 2 recline positions
Where to buy the Contender Slim
Prices and availability change. We may earn a commission from some links.
- Check for recalls: Search the agency's recall list with the model number and date code from the label: NHTSA recall search.
- Car seat use and installation: see NHTSA's car seat page, which also lists free car seat inspection by certified technicians. Check the label and the maker's instructions, and ask your pediatrician about your child.
Full specs
| Graco Contender Slim | |
|---|---|
| Type | Convertible |
| List price | $189.99 |
| Rear-facing weight | 5–40 lb |
| Forward-facing weight | 26.5–65 lb |
| Forward-facing height | Up to 49 in |
| Seat weight | 16 lb |
| Width | 18.9 in |
| Installation | LATCH |
| Load leg | No |
| Rotates | No |
| Harness heights | 8 |
| Recline positions | 2 |
| Expires after | 7 years |
Compare the Contender Slim with
How each closest rival differs from the Contender Slim, from the makers' specs.
- Maxi-CosiRomirear-facing to 40 lbforward-facing to 50 lb$149.99
- 3 years longer before it expires
- 15 lb lower forward-facing limit
- 6.8 lb lighter
- Disney BabyEllarisrear-facing to 40 lbforward-facing to 65 lb$129.99
- 3 years longer before it expires
- 0.1 in wider
- $60 less
- Disney BabyJive 2-in-1rear-facing to 40 lbforward-facing to 65 lb$129.99
- 3 years longer before it expires
- $60 less
- EvenfloREO360rear-facing to 40 lbforward-facing to 40 lb$259.99
- 25 lb lower forward-facing limit
- 1.3 in narrower
- 7.6 lb heavier
Contender Slim: questions answered
From Graco's published specs, last checked 2026-11-06.
Does the Graco Contender Slim rear-face longer than other convertible seats?
20 of the 50 convertible seats we track rear-face to a higher weight than its 40 lb. The highest is the Axkid One 3 at 65 lb. NHTSA: stay rear-facing "until he or she reaches the top height or weight limit allowed by your car seat's manufacturer." (NHTSA)
Will the Graco Contender Slim fit three across or in a small car?
It's wider than 74% of the convertible seats we track, at 18.9 in. The narrowest is the WAYB Pico at 14.5 in. Fit depends on your vehicle; check each seat's manual and your vehicle manual. Car seat use and installation: see NHTSA's car seat page, which also lists free car seat inspection by certified technicians. Check the label and the maker's instructions, and ask your pediatrician about your child.
Contender Slim or Romi: what's different?
By the makers' specs, the Romi has no added flame retardants (maker's claim); the Romi lists for $40 less. See every spec side by side.
Is it OK to buy a used Contender Slim?
NHTSA publishes guidance on used car seats on its car seat page. Graco lists a lifespan of 7 years from manufacture for this model. Check the label and the maker's instructions, and ask your pediatrician about your child.
Still wondering? Write to us at hello@cribpicks.com and we'll look it up.
More convertible car seats
- CoscoShadeVenture Canopy 2-in-1rear-facing to 40 lbforward-facing to 50 lb$119.99
- Baby TrendTrooper SLIM 3-in-1rear-facing to 40 lbforward-facing to 65 lb$109.99
- EvenfloTributerear-facing to 40 lbforward-facing to 40 lb$99.99
- Safety 1stEllarisrear-facing to 40 lbforward-facing to 65 lb$99.99
- Safety 1stSmooth Riderear-facing to 40 lbforward-facing to 50 lb$94.99
- Disney BabyScenera Extendrear-facing to 40 lbforward-facing to 50 lb$89.99
Where these specs come from
- gracobaby.com/shop/car-seats/toddler-car-seats/convertible-car…
- babylist.com/gp/graco-contender-slim-convertible-car-seat…
- babylist.com/store/convertible-car-seats
- sites.salsify.com/41c9c255-1884-40e0-bc05-ad8dd5617744/c662aea6…
Last checked 2026-11-06. Spot something wrong? Tell us. Read our editorial and safety policy and corrections.