Convertible car seats Cybex Eternis S Vs Graco 4Ever are perfect for parents who want to secure their children conveniently. These seats have an extended average use from day one until the kid is ready to use their booster seat. They are relatively easy to install and have some exciting features. The Eternis S is currently quite expensive so if parents wonder which they may like best, let’s see what to expect here.
In this comparison, we are going to talk about:
- What to Look for in a Car Seat
- What are Cybex Eternis S and Graco 4Ever
- How are the Seats of Cybex Eternis S and Graco 4Ever
- How to Install Cybex Eternis S and Graco 4Ever
- How is the Fit of Cybex Eternis S and Graco 4Ever
- What else Cybex Eternis S and Graco 4Ever can offer
- Cybex Eternis S Vs Graco 4Ever
Buying Safety Car Seat
Children’s car seats are mandatory in many countries or states. This equipment helps parents ensure their children’s safety while traveling by car and other shared public transportation like a plane. The purpose is to replace a car seat belt’s job in retaining the passenger because a regular seat belt is designed for grownups. Parents need to consider a few factors when buying a car seat because they depend on the passenger’s weight and height. Parents also need at least two seats before their kid is ready to use the seat belt only.
The most important factor is fit. Safety car seats have height and weight limits in which they can secure properly. Parents need to follow the limit to ensure the seat works properly. Companies will list the specs, and we can match them with the kid’s body. Parents can use either an infant car seat or a convertible seat from day one. An infant car seat is convenient if the baby also uses a stroller to travel because, most likely, we can mount the seat on the stroller.
Convertible car seats are not compatible with strollers, but they have a much more prolonged use. Convertible car seats can face the rear or front of the car depending on its weight and height limit. After the kid exceeds the convertible seat, it is time for a booster seat where they will use the car’s seat belt but with the help of belt routing on the seat. Another critical factor is the installation process. Different companies may have different designs and installation methods, so we need to get a seat that is fuss-free and straightforward.
| Cybex Eternis S | Graco 4Ever | |
|---|---|---|
  |   |
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| Product Dimensions | 25.3 x 20 x 25.5 inches | 21 x 19 x 23 inches |
| Shipping Weight | 26 pounds | 24 pounds |
| Shop now at Amazon | Check price | Check price |
About Cybex Eternis S and Graco 4Ever
If parents don’t plan on using a baby carrier and choose to use a regular stroller, a convertible car seat is a very convenient option to go for. These car seats have the most extended use from day one until the kid is around eight years or older, depending on how fast their body grows. The car seat will need a rear installation first during the first few years and move to the front installation as our kids grow taller because there is minimal legroom in rear-facing mode.
Due to the nature of the rear-facing mode, it may be challenging to put the passenger in and out of the seat. Some car seats, such as Cybex Sirona S Vs Evenflo Revolve, offer a rotating feature to help parents ease their work. They are typically more expensive, but we get a more convenient seat for years. Parents also don’t have to buy the most expensive seat to be useful because many are affordable. But, the expensive seats often bring more to offer, whether it is convenient or for extended use.
Some of the most exciting convertible car seats that parents can use for a long time are Cybex Eternis S and Graco 4Ever. The main feature of these seats is prolonged use because usually, convertible car seats are only useful for up to 45 pounds which means parents will need to buy a booster seat soon enough, depending on the kid’s growth rate. These seats are a convertible seat combo that acts as booster seats when the passenger is ready to use the car seatbelt.
We think the two are ideal for most parents because Cybex Eternis S and Graco 4Ever are easy to use and last for quite some time. They are also easy to install and fit well from day one, with some padding if needed. But, we recommend getting the Eternis S because it is much cheaper and has the same functions.
Cybex Eternis S and Graco 4Ever Unit
Like most car seats, the Cybex Eternis S and Graco 4Ever have an expiration date of 10 years after manufacturing. The weight of these seats is quite different, and Eternis S is noticeably heavier than 4Ever because its weight is 26 pounds. The seat’s material is plastic, foam, and fabric with metal such as the LATCH connector. It comes in a few shades; black, light gray, and dark blue.
The 4Ever is only 22.6 pounds despite being about the same size as Eternis. The seat looks like most convertible models when in rear-facing mode, but the back is extendable and removable, meaning this seat converts to a back or backless booster. The 4Ever’s widest point is 20 inches, the same as Eternis S, to help parents measure how many seats they can fit in the same row. The seat pad depth is about the same, but Eternis S is deeper or 13 inches compared to 12.5 inches.
Installing Cybex Eternis S
Now let’s see how to install the Cybex Eternis S and Graco 4Ever. Let’s start with Eternis S, where you will need to open the seat and locate the compartment where the LATCH is stored. Take the LATCH out, close the compartment again, and then route the connector into the lower belt path. Attach the seat again and recline it to the correct position using the indicator. Connect the LATCH to the lower anchor, push the seat’s middle, then tighten the strap on either the left or right side.
To secure Eternis S using the seatbelt, we need to locate the seatbelt path and open the seat again to find it. Route the shoulder belt through the red belt path and buckle it. Slide the seat belt into the lock-off, push the seat, pull the extra slack from the strap, and close the lock-off. Lock the vehicle’s seat belt and attach the tether strap.
Installing Graco 4Ever
Next is the Graco 4Ever, and we think this seat is generally more straightforward. Before installing it in rear mode, ensure the seat is in the proper reclining level for the rear-facing mode. The LATCH strap needs to go through the blue rear-facing belt path. Connect the LATCH to the car’s low anchor and pull the strap tightener to secure it properly. But, the installation for front-facing is more complicated than Eternis S because parents need to open the seat and readjust the harness.
The harness for front-facing needs to go to the back of the seat, but once we have the strap in this position, the rest of the installation process is the same. Parents will need to tuck the harness away inside the seat for the booster mode by opening the backrest cover and closing it again. Then parents can route the car’s seat belt and use the seat in booster mode.
Cybex Eternis S and Graco 4Ever Fitting
Next, let’s see the fit of Cybex Eternis S and Graco 4Ever. Many car seats claim they can fit tiny babies starting from 4 pounds, but it is not always the case. Thankfully these car seats welcome young babies that only weigh 4 pounds and are 17 inches long. A healthy baby about 21 inches long also fits well on both seats and still uses the lower strap height. We found the strap ends right on their shoulder, but parents can always add rolled-up cloth to support the best fit.
The rear-facing mode’s weight range is 4-40 pounds on Eternis S and 4-50 pounds on 4Ever. The height range is up to 49 inches tall for Graco and usually about 43-45 inches tall for Eternis S; the kid’s head needs to be at least 1-inch below the adjuster handle to still use the seat in rear-facing mode. The Graco 4Ever can fit nine-year-olds with a 52 inches tall body in backless mode.
The booster mode of Eternis S and 4Ever is up to 57 inches tall, but we don’t think children this tall will still need the seat. Depending on the kid’s height, Eternis S can fit children until their early elementary school years, but it can be faster. This seat doesn’t have a backless booster mode, so we will be relying on the adjustable headrest for taller kids.
Cybex Eternis S and Graco 4Ever Features
Lastly, we want to talk about the features in Cybex Eternis S and Graco 4Ever. The best part of these convertible seats is the extended usability. The Eternis S offers more by having a sensor on the buckle for some variants and additional side protection to reduce impact. The best feature of Graco 4Ever is the backless booster, as we can remove the backrest for the older or taller passenger. This seat will have a more extended use, especially if your kid grows faster than their same-age friends.
Cybex Eternis S Vs Graco 4Ever
Both Cybex Eternis S and Graco 4Ever are good options for every parent who wants to use the seat for as long as possible. The seats can fit tiny babies until they are in elementary school, so as long as the seat is not exceeding the weight or height limit and the expiration date, we will still be able to use them. The main difference is that 4Ever has a higher height and weight capacity for the rear-facing mode. It also has a backless booster to accommodate children who grow faster.
Conclusion
There is no wrong option, but parents can shop based on which seems more beneficial for the family. We recommend the Cybex Eternis S because it has a higher value for the price point. It doesn’t have a backless mode but is very affordable and offers more safety features.
