Graco Turn2Me 360° i-Size R129 review

from Amazon
RRP  £160.00
graco turn2me

by Emily Gilbert |
Updated on

A fantastic group 0+/1 Isofix car seat that smoothly rotates 360° at an exceptional price with no compromise on safety or quality safety features, the Graco Turn2Me is brilliant for babies. An intuitive rearward/forward-facing locking system means easy and instant installation with the reassurance of an integrated colour-coded indicator.

As far as cheap car seats go, this is one of the best thanks to its numerous features. A 12-position load-leg ensures the best fit for the car. Side impact protection ensures powerful head/body protection at each stage. The no re-thread harness guarantees a proper fit as your child grows.

The Graco Turn2Me i-Size R129 has also won a bronze award for Best Baby/Toddler Car Seat (Stage 1/2) at the 2024 Mother&Baby Awards.

We spoke to these real parent testers to get their review...

Expert rating:
4.5

Pros

  • 10 overall recline positions (5 rearward and 5 forward-facing)
  • ISOFIX
  • 360 turn
  • Built-in side ventilation

Cons

  • No sun hood
  • Ease of installation: 
    4.5
  • Ease of use:
    5.0
  • Comfort:
    4.5
  • Design: 
    4.5
  • Ease of cleaning: 
    5.0
Suitable from:Birth to approx. 4 years (0-18kg). Rearward facing from birth to approx. 4 years (0-18kg) to forward facing from 1 to approx. 4 years (9-18kg)
  • 360° rotation allows you to swivel the car seat rear-facing, forward-facing, and towards you
  • ISOFIX connectors make installation quick & easy - no seat belt required
  • 10 overall recline positions (5 rearward and 5 forward-facing) which means your child's head and neck will be optimally supported whether they're awake or snoozing

Testing the Graco Turn2Me 360°

Quick and simple installation

One of the standout features of the Turn2Me is its easy Isofix installation, which testers repeatedly highlighted as a major benefit. Katie shared, “It’s easy to fit into the car with the Isofix attachments so takes seconds, making it easy to swap between cars if needed.” This built-in Isofix base, along with the support leg, makes for a secure and stable fit, while also being convenient enough for families who regularly switch between vehicles.

Hollie agreed, adding that “the Isofix being attached to the seat also makes it easier to move between our two family cars.” This simplicity not only reduces installation stress but helps ensure your baby is always safely strapped in, no matter which car you’re using.

Game-changing rotation function

The Turn2Me’s 360° swivel is a genuine game-changer, and possibly the feature most frequently praised by testers. Being able to rotate the seat towards the car door makes getting babies and toddlers in and out of the car significantly easier, especially helpful as children grow heavier and less cooperative.

Leah explained, “The turning function makes it so much easier to get baby in and out of the car and get them strapped in well. It definitely made the process quicker and easier for me.” Similarly, Hollie said, “It turns out towards the road, making it really easy to get a wriggly one-year-old in and out.”

For those transitioning away from a baby car seat, this rotating design eliminates awkward bending and reaching, and makes strapping a baby in far more manageable, even on solo trips.

Designed for comfort

Comfort was another area where this seat impressed. The recline feature was especially appreciated by parents of younger babies or those who tend to fall asleep on journeys. Leah noted, “I like that it has recline options for if the baby falls asleep in the car and it feels very safe with the Isofix fitting and support leg.”

Several parents pointed out how adaptable the seat is, thanks to removable newborn inserts, booster cushions, and adjustable headrests. Hollie mentioned, “There are lots of different options to make the seat suitable for your little one: booster cushion, newborn insert, etc.”

Madelaine also observed the finer, practical touches that made a big difference in daily use: “The seat has little hooks on either side to hold each strap out of the way when they are not in use. Only a very small feature but it really does make it easier when you aren't trying to hold the straps out of the way whilst putting baby in.”

Build quality and safety

Across the board, testers praised the solid build and quality feel of the Turn2Me. While it is a little bulkier than some other models, that heft translated into a sense of security. Lucie said, “It’s an item I would actually purchase myself. Easy to fit, Isofix fixings, rear and forward facing and the littlest was really comfy in it too, making longer journeys a little easier.”

Madelaine added, “It feels really sturdy, although maybe a little bulky, but I feel that my baby is safe in it.”

Katie did highlight one small quirk in the design: “The recline button and the rotation button are a bit difficult to reach when rear-facing, and as they are so close to each other it's possible to get them confused,” but she added that, “once I'd familiarised myself with them, we've not found it to be a problem.”

Excellent value

Several testers compared the Graco Turn2Me favourably to more premium-priced models. Madelaine pointed out, “It is very similar to the Joie 360 i-Spin, however, the Graco seat is a fair amount cheaper.” Leah shared that she actually went on to purchase the seat herself after testing, saying, “Compared to similar products, this one is really well priced.”

Lucie was equally impressed, adding, “This car seat should win - for quality, value, and design it just hits top marks for me. Give me a seat at a great price point, which tests safety well, is a known brand and is as easy to fit and use as this one, and I’ll be happy!”

Final thoughts

The Graco Turn2Me 360° car seat is a brilliant option for parents who want ease of use, flexibility, and affordability in one well-designed package. Its smooth rotating feature takes the struggle out of loading and unloading your baby, while its thoughtful extras - from strap hooks to newborn inserts - make it a car seat that truly grows with your child. Although slightly bulky and with minor button placement niggles, the overall usability, comfort, and price point earn it high praise across the board.

Emily Gilbertis the Features & Reviews Editor for Mother&Baby and has written for the website and previously the magazine for six years. Specialising in product reviews, Emily is the first to know about all the exciting new releases in the parenting industry.

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