Graco Merge 360 vs Graco Modes Nest
Both are Graco travel systems that take a SnugRide natively, and the Modes Nest costs $60 more at $380 against $320. The Merge 360 is 20.5 lb and the Nest 21.96 lb, with the same 50 lb limit. What the extra money buys is a newborn mode without a bassinet: the Nest's toddler seat converts to an infant pramette, whereas Graco says the Merge accepts most Graco infant seats to make a travel system from birth, and that wording is 'most', not all. The Nest stands when folded; the Merge has a one-hand fold and Graco does not say it stands. Graco prints no folded dimensions or handlebar heights for either, so trunk fit has to be measured in a shop. A family planning on a Graco infant seat for the first months gets nothing from the Nest's pramette and can keep the $60. A family that wants the baby lying flat in the stroller itself gets that from the Nest without buying a bassinet, which is worth the $60.
The Graco Merge 360 is 1.46 lb lighter by its maker's figure (20.5 lb to 21.96 lb). The Graco Modes Nest is newborn-ready as sold; the Graco Merge 360 needs a bassinet, insert or infant car seat for the first months. At the makers' own prices the Graco Merge 360 is about $60 less.
Graco
Graco Merge 360
~$320
Full-size with four wheels that rotate 360 degrees at the push of a button.
Best for: A mid-priced full-size with tight turning
Check price on Amazon
Graco
Graco Modes Nest
~$380
Reversible-seat full-size in which the toddler seat lies back into an infant pramette mode, and the seat or an infant car seat sits at one of three heights.
Best for: A newborn-ready seat with no bassinet to buy
Check price on Amazon| Specification | Graco Merge 360 | Graco Modes Nest |
|---|---|---|
| Approx. price | ~$320 | ~$380 |
| Type | Full-size | Full-size |
| Weight | 20.5 lb | 21.96 lb |
| Newborn lift weight | not published | 21.96 lb (seat is from birth) |
| Newborn option | Newborns ride in an infant car seat | Seat is rated from birth |
| Unfolded size | 36 x 21 x 40.5 in | 38.07 x 26.77 x 41.85 in |
| Fold | One-hand fold | Stands when folded |
| Max child weight | 50 lb | 50 lb |
| Recline | One-hand recline seat | Multi-position reclining seat |
| Car seats | 1 seat family: 1 click in directly | 1 seat family: 1 click in directly |
Graco Merge 360: what it gives up
- Graco says "most" Graco infant seats, not all
- Heavier than the 18.4 lb Nuna Triv Next
- 50 lb child limit
Graco Modes Nest: what it gives up
- 26.77 in wide when open, against 21 in for the Kona
- 50 lb child limit
- No other brand's infant seat is listed, so a non-Graco carrier stays out
Full pages: Graco Merge 360 · Graco Modes Nest