Ah, the joys of parenthood — the first laughs, the cuddles, and oh, the gear! If you’re anything like me, trying to choose the right stroller and car seat can make you feel like you’re preparing to scale Everest rather than just navigate the city streets.

Enter the Doona Car Seat & Stroller Travel System 2-in-1 Combo, a unique “car seat mobility solution” that fills a niche for certain types of parents (not everyone!). We asked a group of our readers to contribute to this Doona car seat review, so you’re getting more than the perspective of one single person. Let’s go…

A Unique Car Seat to a Stroller Combo

Picture this: You’ve just managed to get your little bundle of joy comfortably settled in their infant car seat after them passionately arguing against it. Now, you’ve reached your destination, and it’s time to get them out… but wait, you don’t have to wake them up! The Doona seamlessly transitions from an infant car seat into a stroller; it’s basically the Transformer of the baby gear world.

That’s Right… It’s a Car Seat with Legs 

This innovative product seamlessly transforms from a car seat to a stroller in seconds, making it a perfect solution for on-the-go parents who need to transition quickly without sacrificing safety or ease of use. 

Its compact design means it fits easily into the trunk of a car or the corner of a room, saving precious space in car or home. The practicality of this design is a win for city dwellers. Plus, the stable install without a base means you can jump from sidewalk to Uber without breaking a sweat. 

Keep reading for our in-depth, non-bias Doona car seat review.

How Much Does the Doona Cost?

Before we get too far ahead of ourselves, you need to know that the Doona car seat stroller is one of the priciest infant seats on the market; it runs from $550 to $650, which is undoubtedly at the very high end compared to regular (ahem, civilian) infant car seats.  

But remember, the initial investment in a Doona is higher because its dual functionality, especially if you aren’t shelling out money for a separate stroller.

Who Should Use The Doona Car Seat and Stroller

The Doona is designed for those who put a premium on convenience, utility, and, admittedly, those who don’t mind the extra weight.

Keep in mind, the Doona will only be used for about 12-15 months, depending on how quickly your child outgrows it by height (infant car seats are almost always outgrown by height rather than by weight).

Doona fits the bill for the following niches:

• Urban parents: Those living in cities who appreciate the Doona’s compact size and maneuverability for navigating busy sidewalks and public transportation where a full-size stroller (or 2 separate pieces) is too much to schlep.
  
• Parents with Older Kids: Far and away, the biggest fans of the Doona are parents with older kids. Doona is perfect for those quick dropoffs and pickups when you just need to run in and out, like to the preschool or school door, without having to carry along and assemble a separate stroller. 
  
• Parents who run a lot of errands in the car, with baby in tow: Are you the type of person who does a lot of errand-running in-person? Some people prefer to shop in person. One of our reviewers loves the Doona because her other child has medical needs, and they were in and out for medical appointments several times per week.
  
• Travel enthusiasts: Families who travel often and need a quick, easy solution for moving between car, airport, and exploring destinations. Doona installs easily on a plane. It’s the ideal solution for navigating the airport, airplane and ground transportation situation, especially if you have older kids to chase around.
  
• Those with limited living space: People with smaller living spaces or minimal storage who value the Doona’s dual functionality, saving the need for separate car seat and stroller storage. If you are living in a studio in NYC or Tokyo, nobody has room for a separate stroller.
  
• Active, on-the-go families: Those with a fast-paced lifestyle who benefit from the convenience of transitioning from car seat to stroller without waking a sleeping baby. Are you the type of parent who can’t sit still and is always out and about (by car)? You know who you are
  
• First-time parents: New moms and dads looking for a simple, straightforward, and safe mobility solution for their newborn who don’t want to worry about car seat/stroller compatibility or those who don’t want to mess with assembling a stroller and car seat every time. You’re already sleep-deprived, let’s not make the situation worse by added mechanical complexity to your life. For this reason, we also recommend it for…
  
• Grandparents: Looking for a no-brainer car seat/stroller solution for your grandkid? Provided you have smooth surfaces to stroll on and understand the added weight of the car seat, this is a perfect solution for grandparents.
  
• Minimalists: Families who prefer to own fewer, more versatile items that serve multiple purposes and contribute to a clutter-free lifestyle.

Doona Reviewers Say…

“The Doona has saved me with preschool pick up and drop off this year, total game changer and is perfect for allll the appointments especially as it fits into exam rooms nicely. It has fit in nicely but doesn’t replace our UppaBaby Vista. Different uses and we were lucky enough to get our Doona used to help with the steep price tag!” – reader C. Beck

“It is definitely heavier than the Chicco Keyfit 30, but totally worth not having to worry about a stroller when getting three in and out of the car.” – reader C. Yegian

“Living in a big city (Los Angeles), it was the perfect car seat stroller for our needs – we could take an Uber/travel without worrying about a car seat, super compact for moving around and riding on the subway/busses, and just so convenient to be able to transfer a sleeping baby in any situation. We are definitely using it for our second baby as well!” – reader L. Straw

The Doona Infant Car Seat and Stroller Is Especially Great For Those Who Don’t Have A Car

With the Doona, you seamlessly transition from a secure car seat to a nimble stroller in seconds, a feature that seems tailor-made for the car-free parent. It eliminates the need for cumbersome gear ill-suited to the urban lifestyle, where space and convenience are paramount. Whether you’re hailing a cab for a playdate or navigating the city’s bus or subway, the Doona’s compact design makes it easy.

Conveniently, the Doona installs best without the base, and uses a European belt path with color-coded markings to guide you through the baseless installation, so it’s easy to install on the fly (vs. the Evenflo Shyft, for example).

Pros and Cons

Why We Love the Doona Infant Car Seat

To recap, there are so many reasons we recommend the Doona Car Seat Stroller Combo.

• Seamless Transition: The built-in stroller situation is truly unique – and the biggest selling point of this stroller.
• Urban-Friendly Design: Its compact size is ideal for navigating narrow aisles and bustling sidewalks, 
• No-Base Installation: Perfect for families who are always on the move, the Doona’s flexibility accommodates the “it’s complicated” relationship many of us have with car ownership.
• Ease of Travel: For those of us who’ve juggled a baby in one arm and a stroller in another, the Doona feels like a deep breath of relief. Whether you’re navigating through airport security or hopping on the subway, the Doona handles it all with grace, empowering parents to explore the world with their little ones confidently.
• Safety Features: The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the Doona car seat and stroller a 5-star rating in October 2016 for its overall ease of use. The Doona also received a 5-star rating in frontal collision tests, which are the most common type of car accident. Note that Doona is not sold in Canada or Australia because it was designed to meet US safety standards.
• Saves Precious Space: Living in the city means making the most out of every square inch, and the Doona is a champion at conserving space. Its dual functionality eradicates the need for both a bulky car seat and stroller combo, though it may not be the only stroller you own.
• Stress-Free Maintenance: The Doona is incredibly easy to keep clean, which parents can appreciate. The covers are removable and washable, making those inevitable spills and messes a non-issue. Plus, the high-quality materials ensure it stands up to the test of time and use, staying fresh and functional through all of life’s little adventures.

However, every hero has its hurdles:

Cons for the Doona Car Seat Stroller

• Weight: Number one complaint. You may find that you become frustrated with it as your baby gets heavier. Trying to lift a car seat (and stroller) that weighs about 17 lbs., plus the weight of your baby, in and out of a vehicle isn’t for the faint of heart – or for a mom who is recovering from a Cesarean birth!
• Limited Storage: The Doona encourages you to adopt a minimalist approach to packing, challenging you to distinguish between must-haves and nice-to-haves. However, you can purchase additional storage options.
• Price: Definitely one of the priciest infant car seats on the market.
• Handle Height: The handle height is on the shorter side, making if challenging for taller parents (seriously, no one over 6’0″ should be using this stroller. For tall folks, keep reading below re: Evenflo Shyft)
• Wheels’ Off-Road Capability: While it thrives in urban environments, the Doona prefers to stick to smoother paths. This is definitely not the stroller for unpaved terrain.
• Crash Test Results: The reviews are mixed, here. While Consumer Reports rates it highly for safety, other third parties disagree (specifically compared to other infant car seats): “While considered safe by federal standards, it does not potentially offer an additional margin of protection like higher-scoring seats might.”
• Wide base: Wider base does not fit well in smaller cars.

Doona Car Seat Stroller vs. The World

I know a lot of you are wondering if the Doona is worth the high price tag?

Let me start by saying it is highly unlikely that Doona will be the only stroller you need, especially for first-time parents. We find that second-time (and more) parents usually already own another stroller, but first-timers will most likely want a beefier/more full-featured stroller for longer stroller trips – one that can handle rougher terrain, has more storage etc. 

Let’s compare it to the alternatives:

Doona vs. Evenflo Shyft DualRide

The new(ish) Evenflo Shyft DualRide ($499) made it’s debut last year (2023). Let’s compare the Doona vs. the newer Evenflo product.

The Doona offers a slightly better build quality, which might be expected, as Evenflo is generally considered an economy brand. But don’t discount the Evenflo…

In essence, the Evenflo Shyft offers a similar product at a similar price, but with the niceties you don’t get with the Doona (Evenflo definitely going for the value play…). Specifically, the Evenflo Shyft offers a taller handlebar and a no rethread harness.

In the newborn department, both seats claim to fit preemies down to 3 lbs (Evenflo) and 4lbs (Doona).

The Evenflo Shyft DualRide also excels with additional features for convenience, such as detachable carriers, a storage bag, a belt-tensioning device and Bluetooth alerts, which are a part of the mid and upper-level packages. The base on the Evenflo also has an anti-rebound bar, while the Doona does not.

However, the DualRide has some drawbacks, particularly in smaller vehicles where it requires extra space during installation, which might not be ideal (neither of them are, which is ironic). Also, the process of installing the DualRide without its base involves cumbersome reattachment of wheels, a step that is not required with the Doona (if you install the seat with the wheels attached, the two front wheels must be removed). Note also that the Evenflo weighs about 3 lbs more than the Doona (with the wheels on). Doona is already a very heavy infant seat, so adding 3 lbs is getting into the ridiculous territory, weight-wise.

Ultimately, it comes down to which one best suits your needs, especially since they are around the same price.

At the end of the day, Doona is lighter weight (ha) car seat stroller solution and has a slightly better build quality, but has very a very short handlebar and requires a manual rethreading to adjust the strap height. The Evenflo comes with more accessories, has taller handlebar, an anti-rebound bar, but is heavier and requires removal of the front wheels to get it into the car. They are both designed for the in-and-out of the car lifestyle – or very urban lifestyle.

Decisions!

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A lot of parents also ask…

What about the Doona Travel Stroller vs City Mini?

When choosing between the two, Doona is a simpler solution, seeing that it’s one piece, and City Mini, parents often find themselves weighing the benefits of convenience against those of long-term usage.

Both strollers cater to the urban family, but in different ways. We are really comparing apples and oranges, here, because they are very different product types.

For those weighing the two, the Doona, is a unique, all-in-one solution that simplifies the transition. Using the City Mini, on the other hand, requires you to carry a separate stroller, but offers more storage, a more comfortable ride and more creature comforts, like a larger sunshade. It really depends on whether you want one simple piece or gear – or two.

So you’ve owned a larger, full-featured stroller in the past, so you are wondering  – 

What about the Doona vs UPPAbaby Vista?

I’m not really sure why people are asking this. When comparing the Doona with the UPPAbaby Vista, we’re comparing two vastly different strollers; it’s almost like comparing a car and a golf cart.  

The UPPABaby Vista is a large, full featured stroller that even fits 2 children. The Doona is the exact opposite; a minimalist, 2-in-1 piece of gear meant for ultimate efficiency. They are truly on opposite sides of the spectrum.

Getting More Out of Your Doona With Snap-On Storage and Doona Accessories

Enhancing your Doona experience can be a game changer, especially when you’re navigating the bustling city streets or preparing for a long day out. We highly recommend the add-ons, especially the storage. With the right add-ons, your Doona can transform from a simple car seat-stroller into a super-efficient travel system.

Here are some add-ons to consider:

• Doona Infant Insert & Head Support: Crafted from bamboo fabric, these ensure your baby is snug, supported, and comfortable from those first rides. The breathable material is perfect for keeping baby cool and comfy.
• Doona Snap-on Storage: Increase your storage capacity without compromising the Doona’s slim profile. It’s ideal for extra diapers, wipes, and those just-in-case outfit changes, making it perfect for longer outings.
• Doona Rain Cover: The Doona rain cover is specifically designed to fit snugly over your Doona, keeping your little one dry and cozy, whatever the weather.
• Doona Sunshade Extension: Protect your baby’s delicate skin with this additional layer of UV protection, especially during those sunny day strolls or when you’re out and about in the summer months.
• Doona Wheel Covers: Handy for when you transition from outdoor strolling to indoor use, these covers keep your floors clean by covering the wheels of your Doona.
• Doona Travel Bag: For the family that loves to travel, this bag keeps your Doona safe and secure on flights, and makes carrying it through the airport a breeze.
• Doona Essentials Bag: Perfectly designed to maintain your Doona’s stability and easy maneuverability, this bag attaches to the front of your Doona, providing easy access to all your essentials and extra storage.. of course!
• Doona Cup Holder: Because let’s be real, parents need their coffee (or tea or smoothie) on-the-go. This cup holder securely attaches to your Doona handlebar, providing easy access to your favorite beverage while strolling.

Each of these add-ons serves to enhance the Doona’s functionality, making life a little bit easier for the adventurous, on-the-go family.

So, is this car seat and stroller worth it? Final Thoughts on the Doona Travel System Car Seat and Stroller Review 

Doona is a great solution for specific niches of people, especially those who have older kids (toddlers, preschoolers) – and need a quick in-and-out of the car solution. If your daily adventures are mostly on smooth sidewalks or navigating through subway stations craving for that tiny stroller footprint, Doona’s practically singing your name. Planning on jet-setting with baby in tow? It’s also a no-brainer win.

We don’t recommend Doona for parents over 6’0″ (ish) or for those who cannot bear the added weight of carrying around a heavy seat (between collapsing the legs and installing it into a car). We also don’t recommend it for those who want a lot of bells and whistles on their stroller, like ample storage. If you’re the type who likes to to pack the kitchen sink when heading out, maybe a separate stroller system would be your jam, offering that extra room for all your (and baby’s) essentials.

Where to Buy the Doona

Doona is available on Amazon, Nordstrom and Pottery Barn Kids.

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How To’s/FAQs

How To Use The Doona: Switching From Car Seat To Stroller

The magic of the Doona rear-facing infant Car Seat & Stroller combo lies in its elegantly designed mechanism that allows it to transform from a car seat into a stroller in just seconds — and it’s incredibly straightforward to use.

At the heart of its design, the lever is conveniently located at the back of the car seat. 

When it’s time to switch from car seat to stroller mode, simply press the button on the lever, and then pull it up. This action releases the wheels, which smoothly roll out and lock into place, creating a sturdy, ready-to-go stroller. 

To return to car seat mode, just push the stroller’s legs up until they click back under the seat, ready to be safely installed in the car. It’s this seamless transition that makes the Doona not just a piece of baby gear, but a supportive companion for parents navigating the challenges of city living with a little one in tow.

For those of you who want step by step instructions:

1. Locate the lever at the back of the car seat.
2. Press the button on the lever.
3. Pull the lever up to release the wheels.
4. Allow the wheels to smoothly roll out and lock into place, transforming it into a stroller.
5. To revert to car seat mode, push the stroller’s legs up until they click under the seat, ready for car installation.

How to Switch the Doona From Stroller To Car Seat

Switching the Doona from stroller to car seat mode is as graceful and straightforward as you’d hope, ensuring you can keep up with the pace of city life while your little one rests securely. Here’s a gentle step-by-step guide to help you effortlessly transition the Doona back to its car seat configuration:

1. Ensure the stroller is stationary: Before you begin, make sure the Doona is still to prevent any movement during the transition.
2. Press down on the red safety button: Located near the lever, this button ensures the transition process is intentional and safe.
3. Lift the lever found at the back of the Doona: By doing so, you initiate the folding of the wheels. This lever, designed with your convenience in mind, requires minimal effort.
4. Guide the wheels upwards: With a smooth motion, push the wheels up towards the base of the seat. They’ll glide effortlessly into place, locking securely as they prepare to take on their role as a car seat once again.
5. Check that everything is secure: Once the wheels are tucked away, double-check to ensure everything is locked in place. Your Doona is now ready to be installed in the car, offering another layer of warmth and security for your precious cargo.

Remember, these moments of transition aren’t just about changing the form of a piece of baby equipment; they’re opportunities to pause and appreciate the incredible journey you’re on with your little one. The Doona is more than just a travel system; it’s a partner in your adventures, designed to make each step (or roll!) as smooth and worry-free as possible.

How To Release the Doona From The Latch Base

Releasing the Doona from the Latch Base is a straightforward process that has been thoughtfully designed to ensure convenience and safety. Here’s a comforting step-by-step guide to help you through:

1. Position Yourself Comfortably: First, stand alongside the Doona. It’s important you feel stable and have a good view of the mechanism to proceed confidently.
2. Locate the Release Handle: You’ll find the release handle at the back of the Doona car seat, just above where it connects to the car seat base. This handle is designed for easy access.
3. Press the Release Handle: Gently but firmly press the release handle. This action disengages the car seat from the latch base.
4. Lift the Doona: With one hand on the release handle and the other supporting the Doona, lift it straight up out of the base. It should come away smoothly, without the need for excessive force.
5. Check Your Surroundings: Before moving away, make sure the path is clear. Safety first, always.

Remember, each step in the process of using your Doona, from installing it in your car to walking down the street, has been designed with your family’s safety and comfort in mind. Releasing the Doona from its base is just another example of how intuitive and user-friendly baby gear can make all the difference in your daily life, letting you focus on the joy and adventure of outings with your little one. If at any moment you feel unsure, take a breath and go through the steps again. You’ve got this, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.

How to Safely Strap the Doona into a Car

Ensuring your Doona is securely strapped into the car is paramount for the safety and comfort of your little one during travel. Here’s a reassuring step-by-step guide to help you secure the Doona with confidence and attach the car seat into a car:

1. Position the Doona Correctly: Place the Doona car seat rear-facing in the back seat or rear of your car. This position is recommended for the highest level of safety for infants.
2. Align the Seat Belt: Thread the car’s seat belt through the designated guides on the Doona car seat. There are clear markings to show you exactly where the belt should go, ensuring a snug and secure fit.
3. Buckle Up: Fasten the car seat belt, ensuring there are no twists in the belt and it locks in place. Pull the shoulder part of the seat belt to tighten the lap section, creating a firm fit that doesn’t allow the Doona to move more than an inch side to side or front to back.
4. Check the Recline Angle: Make sure the Doona is reclined at the correct angle for your baby’s maximum safety and comfort. The Doona comes with an indicator to help you find the right angle.
5. Final Safety Check: Give the Doona a gentle shake to ensure it’s securely installed. The car seat should not move significantly. If it does, recheck the belt paths and tension, adjusting as necessary.
6. Comfort and Peace of Mind: Before setting off, make sure your baby is comfortable and securely fastened within the Doona itself. Adjust the harness so it’s snug against your baby’s body, with no more than one finger’s width of slack.

By following these careful steps, you can feel assured and at peace, knowing your baby is safely secured in the Doona car seat while you travel. It’s all about making those car journeys not just safer but also more enjoyable for you and your baby, allowing you to make the most of every day, whether you’re off on an exciting adventure or simply navigating the routine.

Remember, taking a moment to ensure everything is set up correctly can offer immeasurable peace of mind. You’re doing a great job, and we’re here to support you with every mile and smile along the way.

The post Doona Car Seat and Stroller Review appeared first on Lucie's List.

Big news: the OG Nuna Pipa, Nuna PIPA Lite and PIPA Lite LX models have been discontinued! The only model that’s available now and going forward is the Nuna Pipa Lite Rx with the RELX base – and that’s it!

Nuna made a splash when it entered the US market 8 years ago – and recently, they’ve climbed to the top of the luxury infant car seat niche. The Nuna Pipa is the Tesla of infant car seats: sleek, high tech, expensive. No joke, parents, this seat is tight!

Two big reasons why it’s the top seat for those who can afford it: it’s super duper lightweight and super easy to use. That’s what it boils down to.

Here is a demo of the fabulous Pipa infant seat from a past ABC Baby Show. This is a good way to learn the basics of the Pipa:

The Nuna Pipa infant seat is VERY similar to the Cybex Aton M, but with a nicer/larger sun canopy that includes the “dream drape” for total darkness (I LOVE the dream drape!!). See also: Best Infant Car Seats

The Pipa also has what’s called “rigid LATCH connectors,” which click right into your LATCH hooks without needing any force to jam them into place. If you think of LATCH connectors like human arms, regular connectors are floppy, while rigid connectors are stiff arms.

In addition, the Pipa has an anti-rebound stability leg, which helps prevent the seat from rebounding, or flipping up into the seat back, in the case of an accident.

What Happened to the Nuna Pipa OG?

It used to be so simple: it was just the Pipa!

In 2017, they introduced the Pipa Lite and further complicated things from there… But we have news! Seems that they are trying to uncomplicate the stuff they complicated back in 2017.

This just in: the OG Nuna Pipa, Nuna PIPA Lite and PIPA Lite LX models are saying their goodbyes. Yep, you heard it right. These models are being discontinued, including the original model! Crazy. Don’t worry, there might still be a few left in stock, but they’re making their exit by the end of 2023.

Why are they doing this? It looks like it’s all about keeping up with the times. The discontinued models use the original base, and while it’s been a trusty companion, it’s time to make way for the much-preferred and highly versatile RELX base, which will be the new standard base. If you’ve had your eye on the Nuna PIPA Lite or PIPA Lite LX, my advice is to act fast and snatch one up while you still can. But don’t fret too much because the Nuna PIPA Lite RX with the RELX base is the jam.

The price tag flew up to $400+. If this seat weren’t so damn amazing, I would be very critical of this pricing, but I will tell you something…. I talk to a lot of people about car seats. This seat is simply the favorite among parents, especially among parents who have used alllll the seats. Yes, it’s pricey as hell, but if you are looking for THE favorite… this is it.

More about the Nina Pipa RELX Base

The differences in the two bases can be seen here:

Essentially, this RELX base solves the previous big complaint that people had about the previous Pipa: it couldn’t be installed in most middle seats due to the rigid LATCH connectors and tight connections.

You see, the non-family cars (sports cars and whatnot) tend to be more difficult when it comes to car seat installation. The load leg on the RELX base has more positions, which helps in cars with a center “hump” in the backseat floor area (if you know, you know…).

Since the RELX base is the one they’re running with, here the gist of it:

Suffice it to say that the RELX base is like the superstar of compatibility. It plays nice with all previous PIPA infant car seat models.

Now, let’s dive into the good stuff – the upgrades that make this RELX base so special.

1. The Load Leg: The RELX base takes load legs to a whole new level. It’s super adjustable and fits snugly in the middle seat, giving you rock-solid stability for your car seat. No more fiddling around with occasional adjustments. Again, those of you with fancy sports cars with the hump in the middle floor area… take note.
2. Adjustable Rigid Latches: It’s got adjustable rigid latches with four positions, so you can get that perfect fit in your car. Say goodbye to the struggles of fitting the PIPA’s rigid latches in certain cars.
3. Enhanced Level Indicators: It’s got these super clear colored indicators that make it a breeze to check if your car seat is level during installation. No guesswork here – it’s all about keeping your child safe.
4. On-the-Go Recline: Need to make your little one extra comfy on the road? You can adjust the recline angle of the car seat, even with the base installed in the car.
5. Improved Seat-Belt Lockoff: For those cars that don’t play nice with rigid latches, the RELX base has a trick up its sleeve. It comes with an improved seat-belt lockoff mechanism, giving you a rock-solid alternative to latches.
6. Flatter and Lower Profile Base: The flatter base design means it won’t leave pesky indentations on your car’s seats. And that lower profile? It makes attaching and detaching the PIPA seat a breeze and saves your back from any unnecessary strain.

So there you have it, the Nuna RELX base, taking infant car seat safety and convenience to a whole new level.

*The Nuna Pipa Lite Rx still has a European-style belt path, so it’s very easy and stable with baseless installations.

Stroller Compatibility

Nuna’s got an impressive lineup of strollers, and they’re all like the perfect dance partners for Nuna Pipa infant car seats. We’re talking about the Nuna Mixx Next, Nuna Triv Next, the double convertile NUNA Demi Grow, Nuna TRVL, Nuna Pepp, and Nuna TAVO Next. These strollers are like the besties that were born to be BFFs with Nuna Pipa car seats.

So, if you’re all about keeping things in the same family, Nuna’s got you covered. They offer a bunch of options to choose from, making it easy-peasy to match up your car seat and stroller without any fuss.

For compatibility with other strollers, it seems anecdotally that the Nuna Pipa and the Cybex Aton(s) all fit well with the Maxi-Cosi car seat adapter for any given stroller.

Nuna also makes their own adapters for UPPAbaby Vista and Cruz, the Babyzen Yoyo, the Bugaboo Donkey, Fox and Dragonfly, the Bumbleride Indie and VEER Cruiser.

Ughhh, ok that was exhausting. Are you happy? Yes?

If not, go back to start, do not collect $200… Best Infant Car Seats

The post Nuna Pipa Lite Rx Review 2023 appeared first on Lucie's List.

The Clek Liing is one of the few recommended infant car seats for multiples and preemies. It can safely hold babies from 4-35 lbs, and up to 32 inches long. For babies who weigh less than 11 lbs (or whose shoulders are below the bottom harness slot) you must use the included head and body support pillows (pictured below). 

The Liing weighs in at 9 lbs, so it’s in line with many of the others listed here, although it is a pound heavier than the Nuna Pipa, which is a car seat Clek Liing is often compared to. A pound doesn’t sound like much, but every ounce matters.

The Liing is also quite narrow, meaning it’s great for families who need to fit two or more car seats in a row (like we parents of multiples do!).

Like the Nuna Pipa, the Liing has a “load leg”, which is a fantastic safety feature that helps ensure the car seat remains stable and reduces the impact in the event of a crash. That said, you don’t have to use the load leg if you don’t want to — it can be easily tucked away under the bottom of the base. 

Also like Nuna Pipa, the Liing utilizes “rigid latch connectors.”

These make installing the seat ridiculously easy (and make it a super tight fit, as it should be). The connectors click right into the seat’s lower anchors — and voila! That’s it. Plus, they’re extendable so they fit well in a wide variety of vehicles (though if you prefer the more traditional method of installing the base by threading the seatbelt through, you can easily do that with the Liing as well).

Also really nice is that the Liing’s base offers 7 different recline positions, so based on the style of the car’s seat or the age/height of your child, etc., you can adjust the Liing’s positioning accordingly. 

Check out this simple video which shows the load leg, and how to install using the rigid latch system, as well as how to adjust the base. 

Another feature we absolutely love is the SPF 100 canopy that includes a mesh peek-a-boo window on the back, which you can open or close (hiii baby!). 

When completely extended, this canopy covers almost the entire car seat! Great for when your babies are napping on the go and you don’t want the sun, wind… or curious, prying strangers (HA!) to disturb them! 

Using a car seat adapter (not included), the Clek Liing infant car seat is compatible with a variety of stroller brands, such as Baby Jogger, BabyZen, Bugaboo, Bumbleride, Silver Cross, Thule, Uppababy and more.  Click here to see a full list of stroller compatibility options for the Clek Liing. 

The one downside — aside from the hefty price tag — of the Clek Liing is that it doesn’t offer a no-rethread harness. Unfortunately, this seat requires you to manually rethread it each time you need to adjust the harness height. Big bummer — especially if you have multiples — but not a dealbreaker. It’s a Clek thing.

This seat comes in a few different fabric and colorway options (see below). 

Overall — if you can get past the sticker shock and the fact it doesn’t have a no-rethread harness — we think you’ll be really happy with the Clek Liing infant car seat. It’s easy to install and has an abundance of safety and luxury features to keep your kiddos secure and comfortable. Bonus: it’s beautiful to boot. All around winner!    

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Though a booster seat probably isn’t on your mind right now, the takeaway is that this seat will prevent you from having to buy a separate high back (or “belt positioning”) booster later on.

Safety 1st is one of the many brands under the Dorel Company umbrella. Their other brands include Maxi-Cosi, Quinny and Cosco. They are a trusted name in the baby gear business.

These “all in one” seats are growing in popularity every year – and in 2019, we saw just about every major car seat maker release one onto the market. They tend to be more expensive than regular convertibles, but you’re getting longer use out of it. This one, however, is a bargain even for a convertible seat, and is pretty highly rated. Though not the sexiest seat of the bunch, it’s one that mainstream parents can get behind.

This seat weighs 16 lbs, so it’s not super heavy. This makes it good for grandparents. It would also make a decent spare seat or travel seat, and it comes in just about any color under the sun.

Things we like:

• Harness holders (shown below) holds the harness out of the way, so it’s easy to get your child in and out of the seat. I LOVE this feature!!
• QuickFit Harness for easy adjustment of both harness and headrest in one simple step – you don’t ever have to rethread it to adjust for height (except for use with an infant).
• Easy to remove, washable cover: the cover can be removed without removing the harness or uninstalling the seat. Great for kids who get car sick!
• 2 cupholders: one for drink and one for snack

Thing we don’t like:

• One complaint is that the harness won’t properly tighten. This is because the splitter plate sometimes gets stuck on the plastic ribs between the bottom of the seating area and the base. If you have this problem, remove the seat and check the splitter plate on the back to fix it.
• The Grow and Go’s lower anchor connectors are the standard j-hook style (nail breakers), but hey, what do you expect for the price.
• It’s not our favorite for infants because, when reclined for an infant, it takes up TONS of space
• Adjusting the harness height for an infant is especially difficult

The Upgraded version: The “EX Air“ ~ $199

There’s an upgraded version of this seat called the Grow and Go “EX Air”, which adds the Dorel company’s famous “Air Protect” Side Impact Protection — and offers a higher rear-facing weight capacity (50 lbs).

This is a better choice if you plan on practicing extended rear facing (i.e. rear facing into year 3 and 4), especially with a bigger/heavier kid. It also offers superior side impact protection.

This seat is available at Buy Buy Baby for $199.

*Currently out of stock.

Buy Now

Safety 1st Grow and Go: Bottom Line

All in all, the Safety 1st Grow and Go (and Grow and Go Ex Air ~ $199) is pretty darn nice seats for a great price. Both car seats have several niceties you only see in higher end seats, such as ample padding, a no re-thread harness, buckle pockets (squeee!!!) and a washable cover.

Remember it’s still an economy seat, so nail breaker LATCH connectors it is. Be sure to check the splitter plate in the back if your harness won’t tighten, but that’s easy enough. Return it if it still won’t tighten properly. Enjoy!

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Parents: if you like the Pipa, you’ll love the Nuna Rava. This great looking convertible car seat by the Dutch company Nuna brings fashion + the great safety features Nuna is known for. Note: like all of our reviews, this Nuna Rava car seat review is totally unsponsored .

Yes folks, it is the Tesla of car seats: expensive and great looking, yet eco-friendly and highly functional.

At $450, it’s one of the most expensive convertible car seats on the market, just slightly less than the beloved Clek Foonf.

Be advised that Nuna makes an “all-in-one” seat called the Nuna Exec for $200 more that goes from infancy through elementary school (it becomes a booster seat). I you want to buy just one seat for your child’s car seat days, this is a good one.

Fit and Finish

For starters, we love that every Nuna car seat in 2020 is now completely flame-retardant free (“FR-free”). Yes, most other brands have to meet flammability requirements by treating their soft goods with highly-toxic flame retardants, but Nuna meets the requirement by using materials that are naturally flame-resistant (typically by using wool blends).

This seat is offered in 50 shades of grey (kidding)(sort of), plus a rose color (more of a mauve) that is to die for. There’s also an adorable “broken arrow” pattern happening at Pottery Barn Kids.

The seat itself is steel-reinforced, which makes it very heavy (27 lbs!). And trust me, you want a heavy seat in an accident. On the flip side… this is not the seat for parents who need to move it from car to car, nor it is a good seat for travel.

Yes, the fabrics are top-notch: buttery and delicious. It comes with a high-quality infant insert, though we don’t recommend this seat for preemies and newborns (it tends to fit most babies by 3 months or so). For this reason, it’s not our favorite infant car seat.

Installation

Installation is where this seat really shines. Car seat installation can be complicated, but the Nuna Rava makes it simple. Similar to the ClickTight feature found on the higher-end Britax seats, such as the Britax Marathon, Boulevard, and Advocate, the Rava boasts a similar seat belt locking mechanism called “Simply Secure”.

Yes, this seat has LATCH connectors, just like any other seat, but Nuna is really pushing parents to use the vehicle seat belt to install the Rava. Lots of reasons for this, the main one being that LATCH has a weight limit, which includes a calculation of your child + the weight of the seat, and most people don’t know about it/don’t know how to calculate it and… suffice it to say it’s very error-prone.

Good thing they’ve made it extremely easy to install it using the seat belt. Here goes:

Pull back the seat fabrics and essentially, the “seat” of the car seat opens up like a hatch (their branded term for this is “true tension door”).

Here, you thread the seat belt in and out through the side cup holders:

…then you close the hatch (below), which thereby secures the seatbelt by clamping down on it.

No wrangling or tugging required!

It’s a very easy and secure installation, though you should know that you still need to lock your seatbelt using this method.

Locking a seatbelt is easy: simply pull the belt alllll the way out, then slowly let it retract. This “locks” the seatbelt (doesn’t allow any forward movement), which adds security in case of an accident.

Extended Leg Room

Yes, this seat excels for rear facing with a rear facing weight limit of 50 lbs. It has a flip-out panel that gives you additional legroom, if needed.

Most people don’t know about this feature, but it’s super useful. It’s very similar to the extension feature found on the Graco Extend2Fit.

Daily Usability

There are several other little details that make this seat a pleasure to use.

Getting your kiddo in and out of the seat is a breeze with awesome little harness holders that keep the straps out of the way.

Adjusting the seat for height is also a breeze with a smooth “no re-thread harness”, which has 10 height positions — and 2 positions on the crotch strap.

It has 10 recline positions, which are super easy to achieve (unlike others seats that require some muscle to recline).

Need a cup holder or two? Yes! The seat was designed to be on the narrow side, complete with collapsible cup holders – one on each side. This is nice for parents who are trying to conserve space in the back seat for other passengers.

Nuna Rava Review: Bottom Line

Watch out Peg Perego, the Nuna Rava is the new(ish) fancy convertible Euro seat to beat. This seat is first-rate quality from top to bottom. It has a super easy to use seatbelt installation feature and all the convenience features parents want. It has an extended leg room feature, which makes it ideal for extended rear facing. It’s eco-friendly “FR-free” and simply beautiful. This is a top choice for parents who can afford the steep price tag.

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Britax seats are made in the US of A, which is very rare these days!

A quick chronology…. Britax created the beloved “ClickTight” feature several years ago and incorporated it into some of these MBA seats. Then, very recently, the company decided that the Marathon, Boulevard and Advocate would be offered only in ClickTight form.

At the same time, Britax introduced a couple of new economy seats (totally new territory for them) — that are basically the legacy MBA seats, but without the ClickTight feature. These new economy seats, which have been VERY well received BTW, are called the Britax Allegiance and Emblem. In a nutshell, if you want the Britax name, but don’t need the ClickTight feature…. definitely check out the Allegiance and Emblem.

But first…

What is ClickTight?

In 2015, Britax introduced the ClickTight feature, which is now standard on the Marathon, Boulevard, Advocate, and their new all-in-one seat, the One4Life.

All of these Britax seats are steel reinforced. You won’t find that on cheaper, lighter seats, like Graco.

ClickTight is such a neat feature that other brands (Nuna, Graco, Chicco) have started copying it (no surprise there).

Bottom line: ClickTight seats are SUPER easy to install with a seat belt without the need for Herculean strength.

See it here in action:

Why would you want to use a seat belt to install your car seat?

If your car doesn’t have LATCH or if you are trying to install the seat in the middle position (the safest spot) where there are no LATCH connectors (as in most non-huge cars!), or if your child has exceeded the max weight capacity for LATCH (60 lbs, which is the weight of the seat + your child), OR if you take taxis a lot and such (taxis almost never have LATCH connectors).

ARB

In addition to the ClickTight feature, you can choose to add the “ARB” feature, which is an anti-rebound bar. By this, I mean… you can purchase the ARB model (for more money, of course) — or you can buy the regular (non-ARB) model and buy an anti-rebound bar separately, if you so desire.

But wait, what is an anti-rebound bar?

An ARB is a mechanism that prevents the seat from flipping back (in rear-facing mode) while “rebounding” during a front or rear-impact collision, the most common types of collisions. It is better explained here:

Typically, you only find anti-rebound situations on the higher-end seats on the market, and rarely in convertible seats.

If you are paying this much for a convertible seat, may as well get that anti-rebound bar, amiright?

A Look at the Seats

Here’s a closer look at the individual Click Tight seats: the Marathon, Boulevard and Advocate.

Height-wise, these seats are very tall and quite good for extended rear-facing. Other tall convertible car seats include the Diono Radian, the Safety 1st Complete Air, and the Clek Foonf.

Boiling it down, the biggest difference between the 3 seats are the layers of side impact protection, which get progressively more protective as we go up the food chain.

Starting with…

Marathon ClickTight ~ $279 or ARB version ~ $299

The entry-level ClickTight seat, the Marathon ClickTight gives you all the great Britax features: the no rethread harness, the premium fabrics, impact-absorbing harness, the SafeCell technology, and of course, the ClickTight. It has just the standard layer of side-impact protection, which is protective foam.

The Marathon has 7 recline positions and has earned nearly a 5-star rating on Amazon.

Traveling up the food chain…

Boulevard ClickTight ~ $325 or ARB version ~ $375

The Boulevard ClickTight is the Marathon (above), plus two layers of side impact protection, adding enhanced protection for your child’s neck and head. It looks like a pillow around your kiddo’s head. This is the better seat choice if you’re installing the seat in an outboard (or side) position. The pillow also makes it better for naps (less head-flop).

I love the Boulevard; it’s what my youngest rode in every day when she was little. To people in the know, the Boulevard is the preferred seat of the 3 (most people agree that the Advocate is… overkill).

*The Boulevard shell used to be 2″ taller than the Marathon, but this is no longer the case.

The ridiculously easy installation and high-quality comfy design could be the deciding factors that make this ClickTight your seat of choice.

And last and largest is…

Advocate ClickTight ~ $355 or ARB version ~ $385

If you really want to go balls-out in the side-impact protection department, check out the Britax Advocate CT or CT/ARB (anti-rebound), which has crazy huge side-impact cushions. The seat offers the most side-impact protection you can get on the market today; just note that it’s VERY wide and heavy. I mean, it’s a real beast, y’all.

If your child rides in the outboard seating position and/or you or your partner/nanny is a shitty driver (you know who you are!), this may be worth the peace of mind (seriously). For most people, I think it’s overkill.

Height

Note: Many children outgrow a car seat by their shoulder height before reaching the maximum height capacity of the seat. Oftentimes, kids of the same total height will have different shoulder heights. For more on how to measure your child for a Britax seat, see here.

Additional Notes

Note: Preschoolers *can* stay in convertible seats for quite a while, but we bought a forward-facing/combination car seat for Lucie when she was 3.5 and passed her convertible seat down to Alice when she turned one. I LOVE the concept of a combination seat because it’s a “big kid seat” that sits totally upright and will convert to a booster when she’s ready; this seat will get her through the next several years and keep her in a 5-point harness (as opposed to a booster/regular seat belt) for as long as possible.

Point being: Once your kid turns 4 or so, they’re usually ready for an upgrade anyway. BUT… if you’re looking for a seat that is both convertible and later becomes a booster, check out the new all-in-one seat, the Britax One4Life, which is about the same price as the Advocate.

YES, Britax allows you to use the side or “outboard” LATCH anchors to install their seats in the center IF your vehicle manufacturer also allows it.

That’s it, folks! I hope you got what you came for and walk away with a good understand of these upper-end Britax seats.

Check out also our Best Convertible Car Seat article to see what else we like. Good luck!

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Up until recently, their core offerings were what I call “MBA”: Marathon, Boulevard and Advocate. These used to come in both regular and “ClickTight” versions — but these regular (non ClickTight) seats have essentially become their new “Essential” seats.

Yes, the new Essentials line now competes with lower-priced competitors, like Graco and Evenflo. Initially, I wasn’t sure what a watered down version of Britax seats would look like, but (spoiler alert!)… I am very impressed with what they’ve done.

Overall Impression

Like I said, the only big feature that you don’t get on these new Essential seats is “ClickTight,” which is the seatbelt installation feature that allows you to install the seat easily without having to use the LATCH connectors. You’ll pay about $190-$200 for these Essentials seats — vs. $300+ for an MBA (Marathon/Boulevard/Advocate) ClickTight seat — so it’s a significant saving.

Don’t get me wrong, the ClickTight feature is very cool… but you can definitely live without it. In fact, we lived without it for years before it was conceived. And if you’re a confident LATCH installer… you’ll be just fine. So there’s that.

These two new seats are called the Allegiance and the Emblem. For a point of reference, they are priced somewhere between the Graco Size4Me and the Chicco NextFit — and compete very closely with the Graco Extend2Fit, price-wise.

FYI – Britax also introduced a fairly new “All in One” seat called the One4Life with various design trade-offs and feature overlaps. “All in One” is a new class of car seats that goes from infancy through forward-facing seatbelt mode.

General Features

With these “Essentials” seats, you still get the following features from their ClickTight line of high-quality seats:

• premium push-button LATCH connectors (they won’t break your nails)
• built-in lock-offs (for “locking” the seatbelt during installation)
• an infant insert
• a no-rethread harness (10 height positions) and 2 crotch positions
• anti-slip rubber base
• premium fabrics
• velcro strips to help keep the harness straps out of the way when getting your kiddo in and out — love it!!

Safety Features

You still get most of the safety features found in the higher-end Britax seats, which include the following:

• SafeCell Technology
• V-shaped tether “Versa-tether”
• Built-in lock-offs
• Steel reinforced frame
• Side-impact protection comes in the form of deep side walls lined with energy-absorbing EPP foam

Most importantly, both the Allegiance and the Emblem perform exceedingly well in crash tests, so it’s good to know you aren’t sacrificing anything in the safety department. Review our guide for installing your new car seat to learn more.

Bottom Line

We applaud the new Britax Essentials line, which gives more people access to the Britax brand. Both the Allegiance and the Emblem are awesome convertible seats that will fit most budgets; the Emblem is slightly more expensive with one more layer of side impact protection around the head; otherwise, they are the same.

These seat are easier to install using LATCH (vs. the seatbelt), but neither method is particularly onerous. Given the long list of usability features that Britax is known for, coupled with their renowned safety features, we gladly recommend these seats to anyone in the market.

Return to our Favorite Convertible Car Seats

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The Graco Exend2Fit was specifically designed to keep kids rear-facing for as long as possible. They accomplished this by offering an extendable tray, of sorts, that pulls out to grow with your child. This “tray” offers a whopping 5 extra inches of legroom. Talk about first class! If you’re looking for a way to keep kids rear-facing longer, we bring you this Graco Extend2Fit convertible car seat review.

Not to harp on this, but…. did you know?

The #1 thing you can do as a parent to keep your child safe in the car is to keep him/her rear-facing for as long as possible. Alas, we cannot control the behavior of idiots who are texting and driving, but we can control what goes on inside our own car.

Four years is the goal for many; after four or so, it becomes too cramped. As a practical matter, many turn their child’s seat forward prematurely because of a real (or perceived) lack of rear-facing legroom. Sometimes, it’s done because of motion sickness (can’t help you there). Some parents even say things like it “looks dangerous” for them to be sitting that way (it’s not).

The norm for kids in most European countries is to remain rear-facing until 3 or 4 years of age, so it isn’t that out of the norm to make that your goal.

Note that the extendable tray can only be used in the rear-facing position. It manages to do this without eating up too much legroom from the front seat passengers, although the farther the tray is extended, the more room it takes up (obviously). 

Check out our video shot at a previous year’s Baby Show:

This seat has push-on LATCH connectors (the good kind), which spare your nails from breaking (usually). It has another cool feature called “fuss-free harness storage,” which are these cute little pockets where you put the buckle tongues to keep them out of the way while getting your child in his seat. Yessss – I lerrrvvvvv this feature!!

The Extend2Fit also has two cupholders (are kids double-fisting sippy cups or something?). Because of this, the seat is wider than most. If space is tight in the backseat, you’ll want to look elsewhere — this puppy is wide!

Note that Graco allows 20% of the seat to hang over the edge of the seat, which is marked clearly with a sticker. If your car’s backseat is not super deep, you may be limited in how far you can pull the extender out.

To adjust the seat height, the Extend2Fit has a no-rethread harness, which means adjusting the harness height is super easy. It has 10 height settings and the crotch strap has two settings for a perfect fit (this is key for boys!).

Note that like many Graco convertibles, this seat does not come with a lock-off device for a seatbelt installation, so you’ll have to lock your seatbelts manually (which I assure you is quite easy – just don’t forget!).

Cliff Notes: to “lock a seatbelt”… pull the belt allllll the way out of the retractor, then let it slowly retract back until it’s tight. Try pulling it now, it should be totally locked – voila!

The cover on this seat is a little challenging to get off, but on the plus side, it’s machine washable in cold water. We think this is a huge advantage over hand washing or spot cleaning of car seat covers. (Note that it must be hung to dry; the thing doesn’t want to go in the dryer.)

You’ll find the new 3-in-1 version of the Extend2Fit at Amazon, which also becomes a high back booster, like the Graco Milestone and 4Ever.

Bottom line: The Graco Extend2Fit is a fantastic economy seat designed especially to keep your child rear-facing for as long as possible. In addition to the extended leg shelf, the seat itself is relatively easy to use, has dual cup holders, side harness pockets and is easy to adjust for height, with a no rethread harness. All in all, Graco hit a homerun with this seat, especially given the modest price. No wonder it’s become a parent-favorite.

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The Graco Size4Me is a solid car seat for the value-minded buyer. It retails for $179 but can often be found on sale on Amazon and such. If you are a luxury buyer, this also makes for a great 2^nd seat for a less-often-used vehicle; it also works well for grandparents because it isn’t super heavy and is one of the easier ones to install and adjust.

Features we like in the Size4Me include EPS foam-lined wings for side-impact protection, high-quality LATCH connectors that audibly click when installed, a cupholder, and a “no-rethread harness,” which means you don’t have to remove the seat and perform surgery in order to change the height of the shoulder harnesses.

The no-rethread harness and the high-quality LATCH connectors are enough to get my seal of approval for usability.

This seat can rear-face up to 40 lbs and has fairly decent legroom for it. In FF, it can go up to 65 lbs, which is more than ample for a non-special needs child. It also has two distinct pairs of LATCH anchors (one for rear facing and one for forward), which prevents a common installation error. Want to know more? Check out our guide for installing car seats.

How does it compare to Britax seats, you might ask? I like Graco’s usability features better than on some Britax seats, but what you won’t get with this seat is a steel reinforced frame or the full-length EPS foam, which is found in all Britax seats (the foam in the Graco seats is typically only around the head). The padding on this model is also minimal, while you’ll typically find thicker padding (for comfort under the bum) in higher end seats. It’s the “under the cover” differences like this that you should be aware of, if you want to get technical. 

Bottom Line: That said, I’m a fan of this seat and think it will serve the vast majority of people very well. For those on a slim budget that don’t want to overthink it (I mean, you’re already overthinking it by reading this guide, but that’s why we love yooouuu!), this seat is a great bet.

Back to Best Convertible Car Seats

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This seat is large and heavy (see specs below). But shockingly, it fits in medium-sized cars fairly well, thanks to the nine recline positions, while still offering a decent amount of legroom for rear-facing toddlers and preschoolers (especially the “Max” version).

The Specs:

• Car seat weight: 25 lbs
• Car seat width: 19”
• Rear-facing limits: 40 lbs (50 lbs for Max version)
• Forward-facing limits: 65 lbs

Installation is where the Chicco NextFit seat really shines. Car seat techs joke that it’s a “marriage saver” (they are only partially kidding). 

You know how on most seats, you have to get inside the thing, press down with your body weight and wrangle it like a rabid dog? With the NextFit, you can forget about all that: the SuperCinch LATCH tightening system IS, in fact, the best thing since sliced bread. It’s a self-ratcheting system, and I swear you’ll never go back to anything else. Even if you’re petite, you’ll be able to tighten this seat with ease. Other seats that offer this include the Nuna Rava and the Evenflo Everystage.

Because of the easy installation, it’s a great convertible seat for grandparents, although the seat itself is quite heavy to get in and out of the car. I do not recommend this seat for people who need to transfer it in and out often. Nay, this particular seat wants to be installed and left alone. It’s just so darn heavy (25 lbs).

The height adjustment is a smooth, no-rethread harness, like in most high-end seats. This is an ideal car seat if you’re using it for multiple children of different ages and sizes and need to adjust the height frequently on the fly. Easy peasy.

The 2020 Chicco NextFit comes in 4 different trim packages this year. Note they have dropped the “iX” labeling on this year’s lineup.

Chicco NextFit Car Seat Lineup:

NextFit Sport ~ $249, entry level seat: the Sport model does not include an infant insert cushion, so it’s not suitable for newborns. In fact, the starting weight limit on this model is 12lbs. The Sport comes in 3 dark, sultry colors, though I am partial to the “shadow” color — a dark, pretty blue/green (below). Is that gorj or what? This is all you need if you aren’t using it for a baby. 

NextFit Zip ~ $299, the next level up: the Zip model adds an “EZ zip & wash” cover, perfect if your kiddo yacks a lot, or if ease of removing the cushion is something you value (you are diligent about washing it regularly or whatnot). It also comes with an Infant insert for babies 5-11 lbs, so it can be used for a newborn.

Comes in 6 fancy “duo-tone” colors.

NextFit Zip Air ~ $329, features the brand’s “breathable 3D Air Mesh” backrest, which is designed to help regulate body temperature, keeping your baby cooler and less sweaty. This is ideal for those of you who live in hot climates — Texas and Florida, looking at you!

It also has ComfortFlex hip strap covers and comes in 2 different “racing stripe” patterns, as shown below:

Chicco Nextfit Zip Max ~ $369, the Big Daddy seat for extended rear facing

This is the grand poobah of the Nextfit lineup and was designed with extended rear facing in mind, especially for people with taller children. This model offers 25% more legroom than the versions above. Though not technically necessary for extended rear facing, this extra legroom gives older/taller kids some extra space. The space is created by the front of the seat’s shell extending out, and also provides additional calf support for children who ride forward facing. 

One complaint you see a lot is that the harness is hard to tighten in the rear-facing position due to the strap being too close to the seat (and thus, offering no leverage/room to pull it). Please check this right away if you buy this seat, and if it’s a problem for your car, return it!

My second warning is that the sidewalls on this thing are higher than most, so some parents find it difficult to get toddlers in and out in the rear-facing position if the car doorway opening is on the smaller, narrower side. You’ll be threading the needle trying to get your toddler into the seat if the doorway doesn’t offer much room, like with a small hatchback or sports car. 

Overall, there are very few complaints about this seat — it’s a solid all around. (Unless you really care about the lack of cupholders, which you’d need to purchase separately.)

Bottom Line: If you loved your Chicco Keyfit, you’ll be equally thrilled with this convertible seat from the same brand. Though heavy, the NextFit is SUPER easy to install (especially with LATCH), has a no-rethread harness, and many recline positions to give the front seat passenger added legroom. It’s perfect for those with a medium-sized car (or larger) who appreciate a super easy LATCH installation (it’s not our favorite seatbelt installation). Check out the Max version for those with taller kids looking to do extended rear facing. Enjoy!

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