At my son Wesley’s 9 month checkup we learned that he is still very tall and has pushed the limits of his current portable car seat. While I normally like the easy of being able to use it as a travel system with our stroller, I’ll be honest and say I’m so glad to say goodbye. As much as I love being able to bring a sleeping baby in and out of the car with ease, my back has been killing me while lugging him around in it. If you saw me try to carry it around you would fully understand as it weighs a ton and has only gotten worse as my baby continues to grow.
The Diono Radian RXT birth to booster car seat arrived just in time this past month and is really the only car seat you would ever need.
The Diono RadianRXT comfortably seats rear-facing children from 5-45 lbs, forward-facing children from 20-80 lbs in 5-point harness, then converts to a booster for children up to 120 lbs. It has been NCAP crash tested and is the only car seat rated for LATCH use with a child up to 80 lbs. Not only that but it folds flat for travel and storage and has a 10 year life. You can use it until your child no longer needs a booster or it can be used for multiple children.
Even better, if you are like us with several children still in car seats, you can fit 3 across in a mid-size vehicle and your child can enjoy more shoulder space. The RadianRXT also sits low on a vehicle seat for easy boarding and expandable sides. The longer seat bottom provide extra room and comfort.
The first thing that I noticed was that the RadianRXT weighs a ton, which is probably due to its steel alloy frame and reinforced sidewalls. I don’t think this is necessarily a bad thing and it gives me a greater sense of security. (If you do need to haul it, you can carry it on your back.) I like that it feels sturdy!
My husband installed the seat and mentioned that since it is heavy, you really shouldn’t try to reconfigure it on the fly. He started out in the garage but it was cold and had to bring it inside because it was taking longer than he thought it would. He felt the reconfigure instructions were a bit hard to follow in some places with more steps than previous car seats that he has installed. Once it was ready for the rear facing latch, he thought the installation itself was very easy.
For someone like me who isn’t car seat installation savvy, I appreciate the easy to read labels on the car seat, telling me exactly where to find the correct belt path. The velcro sides make it easier to buckle in and Diono’s unique SuperLATCH system makes installation simple.
My husband and I both noticed was how soft and plush the fabric and padding is with this car seat. You’ll find memory foam padding for superior comfort and EPS foam which surrounds the child’s head and body to provide complete side impact protection. We both decided that we wished the seats in our van were as comfortable!
Some of my other favorite features:
- Infant body support cushions
- Adjustable head support and our patented SafeStop® energy absorbing harness.
- 5 shoulder and 3 buckle positions for custom fit
- 12 height positions for adjustable head support
- 2 recline positions in forward-facing mode
We used the seat for an trip that took over an hour each way and Wesley seemed very comfortable and immediately went to sleep both times. I think this seat will stand the test of time and is perfect for our growing child!
Besides the very neutral “storm” that we received, the Dion RadianRXT also comes in several additional colors including cobalt blue, plum, red and more! You are sure to find one that is perfect for you.
The only downside to these seats that I can find is the heavy weight and the price tag. However, I believe the quality is worth the cost and with the weight comes more peace of mind.
BUY IT:
The Diono RadianRXT has a list price of $339.99 and is available at many retailers nationwide including Sears and at our affiliates Amazon
WIN IT:
I have one Diono RadianRXT car seat to give to one lucky reader in their choice of color! (US/Canada residents only)
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Disclosure: I received a sample for the purpose of this review however no monetary compensation has been received. All thoughts remain 100% my own.
About Emilie
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I like that it has energy-absorbing EPS foam panels on all sides
I like it is a Booster to 120 lbs
I liek how compact it is.
I love the Adjustable head support, reinforced for complete side impact safety
I love that you only need one for life, not for all the different stages.
I love how versatile this is.
I love that it can fold up if you need to take it with you somewhere (like on the plane) and that it goes up to such a high weight (so kids don’t have to change carseats as they get bigger).
I love that you can use this one car seat from the time your baby is born until they no longer need to use a car seat by law and beyond for moms sake of mind.
My favorite feature is its small foot print. Not many car seats allow you to fit 3 in the backseat! I know this as a recent father of 3.
The memory foam padding!
I love that it folds flat for travel and storage.
My favorite feature is how long you can use this product! It works for a child up to 120 so it is nice to know that my baby would grow and still be able to use it.
I like how solid it is. I dont want to worry about plastic holding up if I get in an accident.
I love that it’s for new borns and oldre children.
I love that it folds down and you can carry it like a backpack.
I love that it has 12 height positions for adjustable head support!
12 height positions for adjustable head suppor
I love that it’s one car seat until they are old enough to ride without it! My oldest had 4 different types of car seats until he was old enough.
I like the fact that it will accomodate a child all the way through the carseat years.
I like the fact that it can hold children up to 120 pounds. Plus, the fact that you can fold it up is very nice. My niece is expecting, and, if I would win this, she would receive this.
I like the fact that you can fold it up best.
I like that it converts to a booster seat.
I like how it holds up to 120 pounds!
my favorite feature of the car seat is the Adjustable head support, reinforced for complete side impact safety
I like how stylish it is, my 3 yr old would love it!
I like how long the child can use it for!
Memory foam padding for superior comfort is my fave feature
We do foster care- I LOVE how this car seat is not only super safe, but it would be accommodating to kids of different ages since we never know what age our next baby might be!
I love that it folds up and is narrow for easy travel.
Folds flat for travel and storage
How long it can be used
I like that my son can use this in every stage
This is a great seat. I wish I could afford 5 of them for my mini van. I have a daycare and these are perfect.
I like that it fits children from birth! I’m planning a pregnancy this year and I love this car seat. thanks for the review.
I like the it can be use for quite a long time instead of having to switch out seats every weight class. I also like that it has a high backing. and offers extended protection for taller kids.
I love that this will be the last carseat that my child will ever need. I also love how safe it will keep my child!
One cup holder is included, with the option to add up to 4 cup holders
The large weight range.
I love that it folds down and you can carry it like a backpack.
I love how tall it is. I also love the infant body support cushions.
I love that it’s one seat for several stages. So conveniant. I love the backpack option!!
I love the way it folds up for easy carrying.