Diono Radian 3 rXT: Don’t Buy a New Car, Buy These Instead

With four kids we always knew that our truck would not be a good option forever but we are not ready to part with it yet. Instead of trading in our truck, we decided to swap out our car seats for a couple Diono Radian 3 rXT and finally get a seat configuration that worked for us. 

Diono Radian 3 rXT

Our problem was one that most families with small children probably face. Car seats took prime retail and we kind of fit the rest of the kids in where they fit. Even if it meant our two oldest had to do some serious contortionist moves to climb into their seats each and every time. With our truck becoming more and more cage-like and the unusual wear and tear leaving footprints all over the car we were at a standstill for what to do. Our oldest no longer had enough leg room in the back row so it was time to act. 

We opted to get rid of our current seats and swap in two Diono Radian 3 rXT models. These are the original 3-across car seat so I was confident we could fit them side by side in the middle row with one of the seats folded up, and I was right. Once we got the seats out of their boxes I did the initial sizing with the kids in our home where it was warm. I have learned over the years that this is not something you want to rush with and I took my time to make sure they were correctly seated. Once the seats made it to our truck I readjusted everything as needed but these were minor tweaks.

The Radian 3 rXT can be used from birth to booster and will safely hold babes 5-120 lb in either rear-facing (up to 50 lbs), forward-facing with a 5-point harness (22-65 lbs), or forward-facing booster mode (50-120 lbs). Our kids are in the 5-point harness still and will be for a while so we will expand the Radian 3 rXT memory foam seat base, straps and headrest (12 different headrest positions!) as our youngest two grow. 

We had the original Radian RXT and this newest model is a step up with its luxurious fabrics that are absorbent, easily removable and even machine washable. Still the same though, is the steel alloy frame and the side impact protection with aluminum reinforced head support and energy absorbing EPS foam. It is a fortress which we have come to trust with our most precious cargo. I really love how they put the extra effort into having a hidden back storage area for the back tether and SuperLATCH™ when not in use. 

One of my fave parts of these seats though is that they are safe for airplane use and fold flat when they need to. When we flew to Halifax a few years ago, it was so nice to have our own seats to use in our rental and on the plane. Our daughter slept through the whole flight because she was comfortable in her seat. 

Although I did not use it, the Radian 3 rXT does offer SuperLATCH™ installation that will let you easily install the seats with both an audible click and visual indicator letting you know the installation was a success.  I used the cars seat belt system as it was easiest for me and what I was used to. I also made sure to tether the car seats to the back of the seats as it is mandatory in Canada. If you do not know how to do this please find a car seat technician to help you out. 

Not relevant to children our size was the infant insert and Safe Stop® harness. It offers an extra layer of protection that reduces impact to a smaller, forward-facing child by absorbing energy in a crash.  

I really appreciate that these seats take up so much less space in our vehicle, allowing us to finally all be comfortable again. Actually, I think our kids in the middle row will be most comfortable with their memory-foam lined seats. 

You can check out our video here on why we needed to reconfigure our vehicle seats and how the Diono Radian 3 rXT was the perfect fit for us.

To learn more about the Diono Radian 3 rXT head over to their website. You can also purchase the Radian 3 rXT through Amazon.ca and have it delivered to your door. 

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Aneta Alaei

Aneta is a Toronto-based mom of four that loves a good meal, great company, and learning something new. In her free time, you can find her trying to keep yet another plant alive.

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