Diono Radian rXT: Compact, Stylish and Safe Carseats

Who loves carseats? I for one can list carseats at the TOP of my baby needs wish list. It is the one item you NEED to have before the hospital will release the baby to go home. It will be keeping your little one safe starting on the first journey home and for many, many years to come. 

When I first started my parenting journey I was clueless on the importance of a good seat. We bought a fairly inexpensive travel system (still $500 8 years ago) that we liked the design of and could get coordinating baby gear. Probably not the smartest idea but I am 100% sure we are not the only parents who made a choice based on looks alone.

I have vivid memories of asking my husband to make sure the straps were loose on their bulky winter gear so they didn’t “suffocate” or tucking the tether behind the car seat so the metal didn’t swing and poke an eyeball out while we were driving. I was also “that” parent that thought kids get turned forward facing the moment they left the bucket seat.*face palm* I am telling you this in case you are making these mistakes. It is never too late to fix them. 

Well, we have changed as have the car seat choices on the market. I have become more aware of the features I like and need and have an increased awareness of just HOW to use the carseat properly so it is not a glorified chair in my car. That means all the straps are tight, buckles are at proper level and the seat is most importantly installed correctly. As I have become more aware of the proper installation and use of the car seats I also spread the knowledge to my husband and others that regularly have our children in their care. There is no room for “I didn’t know” when it comes to my children’s lives. ?

Diono Radian rXT

I feel like when it comes to carseats Diono has always been at the top of parents lists for many reasons. Whether it be the safety features, size, extended rear-facing capabilities or amazing warranty (10 years), I have been only hearing rave reviews.

When we got the opportunity to try out the Diono Radian rXT I quickly realized why it is a favourite for parents. This particular carseat is made with a full steel frame and aluminum reinforced sides and as a result the seat is heavy. Is it too heavy? No, but you can tell from picking it up that it is a strong piece of gear and will withstand some serious force. In my opinion, this is important especially in the occurrence of an accident.

As heavy duty as this seat is, it is also extremely compact. I know, I know. I am contradicting myself left, right and center but hear me out. If you are in a position like us where you need three carseats in a row, even in a mid-sized car, these are the seats for you. We are currently having issues with our older kids buckling in their seat belts because of the lack of space. The addition of the Radian rXT has given us some extra inches that make going anywhere a lot less stressful.

Remember how I mentioned the seat was made of steel and aluminum and you were probably thinking “that doesn’t sound too comfortable” but it is covered in memory foam that is actually so soft. I almost wish they could make a mom-sized seat with this stuff.

The superLATCH™ system how I love thee. Seriously takes the time and effort of installing a seat down to a couple of minutes and that is a big advantage when you have more than one to install. I also like how the latches have a housing behind the seat if I decide not to use them.

This particular seat can be used from 5-120 lbs and used through all stages of travelling. Children can use the seat rear-facing until the reach the 45 lb threshold (my 3-year-old is only 42 lbs to give you an idea). This car seat can be used forward facing from 22-65 lbs, although most experts agree that children should be rear-facing for as long as possible. Both of these positions have your child strapped in with a 5-point harness and it’s got this great extra padding on the straps for an added level of comfort.

From 50-120 lbs you can use the seat in its booster mode while using the car’s seat belts. One seat from birth until they no longer need one is a pretty great deal. To accomodate all of this growth the Radian rXT has a  12-position adjustable headrest, 5 position shoulder belt and 3 position buckle capability. The sides also expand to accommodate bigger children. Although this particular seat comes with one cup holder you can purchase a second, along with seat protectors and mirrors at a local retailer.  I like that Diono is a one-stop shop.