Fab Frugal Mama

Parenting, Product Reviews & More

Car Seat Safety Tips and My Son’s New Ride

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If I had to describe myself, I’d say I’m a Type-B personality (definitely not Type-A – that’s best left to hubby!). But, when it comes to my children’s safety, I definitely take on some Type-A characteristics.
Ever since Baby #1, I’ve been somewhat obsessed with car safety. All I could think of was that this little, tiny body was going to be cocooned in a car seat that could potentially save her life one day. That’s a big deal. So, I started doing some research on car seats and realized that the process of choosing, installing and using a car seat properly is much more involved than people think…or, at least, than I thought!
One of the best resources I’ve found so far is www.car-seat.org. I have mentioned this in a previous post, but I can’t stress enough how important it is to have professional car seat technicians advising you on your install (or doing it). The forums also offer fantastic opportunities to ask questions about the right seat for you (car model, car seat configurations, etc.). After learning about car seat safety, I don’t just follow the government’s minimum guidelines – I do my research to see what the best options are. Because, really, what are “minimum” guidelines, anyway? I know why they’re in place, but to be honest, they are the “rules” for the lowest common denominator, the bare minimum to ensure a child’s safety. In turn, when I buy seats for my kids, they’re what I consider the best. And, yes, that means the price tag is higher than many other seats, but this is one case where I don’t feel it’s fab to be frugal!
So, when PTPA gave me the opportunity to evaluate the new Diono RadianRXT seat, I jumped for joy…seriously! I had been considering what the next seat for Baby #2 would be, since he was using his sister’s old convertible seat, which still had two years on it. (It’s very important when buying a seat to note its expiry date. Find out more about car seat expiry dates here.) And, while I realize it’s not possible – or financially prudent – to go out and buy a new seat every year or two, I was so happy to know my little guy would be getting a new, top-of-the-line seat that has some of the highest crash-test ratings in the industry.
The RadianRXT, with its 10-year life, could be the only seat you ever need to buy, comfortably seating rear-facing children from 5-45 lbs, forward-facing children from 22-65 lbs in 5-point harness, then converting to a booster for children up to 120 lbs*. I like that my child can stay harnessed up to 65 lbs. in this seat. This is so important, as crash tests have shown that harnessed children are safer.
RadianRXT with angle adjuster

When I first took the seat out of the box, I instantly understood one of the reasons why they’re so highly rated – the seat was heavy! It’s due to the steel-alloy frame and the high quality of the parts used to manufacture it. With the RadianRXT, no detail is overlooked. From the reinforced sidewalls to the adjustable head support and their patented SafeStop® energy absorbing harness, this seat has it all. It’s not only beautiful in its construction, but has a myriad of accessories that have also been included in their crash tests (very important to ensure the efficacy of your seat) – like an angle adjuster (for use rear-facing and only with older babies that have good head control), which slides under the seat to make it more upright and allow the passenger in front more leg room. I purchased one (only $13!) and can tell you that it really works.

I couldn’t be happier with the Diono RadianRXT. I know this seat is the safest place for my little guy and would wholeheartedly recommend it to other parents looking for a great seat. And, since this product has just been awarded the PTPA Seal of Approval, you can rest assured that other parents feel the same!
Find out more about the RadianRXT at Diono.com. Since the Canadian, American and International specs differ for most car seats, please choose your region from the homepage to ensure you’re viewing the correct information for your country.


*Specs noted are for Canadian RadianRXT; please visit Diono.com for more information and specs relevant to your country

Comments

  2. Nicole says

    Great post! I've been wanting to learn more about the Radian. We need to purchase another carseat for our other car.

  3. Wendy S says

    Great post! As a car seat tech, I love to hear how parents like their seats.

    Diono has made some amazing advancements in technology and safety.

    If you ever have any questions about car seats, please don't hesitate to ask!!

  4. Deanna T. says

    That is one awesome looking car seat. I didn't even know it was possible for a carseat to have a 10 year life span. I thought they all "expired" after 5 years.

  5. Positively Pampered Patty says

    Wow that is an amazing seat! Mine are all out of car seats with the exception of the last two who are in boosters. My little one is just over 40 pounds but she is tall and the seat we have now uses the seat belt and not a harness. Love that it goes to 65 lbs.

  7. Fab Frugal Mama says

    Thanks for all the wonderful comments!

    @AnnMarie – It is even nicer in person… great quality fabric, too!

    @Nicole – this really is an amazing seat. If it fits your child well, you should get one!

    @Wendy S. – your website is a great resource – thank also for the offer of help. I may just take you up on it sometime.

    @Deanna T. – I know, right? Car seats didn't used to last so long. Technology is amazing!

    @Patty – I was pretty amazed by it, too! Aren't you glad to almost be completely free of car seats? So much more room in the car! LOL

    @Tammi – We love the seat and are so happy with it. 🙂 Glad you liked the review!

  8. Monique L.S. says

    Not sure if you'll see this as this is an older post…but…how old was your son when you tried this seat? I need to get a new one for my daughter, and the Diono Radian's come up a few times. Thanks!

    • fabfrugalmama says

      Hi Monique,
      Sorry for the delay… for some reason I didn't see this until now. 🙂
      My son was 2 when we got this seat; he's 3.5 now and it is still as amazing (and he still loves it as much) as the first day he tried it. Let me know if you have any other questions, as I'm happy to help! (You can also post on my FB page, where I'll see it quicker!)