Review of Recaro Como

[lovinwaves]

The Recaro Como is dare I say "Sophisticated". Lightweight, but yet sturdy and solid feeling. Seems to be very well designed with SIP(Side Impact Protection) in mind.

The seat at first glance is very "luxurious" looking with nice plush velour like fabric. Nice "Recaro" emblems in various locations on the seat for an added touch.

It seems to be in a class of it's own. Higher slots than the Marathon, yet narrower than the Regent. The Deep side wings give it the illusion of being narrow, but it is two inches wider than the Marathon at the widest point.

The sides are extra deep at 8 inches, vs. 4 inches on the Marathon. (I will be using the Marathon as a comparision seat, since it is very well known). The EPS foam is located in the side of the seat. The head bolster and thigh bolster are a very nice touch, and my 3 1/2 year old seemed to like them (she is pictured without these though). At some point the bolsters may be removed based on the size of the child.

Rear-facing for a newborn I would see the use of Pool noodles being necessity. It does install at an angle but not the 45 degrees required for a young infant. The install for both forward and rear-facing (latch or seatbelt) very nice and easy.

The Como retails for $249.99.

I will let the pictures speak for themselves. If you have specific questions about this seat, or need more detailed info let me know.

Features of seat:

-Loop on belly pad to help dig it out from under child.
-Extra long shoulder pads, with grippy on bottom to stay secure on child.
-Easy Recline handle
-Air Ventilation on sides for child
-Smooth base with rounded edges
-Lock-offs for rear-facing and forward-facing
-Deep sides
-EPS foam
-nice fabric
-Top slots at 19inch
-Bottom slots at 10 inch
-Head bolster
-Thigh Bolster
-Snap bottom for adjusting strap(so child can't grab it)
-owner's manual pocket.


http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/p9f87c6ab61fa8f9c4688d7909437d6c3/e7e7efe2.jpg http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/pb45c250790d2ef45ca11beac621d4e58/e7e7efe0.jpg http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/p166613e216382c3f956f21762d016f35/e7e7e73c.jpg http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/p08d0aa6a2024c948c13104c059de3d69/e7e7e8c9.jpg http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/p67ce6b17b66c89118143a1db2c29a050/e7e7e9c2.jpg http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/pbf2bfe34fdf10c1de64c7119c106a7b0/e7e7ea77.jpg http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/p872f501dc3b21852a6083a70eab576fd/e7e7ee2d.jpghttp://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/pf9b791a5de4c0d5cae64c3ce45e075bf/e7e7ee10.jpg http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/pe968576d8c33e2d7985da6be00e0dec4/e7e7efe1.jpg http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/p66d54277208be6ce8b92892c8ec6bbb4/e7e7e89e.jpg http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/pd53186359c604573fb95ed4a866676f7/e7e7e811.jpg http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/paad1d1bc91fda622768403c0045d6726/e7e7e6cf.jpg http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/p244e78ad3871f0febfeb42513e23bf39/e7e7e658.jpg http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/p9d256d4465f3799bb568940a45267eec/e7e7e5a0.jpg

[lovinwaves]

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/pa290eac1b559b0489dc179e68b37f791/e7e7e543.jpg http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/pb6d1b7aeb72f28d779092277b4bfdbca/e7e7e4e6.jpg http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/pe7782b466e02a0163c3c7a1240b4b29b/e7e7e41d.jpg http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/pe62e08e0da1c5456da0ea4f201d0c665/e7e7e322.jpg http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/p56eb726daa3a1303674ed99e59555b09/e7e7e22b.jpg

[natysr]

Great info.

The curve on the bottom of the base looks like it would hug an center seat in a small car nicely.

[Jewels]

Thanks for the review! Do you have pictures of kids in the seat to see how they compare?

[cheerbop]

Thanks for the review.
May I ask, how tall is the seat (where their bottoms go) from the floor? How about the Marathon's? I just wanted a comparison of this. I know that many, myself included have commented on how it loos like it would be harder to get in and out of, but in the pic it really doesn't look that much, if any higher than the MA.

Again, thanks! Great work!!:D

[BABYGIRLLYNDSEY]

Melissa, How wide is it in the shoulder area? How deep is the seating area? I am wondering how much deeper it is than the Boulevard/Marathon seats. Does it seem like a deeper seat overall? I am curious if it will stick out farther in the car and if Karley would be closer to the front passenger seat (and kicking her brother's seat) :D The seat kind of reminds me of the Graco Safeseat 2 with the wide wings and shape. I know that people have said that the Graco Safe seat is a very deep seat overall. Let us all know. Thanks!

[lilheifer03]

How much room does it take up on the seat width wise? Is it the same as the Marathon or wider like the regent?

[lilheifer03]

What is the height from the seat to the top of the shell? What is the width that it takes up on the seat?

[chicagodawn]

yay, I am so excited that my Como has shipped! Thanks Melissa for all of the great photos, it is very helpful for me to see it next to the Marathon (we have one FPSVD and one BV currently).


Dawn (doing a Happy Dance around my office) cool!:

[CPSDarren]

The Recaro Como is dare I say "Sophisticated". Lightweight, but yet sturdy and solid feeling. Seems to be very well designed with SIP(Side Impact Protection) in mind.

Glad to hear "sturdy" applies. Some previous models might not have earned that description. Just out of curiousity, where is it manufactured?

It will also be interesting to see people's experiences with Recaro customer service, now that a new wave of highly anticipated models is being released.

[southpawboston]

Glad to hear "sturdy" applies. Some previous models might not have earned that description. Just out of curiousity, where is it manufactured?

which ones weren't considered sturdy? the new comos/signos are made in china.

[Dillipop]

Are the air vents covered by eps foam or just the cover?

[lovemytwosweeties]

Very helpful, thanks!

[CPSDarren]

which ones weren't considered sturdy? the new comos/signos are made in china.

I have generally not been highly impressed with the quality of various Recaro models. That's not to say any are poor or unsafe at all, just my personal opinion of those I've owned (Young Style, Start),those I've installed and feedback from a few other parents/techs. I had the same opinion about Nania products, though some of those were clearly in another league. I still use my Nania backless booster though the cover fell off long ago. The Airway is my cat's favorite perch and coated by years of hair accumulation in the unfinished basement utility area lol.

Perhaps I've just seen a bad sampling of models, since most people seem to be very impressed by them.

[An Aurora]

Thank you, that is very helpful!

You don't happen to have more pics of it RF, do you? Or with a kiddo in the seat? I'm trying to judge how my tall 2yo would fit in it RF. How do the slots compare to those on the Radian?

[BABYGIRLLYNDSEY]

The photos are super helpful. I can't wait to see your review of the Signo when it comes out!

[southpawboston]

are you going to keep the como in stalled in your car for a few days? i'm curious of the couple of reports so far of loosening up with lap belt installations.

[Jeanum]

Thanks for the review. Were you able to install all 3 seats (MA/Radian/Como) across the third row of your Ody? I can't tell for certain from the photos if they're installed or just positioned side by side, lol. And how easily does the Como install in general?

[lovinwaves]

What is the height from the seat to the top of the shell? What is the width that it takes up on the seat?

The last two photos show the height of the seat to the top of the shell. Coincidently, the seat sits lowers ( in my van) than the Marathon (please see above photos)

Are the air vents covered by eps foam or just the cover?

The EPS Foam has the same slits as the plastic for the air vents.


You don't happen to have more pics of it RF, do you? Or with a kiddo in the seat? I'm trying to judge how my tall 2yo would fit in it RF. How do the slots compare to those on the Radian?

Those are my only photos of it rf'ing. Since the seat is deeper, the child will probably sit more in the seat rf'ing then in the Marathon :thumbsup:

Can you be more specific with your question regarding the Radian and slots.

are you going to keep the como in stalled in your car for a few days? i'm curious of the couple of reports so far of loosening up with lap belt installations.

The seat I did a review on is a floor model for the store.

[drey]

Thanks for the pictures! Some of the more "common" information would be helpful here, too, especially since I wanted to send a link to this post to a friend who's looking at getting one... (i.e. weight limits, harness slot heights, etc...)

[lilheifer03]

The last two photos show the height of the seat to the top of the shell. Coincidently, the seat sits lowers ( in my van) than the Marathon (please see above photos)

I mean from the seat where the child sits to the top of the shell. Also what about the width it takes up in the car, both the base and at the widest part.(sorry for the double post earlier!)THANKS!:)

[lovinwaves]

I mean from the seat where the child sits to the top of the shell. Also what about the width it takes up in the car, both the base and at the widest part.(sorry for the double post earlier!)THANKS!:)

The seat to the top of the shell measurement is also pictured. It is 26 inches.

The widest part of the seat (outer edge) near the side/hip area is 19 inches. The outer edge of the top sides is 17 1/2 inches. The back of the seat width of the frame (the part that touches your vehicle seat while ff'ing) is 13 inches.

I had no problems getting it in 3 across. It seems that the sides come *out* towards the front allowing puzzling of seats very well. It really doesn't seem that much bigger than the Marathon.

It sure feel the same weight, if not less.

[lovinwaves]

I mean from the seat where the child sits to the top of the shell.

Oops, I guess I missed that photo when uploading..

Here ya go! http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid225/pd292f9b8e84b664fcf217b8fcf570925/e7e7ee78.jpg

[An Aurora]

Can you be more specific with your question regarding the Radian and slots.


Sorry, I should have been more clear! I just was curious if the Como would have as much room RF as the Radian, or if it would be more like the Marathon. My DD1 (25mo, 27lbs, 37in) has about an inch left in her Marathon, but a good 3-4 inches RF in her Radian.

[steph]

So no rear facing tether, right?

Would you recommend this seat for a 3 year old over the Radian (setting installation aside and just focusing on fit of the child)?

[lovinwaves]

Sorry, I should have been more clear! I just was curious if the Como would have as much room RF as the Radian, or if it would be more like the Marathon. My DD1 (25mo, 27lbs, 37in) has about an inch left in her Marathon, but a good 3-4 inches RF in her Radian.

I believe the Como's shell is over an inch taller than the Radian.

[lovinwaves]

Would you recommend this seat for a 3 year old over the Radian (setting installation aside and just focusing on fit of the child)?

I suppose that depends on the parent. The SIP protection is much great on the COMO because of the very deep sides at 8inches vs. 3 1/2 on the Radian. The Cover is plusher and thicker as well. The base would also be a determing factor as well. The straps are set much further apart on the Como so they don't dig into the child's shoulder or neck area. The Radian has its many plus points, so again I think it just comes down to personal preference.

Me personally...I would choose the Como(I also own a Radian) :thumbsup: The seat has a "cocooning" feeling, like the child is very well protected.

[rdangel]

Question. Are you able to get the como to fit on the "plusOne" seat safely? I would love to be able to squeeze it in between my daughter's decathlons...

[lovinwaves]

Question. Are you able to get the como to fit on the "plusOne" seat safely? I would love to be able to squeeze it in between my daughter's decathlons...

Honestly, I didn't even try. That 8th seat is more for Boosters, or no seat at all...sorry

[An Aurora]

I believe the Como's shell is over an inch taller than the Radian.

Thanks :thumbsup:

[ArmybratMama]

First post for me even though I've been reading for months! I love your review of the como great info. I pre-ordered my Signo months ago and am impatiently waiting. Great pictures also everyone in my house thought I needed to be locked away I was so excited to see pictures. :D My friend has just found out she's pregnant and I have been telling her about my Signo and now she's asking about the Recaro for her possibly. I see you say pool noodles would be neccessary for an infant and I know Recaro says min weight 5lbs but when she asks I can't tell her yes I'd really put my newborn in one of these instead of an infant seat because this is all so new to me. So I'm curious has anyone ever had a newborn in a seat like this (not just the como) so I could give her a good honest answer. We are both Army wives and money is tight so I want to help her make an informed decision. I love reading everyone's posts and learning so much about making my little one safer!

[henrietta]

Personally, I wouldn't use this seat (or any convertible seat) for a newborn, b/c most really don't fit a newborn, no matter what the minimum weight says. The bottom slots on this seat and Britax are 10" vs. the bottom slots on most infant seats are 5-8". The shoulder harness needs to be at or below the top of the shoulders when a carseat is used rearfacing. Now, I know that since the convertible carseat is taller, the newborn "riding up" in the carseat during an accident isn't going to hit his/her head on anything b/c there' so much shell above his head, but he's safer the less he moves, period, which would only happen in a seat where the harness slots can be at or below his shoulders. Also, infant seats are generally a bit easier to get at the correct angle, whereas convertible seats like this one may be too tall to easily get installed at a 45 degree angle.

Even with all of the infant padding in our Britax Decathlon, our ds still didn't fit in it unti he was around 12-15 lbs.

I'd suggest buying a Graco Safe Seat 1 b/c it will last the longest of all the infant seats and it's a great seat! Most infants don't outgrow it until they are 12-18 mos old, depending on how big they are. By then, all of these new higher weight carseats will have been on the market awhile, prices may be down, bugs will have been worked out, etc. etc. And if a $200+ carseat is still not in the works, at least the Evenflo Triumph Advance will still be $130. (-:

Otherwise, the Como sounds great!

henrietta

[UlrikeDG]

The bottom slots on this seat and Britax are 10" vs. the bottom slots on most infant seats are 5-8". The shoulder harness needs to be at or below the top of the shoulders when a carseat is used rearfacing.

From Safe Ride News (http://www.saferidenews.com/articles_srn/CR/CR_articles.htm) (italics were added by me):5. Confusing strap height advice for rear-facing child
Confusing Strap Height Recommendation for Rear-Facing Newborns (May/June 2004)

The recommendation given in the standardized CPS curriculum and in child restraint instructions calls for strap-height for rear-facing restraints to be positioned at or below the baby’s shoulders. This is an over-simplification that can lead to confusion. In many sets of instructions, there is an absolute statement that the straps “must be at or below the shoulders.”

The acceptance of this concept over the years has led to the design of many products with lower slots than in the past. Many rear-facing CRs now fall well within the acceptable criterion of 10 inches or less set by the AAP in its policy statement of 1996. That 10-inch height was low for products at that time, but is higher than the shoulders of most newborns, especially premature infants.

It can be very confusing for parents to be given a seemingly absolute rule which may not be possible to follow. CPSTs and other educators could simplify the message by encouraging parents to use the lowest available slots until the baby’s shoulders reach the higher slots. They should understand that the closer the slots are to the baby's shoulders the better. However, even if the lowest slots are above the newborn baby’s shoulders, the seat can be used. If there is a wide discrepancy, a different seat could be found (see list, right).

Editors’ Note
Better, simpler wording, in my opinion, would be "use the lowest slots until the baby's shoulders reach the level of the upper slots."

For a parent expecting a long, 8+ lb baby, the fit of a Britax or Recaro seat is probably going to be quite acceptable, even from birth.

[mom2boys]

I don't own this seat, but normally I would say no, a newborn should not be in a convertible seat. I own a convertible seat that I thought would work for my newborn as it was a newborn and up seat. But, when you place a 8 lb baby in it, it just didn't look safe. My son fit fine strap wise, but he just looked like he was swimming in the seat because he was so tiny and the seat was too big. He wasn't cradled right in the seat in my opinion. With the como, it looks like those headwings are supposed to help that, but I don't know if I trust that. I really think that since money is tight, I would buy an infant seat. Or, maybe she can borrow your infant seat ?? (Given that it is not expired and hasn't been in any sort of accident). My kids were bigger kids, and were out of their infant seats by 6 months. But, to me, the investment was worth it, even though I already had a convertible seat. Of course, she can always buy the Como/Signo and an infant seat and return the infant seat after the baby is born is she feels the Signo looks safe enough. That's just my :twocents:

[UlrikeDG]

While after market products which go between the child and the seat or the child and the straps are not recommended, parents can use a simple rolled-up receiving blanket or towel between the infant and the sides of the seat to help eliminate any gaps which make the baby appear to "swim" in a convertible seat. A rolled washcloth can also be placed at the crotch strap to keep baby from slumping.

[Mama!]

Thank you lovinwaves for this review. :D

[thepeach80]

I know what Safe Ride news says, but I still feel strap heights being so high is just the first sign that there are other fit issues w/ the seat. I know Ilana was not able to safely fit into a Boulevard/RA for quite a while, the leg straps were too far away from her body and she would pull her legs into the space even when buckled. I just tried her in the Como a few wks ago and she's about 18# and close to 28", 10 mos old and was just even w/ the bottom slots of the seat. I can't imagine she'd have fit well fresh from the hospital (6#13oz). Though this is a new experience for me, b/c she seems to have legs as opposed to the boys' torsos. ;)

[ArmybratMama]

Thanks for all the replies to my question. Ever piece of info was very carefully considered and passed on to my friend she still has plenty of time to make the decision but this helped a ton!

[UlrikeDG]

Of course, if there are obvious fit issues, such as an infant pulling his/her legs up out of the harness, a different seat should be used. This is true with infant carrier seats, as well, some of which fit even worse than a convertible with a newborn.

My own experience with a newborn in a convertible (Britax Roundabout) is that the fit was fine. The bottom slots were only slightly above her shoulders, and the harness fit snugly across her hips.

[infinkc]

lovinwaves-
Did the seat come with the recaro shoulder straps? i just received mine from recaro and there are no shoulder straps on the seat? guess i have to contact them

[barnmama25]

The pictures no longer work on this review :( I was about to order it and was really hoping this reco would be the deal breaker.