Mia Moda Viva

[Ashley_R]

My BRU now has the Viva. I'll post a short review now and go back later (probabley monday) for photos and to look at more in depth.

The first time you remove from the rack it seems heavy but the seat itself is actually one of the lightest I've felt. Comparable to a combi, maybe a touch lighter than the snugride. I was impressed. The base weights a lot, maybe as much as 10 lbs!

One odd thing I found was that the seat release is on the base not the car seat, I've never seen a seat like this but its definitely neat. On the front of the base (behind the baby's back) there is a grey piece that reads "pull to release" you put your hand under it and push away a cover then pull it to make the seat come out of the base. I found it difficult to do with the seat when it wasnt buckled in to a seat belt as it does take a bit of force but I think it would be ok once it was buckled in securely. I will install it in my car next time I go to see it to see if it works Ok in a car.

The seat locks into the base with 4 hooks. I liked this when I saw it but found that when I went to put the seat into the base I couldnt get it to lock in the first time. It took me at least 5 minutes to get it to lock in. But once I had done it once it did it fine the next few times so I'm not sure what I think about that. I prefer seats that naturally lock in as you set them into the base so to me this was a big down spot but I will check it out again.

The handle's curve is quite comfortable and east to carry. It appeared to be one that would be left up in the car but I didnt have time to read the owners manual so I am unsure.

The LATCH hooks were those like a britax seat has. I dont recall the adjuster but will check it next time. It was a single strap routed thru the belt path.

The seat itself can be installed without the base. The seat has belt guilds the belt is routed thru on each side(I didnt care for these, they seemed poorly marked and may cause confusion) and a shoulder belt guild in the rear of the seat.

There are 4 harness slots, I didnt measure them so I dont know the heights. The back seemed slightly taller than the snugride but its hard to tell without measuring.

The canopy seemed strong and moved easily.

I honestly did not buckle and unbuckle the harness (I'm a little shocked at myself) so I dont know anything about it but again will check it again.