Loving the Pria! (pic heavy)

Loving the Pria! (pic heavy) FF pics added

FF pictures added in post #16

For the past year we have been using a Roundabout 55 for our 97% 20 month old. I love it except for the lack of legroom which makes it really hard to load and buckle her. So I have been on a quest to find a convertible that would work for us.

I have tried practically every one of the “bigger” convertibles on the market and they have all had deal breakers for me. Difficult or over reclined installs, difficult or buried harness adjusters, straps that cut into the neck without harness covers, wide set straps that fall off my narrow shouldered children, lack of leg room, high up on a base, continuous harness, etc.

A few weeks ago, I was at Buy Buy Baby and had to look at the car seats while I was there. I saw the Maxi Cosi Pria (which I hadn’t considered before because of the price) and I fell in love. I had a 20% off coupon so I decided to give it a try and I am loving it more and more each day. I have finally found a convertible that I love!!

Things I like:
-Tons of leg room
-The huge head wings. Awesome side impact protection and great for sleeping.
-Harness with fixed ends (not continuous)
-Easy install
-Doesn’t take up any more room than the RA55 and allows the front passenger seat to be all the way back
-Smooth harness adjuster (definitely not like other Dorel harness adjusters I have tried)
-Nice squishy harness pads
-Awesome padding. So so thick!
-Easy to load child. No more squishing them into the seat
-Headrest adjusts so tall
-Cupholder

Things I don’t like:
-It does sit up on a base but I don’t think it’s any higher than the RA55
-Is a complicated seat that requires very careful reading of the manual (I almost missed the part about the belt guides for installing it rear facing) but once you figure it out it’s not bad.
-The price is a little steep especially since I don't really plan on using the tiny fit insert
-RF height limit of 40 inches

Things I wish it had:
-A belly pad
-Those cool clips to hold the harness out of the way like on the Priori


DD2- 20 months, 35 inches, 24 lbs


Tons of leg room compared to the RA55




Awesome side impact protection


Great for sleeping. No head slump


Headrest fully extended


Headrest fully extended


DD1- 3 years 7 months, 42 inches, 35 lbs


Headrest fully extended


Headrest fully extended (hard to get a good picture from this angle) She still has tons of room even though she's over the RF heigh limit.

Isn't it nice? I played with one at KIM conference. I will have to rep you for your nice little review, when I get home!

I.want.one!!

Great review and if i had a child that needed it i would jump my TF ship and get one!

I played with one for awhile and...I love this seat. Even though it's Dorel.

If I don't fall in love with the Foonf, this is next on my list for DS2.

What is the width? I really like that, and DS needs a new seat, probably before the Foonf's debut...

Can the head be above the shell RFing as long as there is one inch of headrest?


I wish it wasn't Dorel because it looks nice.

An Aurora said:

What is the width? I really like that, and DS needs a new seat, probably before the Foonf's debut...

Click to expand...

I measured approx. 20" at the widest point.

Kac said:

Can the head be above the shell RFing as long as there is one inch of headrest?
I wish it wasn't Dorel because it looks nice.

Click to expand...

Yes it can but I don't think there is a one inch rule. Wording from the manual: "Do not use this child restraint rear facing if the top of your child's head is above the top of the child restraint's headrest".

Brycen'sMommy said:

Things I don’t like:
-Is a complicated seat that requires very careful reading of the manual (I almost missed the part about the belt guides for installing it rear facing) but once you figure it out it’s not bad.

-RF height limit of 40 inches

Click to expand...

What are the special instructions for RF?

Would anybody be comfortable using it over 40" (like the CA) *IF* the child's head is over the hard shell but still within the limits of the headrest portion? I was comfortable with it on the CA but that is shell not headrest, height correct? I am drawing a blank on it... (we use our CA FF now)

Thanks for posting this.

Questions: Is the headrest cover removable for cleaning? Is the seat cover a nightmare to take off (you know, like those CA clips that you have to pry off with a screwdriver and much cursing)?

Oh I love it! Can you take some pics of it ff with one of your adorable models?

Very nice

Awesome review! I've been thinking of a 40lb rf seat for DS2 that isn't our CA. I'm not sure I'm okay with the 40" rule though given DS1 passed that ~3yo. =\

cat mommy said:

Thanks for posting this.

Questions: Is the headrest cover removable for cleaning? Is the seat cover a nightmare to take off (you know, like those CA clips that you have to pry off with a screwdriver and much cursing)?

Click to expand...

The headrest cover is not removeable. :thumbsdown: The seat cover is elastic all around so it just pulls of easily. No clips that you have to pry off.

firemomof3 said:

Oh I love it! Can you take some pics of it ff with one of your adorable models?

Click to expand...

I will try to take some tomorrow. I've been wanting to see how it installs FF.

Were it not for that 40" rule, this seat would be in the running to replace DS's radian (sigh).

wow I really like that! Just not the 40 inch rule...seems that by the wording quoted about using as long as the head is not above the headrest, that it is worthless to say 40 inch rule too. I too wonder how bad it would be to go above the height limit as long as the head is in the correct position. I mean, some kids are all legs! I love our RA55 but hate the lack of leg room...but I love the way it fits in our car.

Anyone know how it compares to this seat? http://www.albeebaby.com/maxi-cosi-priori-convertible-car-seat-phantom.html ? Much cheaper and honestly I could care less how far it ff's for as I am only concerned about the rfing limits.

FF pictures
Recline position 2: 22-40 lbs and 34-43 inches
Recline position 1: 40-70 lbs and 43-52 inches

I actually really like it FF. I didn't think I would because of the weird recline position rules. It looks more reclined in the pictures then it actually was. Install was super easy.


Recline position 2
DD2- 35 inches & 24 lbs




Recline position 2
DD1- 42 inches & 35 lbs




Recline position 1

Thanks for posting the pics! What are the top slot measurements? How much room does your dd have?