Question Diono RXT vs NextFit

U

Unregistered

Guest
Hello all, hoping you can help me out. We have a subaru outback and are deciding on convertible car seat for our one year old. We want her to remain rearfacing as long as possible. She is currently about 30 inches and 20 lbs, so the Britax models are all out of the question. We have narrowed it down to the NextFit and the Diono RXT. We would get the Nextfit, but the harness covers just seem like she would be very uncomfortable. We like the Diono RXT but haven't heard much about it, so want to know if it is as safe as the NExtFit and if it really can be used from now until she no longer needs a booster. We only have one car and one child, so we won't need to move the seat to another car very often. Any feed back would be great. Thank you!
 
ADS

#1babysitter

New member
I think both are great choices. The Nextfit will last her longer rear facing as the headrest extends. Neither will last her until she doesn't need a booster AT ALL. The Nextfit does not become a booster and while the Diono does it doesn't extend or get taller at all so it is outgrown as a booster at the same time the harness is outgrown. It also has a 50 pd minimum for use as a booster which makes is useless for most average sized kiddos. I would focus on getting her a good convertible for now that she can rear face in for as long as possible and then forward face in. When it's time for a booster I would look at a dedicated high back that converts to a low back. There are some ver inexpensive ones ($50) that fit the average sized kiddo very well.

I have two Radians and I love them but I do love the Nextfit. If the 2.5 year old boy I'm a nanny for outgrows the Radian rear facing before I want to turn him forward I will be getting a Nextfit for him. I tried him in one at the store and it offers the same if not more legroom and he has TONS of room to grow in it. I too was worried about the harness pads being a problem but they actually looked just fine on him and didn't seem to pinch or bother him. I would try your daughter in both of them and maybe then you will prefer one over the other.
 

Patriot201

Car-Seat.org Ambassador
Hello, and welcome!

I agree with #1babysitter that both seats are great seats. :thumbsup:

I disagree, however, that the NextFit will last longer than the Radian. Perhaps it depends on the vehicle and the child, but my five-and-a-half-year-old nephew still fits rear-facing in my Radian (with more than enough space above his head), but has outgrown the NextFit rear-facing.

The NextFit is great for some situations, just as the Radian is great for some situations. Both seats fit great in some vehicles, and not well in others. What type of vehicle do you drive?




ETA: The Radian doesn't make a good booster, so you would still need a dedicated booster seat after using the Radian.
 

eduller

New member
It's so interesting how different seat/car combos fit children differently. In the store, with the seats on the floor and not installed in any car, my daughter has less than half an inch left in the Radian, whereas she has a good 2 inches in the Nextfit. That must be one tiny 5 1/2 year old.
 
Last edited:

squishles10

New member
At the store the seat is flat. Installed it has an angle. Depending on how the seats are made, you can gain more head space in one type versus another. You also lose space on the harness. I wouldn't judge a seat not installed.
 

Car-Seat.Org Facebook Group

Forum statistics

Threads
219,656
Messages
2,196,896
Members
13,530
Latest member
onehitko860

You must read your carseat and vehicle owner’s manual and understand any relevant state laws. These are the rules you must follow to restrain your children safely. All opinions at Car-Seat.Org are those of the individual author for informational purposes only, and do not necessarily reflect any policy or position of Carseat Media LLC. Car-Seat.Org makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, currentness, suitability, or validity of any information on this site and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. All information is provided on an as-is basis. If you are unsure about information provided to you, please visit a local certified technician. Before posting or using our website you must read and agree to our TERMS.

Graco is a Proud Sponsor of Car-Seat.Org! Britax is a Proud Sponsor of Car-Seat.Org! Nuna Baby is a Proud Sponsor of Car-Seat.Org!

Please  Support Car-Seat.Org  with your purchases of infant, convertible, combination and boosters seats from our premier sponsors above.
Shop travel systems, strollers and baby gear from Britax, Chicco, Clek, Combi, Evenflo, First Years, Graco, Maxi-Cosi, Nuna, Safety 1st, Diono & more! ©2001-2022 Carseat Media LLC

Top