Let's talk Child Seats...3rd Gen Double Cabs...

Not trying to beat a dead horse here but I wanted to get some updated info on car seats you guys are running.

My daughter is about 14 months old and rocks a Nuna Rava in my wifes car and I recently bought the Cosco Apt 50 for my Tacoma per some recommendations here on TW. I initially LOVED it; it's very inexpensive(so much so I may keep it just for traveling), SUPER light and SUPER easy to install and can grow with her up to around 50lbs front or rear facing. But the one thing that I hate is the overall size...It's WIDE and requires the passenger seat to be a few clicks forward and the back tilted a bit forward. It's even uncomfortable for my 5'4" wife to site in the passenger seat. I occasionally haul 4 adults for work in my truck along with the car seat, this thing makes it literally uncomfortable for all 4 of us

My Question: Are there other seat options on the market that are more compact both in width and depth needed that will also cater to my daughter up to at least 50lbs and be both front and rear facing?? If I could find something at Buy Buy Baby that's a bonus as I can still return the Cosco I got there and I have some gifts cards plus Ebates...yes I'm frugal.

Thanks for any thoughts and feedback!
Mark

For reference
Cosco Apt 50:
https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/st...nvertible-car-seat-in-vibrant-blue/1046480118

Nuna Rava (Great seat for any expecting parents out there!)
https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/nuna-r...MIgZPzh7PJ3AIVBdbACh2rygbxEAQYASABEgJHNvD_BwE

 

I have the Diono Rainier. It is on the more expensive side but it is very compact and it can be used forward facing and rear facing and up to 120 lbs. So its a forever seat.

 

Another vote for Diono Rainier. They're heavy. But slim and folds up so you can store it easier and even travel with it.

 

Thanks all for the info.
I'm pretty much sold on this one.
A few quick Questions:
-Is the "angle adjuster" a good investment for rear facing? I can tell if it's handy or a pain in the butt.
-Could you conceivably put this rear facing in the middle?

Thanks again!

 

I just installed a Nuna Rava yesterday (rear facing right now)...and it is a pain in the ass...it's going back in my girls car.

 

Yep, that's why I'm buying my own seat for my Tacoma. I rarely have my daughter in my truck but I'm not lugging the Nuna back and forth anymore. Also, my seat will be the one we leave for the Grandparents etc. in case they ever need to take her anywhere.

 

The Rava is really meant for a minivan...it is too damn big and the rear door opening is too small to get a kid in and out of that stupid pos.

 

While I don't have a dog in this hunt, I will say this: Frugal is all good, but there are some places that it's not worth it to shave a few bucks. The safety of your children are one. Also, be sure to check for recalls - even some new from the box are affected - some of them are serious, and some of them are as simple as adding a pad to a buckle.

Source: Was a car seat safety technician years ago

 

My wife drives a '17 Acadia, I would say the rear doors are quite large for a mid-size SUV so getting my daughter in and out of her car is pretty easy.

 

The angle adjuster helps immensely and is very easy to use. If you use it in the middle just make sure to use the seatbelt to attach it.

 

Yes. Angle adjuster is a huge help. Makes sitting in the front with the seat rear facing livable.

 

Random update for other fathers to be...

-I kept the Cosco Apt 50 just for travelling (flying). Worth EVERY penny. It's SUPER light and will last many years before my daughter outgrows it. We bought a cheapo carseat bag off Amazon and check the carseat every time we fly. It's free to check it (atleast with Southwest). It's bulky, but the weight and price make it worth it.

-I bought the Diono Radian R100 and love it too. It's super slim yet built like a tank. I LOVE the way it "ratchets" tight. It too, will last pretty much 'till my daughter is no longer in a carseat. Fwiw I got it on sale plus 20% off via Bed Bath and Beyond. The angle adjuster is a must FYI. If we have another kiddo, this is all we'll get in the future.

 

Radian RXT is on sale for 189.00, a savings of 170 dollars. Have just two color choices however..

https://us.diono.com/product/radian-rxt/?cjevent=f7fb40356a2c11e981bd010d0a1c0e0c