Recaro Performance Ride or Chicco Nextfit?

sundaesprinkles · November 2013

I'm trying to decide which convertible seat to go with. Unfortunately I have a smaller car (Kia Spectra) and although one day I hope to get a van it probably won't be happening for at least a couple of years. So fit is a concern.

The Chicco Nextfit seemed perfect until I read about the huge shoulder pads that can't be removed and make tightening the harness correctly difficult. I don't want to worry if i have DS strapped in correctly. I really like the different recline positions though which seem to help it fit different cars.

The Recaro seems like an excellent seat but it seems like it's harder to install and I'm not sure yet if I want to buy more than one seat yet so ease of installation is a factor. Also I'm pretty sure the seat cover isn't machine washable which seems crazy to me. And it can only be used in (one) recline position rear-facing and no recline front-facing.

Any advice is appreciated!

ebp913 · November 2013

Don't do the Recaro. Its VERY short on leg room and it sits up high which makes it hard to get your child in and out of the seat. I wouldn't recommend it if you plan to rear face for awhile. I would do the Nextfit. I hear that it gets easier to tighten as you go and that once you get a method down that works, you are good.

MouseInLux · November 2013

The Recaro isn't recommended as it's got bad leg room. You may want to check in car seats for the littles

sundaesprinkles · November 2013

Thanks I did not know about the leg room issue.

orangecurls · November 2013

I love my nextfit. So easy to install. And the straps aren't too hard to tighten, just pull the shoulder straps down before tightening.

sundaesprinkles · November 2013

Thanks ladies. I have decided to get the Nextfit!

Caseyk1127 · November 2013

Both of my kids (2 and 1 yr) are in Recaro ProRides and have plenty of room. They love their seats. I find them very easy to install with the latch system. We have 4 of them (2 in each car) but sometimes I will uninstall them from my car and re-install them into another car at daycare drop off if I know a family member other than DH will be picking them up that day and it only takes me about 10 mins at the very most to move 2 of them. I tried putting my 2 yr old in the Chicco at the store but he seemed squished compared to the Recaro.

sdb421 · November 2013

I actually think that any Nextfit manufactured after Oct 1, 2013 will have new shoulder pads that are less bulky and that they have also okay-ed the removal of the current shoulder pads. Just thought that I'd pass along the info. I think it's a much smarted seat purchase, so I'd personally go that route!

ebp913 · November 2013

sdb421 said:

I actually think that any Nextfit manufactured after Oct 1, 2013 will have new shoulder pads that are less bulky and that they have also okay-ed the removal of the current shoulder pads. Just thought that I'd pass along the info. I think it's a much smarted seat purchase, so I'd personally go that route!

This!