You certainly don’t have to spend a lot on great baby gear, but if you're looking to splurge, the Nuna Rava is a great choice. Parents appreciate the clever design: A grand total of 10 recline angle choices (five for rear-facing, five for forward-facing) makes it easier to fit even in smaller back seats. Plus, the True Tension system makes installing the Rava with your car's seat belts practically effortless. Olivia DeLong, Sr. Editor and mom of a 3.5 year old, says she finds the Rava “super easy” to install. “It takes under five minutes,” she says. We often need to load it into our daughter's grandparent's cars and it is a breeze!”
This car seat has a 50-pound limit for rear-facing kids, which is especially high (many other convertible car seats max out at 40 pounds in rear-facing mode). Many reviewers appreciate that the Rava is made without fire-retardant chemicals, which some parents would prefer to avoid. Another perk: The built-in cup holder, which can be flipped up for sippy cup storage or folded down for more space on the side of the car seat. As your little one grows, she'll benefit from adjustable foot rest to provide more leg room, 10 head support positions and a harness that doesn't need to be rethreaded.
Alexandra Bisono, Sr. Art Director and mom of a 2-year-old, “truly loves” the Nuna brand, and especially that her child could ride back-facing for longer. “My daughter is over 2 years old and we plan to keep her back-facing for as long as possible to keep her safe, and she is very comfortable,” she says.
The Rava is the most expensive car seat on our list, and it maxes out at 65 pounds in the forward-facing position — which is perfectly long-lasting, just not so much as a 3-in-1 model that includes a booster seat. If longevity is a priority, one of the 3- or 4-in-one car seats might be a better long-term investment.
Also worth mentioning: “We love that this car seat offers many recline positions and head support which are easy to adjust, but you have to remove the seat belt anytime you make any adjustments and install it,” says Alexandra. “That is a downside for us.”
Dimensions: 25 x 16 x 19 inches
Weight: 27.2 lbs.
Rear-facing weight and height limit: 5-50 lbs.
Forward-facing weight and height limit: 25-65 lbs.; up to 49 inches
Cup holders: Yes (they flip open)
Anti-rebound bar: No
Extended rear-facing ability: Yes