Sunshine Kids New Radian80 Convertible Car Seat - Manhattan

Not wanting to travel with my toddler's Britax, I ordered this as a safe and easy to transport seat when I go visit friends or relatives that involve a flight. (trying to rustle up the right sized car seats at the destination is stressful). We didn't need the seat for the airline seat (yet), but I liked the fact that this was purported to be FAA compliant and would fit into a regular airline seat. The seat is a nice size, very sturdy due to a steel frame. My daughter liked it. Imagine a Britax without the plastic base. What I found challenging was the weight and dimensions. Although it does "fold" (the seat into the back), it is still pretty bulky and 25 lbs of dead weight heavy. The price seems high at first for a travel car seat, but upon receipt, you'll see that it is a durable piece of equipment. Since it goes up to 80 lbs, I anticipate having many years of use with it and intend on using it as my daughter's "booster" when she gets older.

After much time looking at various car seats in the stores and comparing to the safety and parent reviews from Amazon and other web sites, we decided on the Radian80. We bought one at first to see how we liked it. Our son was just coming out of the infant carrier so we needed the next phase. We decided on the Radian80 with the hopes that we won't need to buy an additional booster seat later, trying to justify the expense. However, we were comparing to Britax mostly (because of their high ratings) which is just as expensive or more and didn't go up to the weight limit as the Radian80. The car seat is very sturdy and installation is a snap (used both the seat belt and now the latch system). He fits in there very nicely, he's secure and the harness is easy to use. We had it rear facing in the middle of the back seat for a couple months but recently moved it to the rear passenger side because he really likes to see out the window and it's easier to get him in and out now. My only complaint is in this position we've had to move the front passenger seat more forward so sitting in that seat isn't the most comfortable if you need the legroom. Once we turn it so he's front facing, this won't be an issue. After having this for a week we bought another one for our other car.

Yes the folding feature is handy for people who travel on planes to grandpa's house... but it is heavy, and you have to buy an additional strap to carry it like a back pack.

Also, THE COVERS ARE NOT MACHINE WASHABLE!! What kind of child's product isn't machine washable?!? Our one year old vomited old milk all over the car seat, and no amount of hand washing was going to get the smell of sour milk out, so we threw it in the wash... and it practically disintegrated. A replacement cover is $70.00! So instead I sewed it back together Frankenstein style, not very attractive, but it's working... sorta...
If the cover were washable, I would recommend this car seat... but without, I'd say keep looking.

I purchased this seat after doing all the research. Our 22 lb, 10 month old daughter is at the height limit of her infant seat (although it goes to 30 lbs). We needed something that would do well for air travel well and fit our daughter for a long time. We received our first order from Amazon in the "Super Cool" fabric and it looked used. There was wear on the base and on the tightening strap at the front of the seat. I called and Amazon immediately sent a call-tag to return the seat we had and sent another, which we received in 2 days. I am very happy with this second car seat so far. It is heavy but I would rather it be heavy and sturdy than the alternative. The only feature that would be nice to add is an adjustable base to use when rear facing. My daughter does not like to be reclined that much anymore but needs to be rear-facing, add will probably stay that way for quite a while yet.

My son has a sensitive stomach. His previous carseat (Graco) always produced spit-up, no matter how long I tried to wait before taking him after feeding him. Now he can ride right after eating and is completely comfortable. Plus with the slim design, he can look out the window better. This is a huge help with reducing tears on longer drives. He sleeps comfortably without a lot of head lolling and strange positions. Even better than the one (Eddie Bauer) my husband got for his car too!

Only downside is the weight. But since it stays in my car 90% of the time, its just fine for us! Easy to seatbelt back in after removal when needed.

I am thrilled that he is so safe AND comfortable!