Pricey and heavy but definitely worth it!
April 18, 2018
Its quite a pricey car seat but I bit my tongue and splurged since I wasnt 100% happy with my current car seats: a Maxi Cosi Pria 85 Max and Graco 4Ever.The only issue I had with the Rava thus far is the weight, its quite heavy but thats not a deal breaker.Despite the Rava being the heaviest of the 3 (Pria as the lightest), the heaviness makes up for being a sturdy and durable car seat! I did not have any issues setting up the Rava (and 4Ever) in different vehicles; it sat well, whereas I hate the Pria because I feel its never secure enough and wobbles and looks awkward no matter what I do.The Rava is extremely cushioned without making my daughter too hot, who runs hot in general. She did well in the 4Ever although I feel the 4Ever could use more padding; the Pria, despite the special material on the Max model, she sweated pretty badly during the few days of hot weather we had in March here in Northern California. I have yet to need to wash the Rava so I cannot comment on that but when I saw the seat in person prior to purchasing, I was afraid of lint (pet fur) and dirt catching on to it. So far it has not been an issue. The 4Ever is easy to clean and no issues with dirt and lint; and Pria, I can see how the material may start piling soon.The two foldable cups make for convenience when needed, however, I feel that theyre a bit filmsy with the way they lift up and down - I'm always afraid I might break them off the seat because I can't seem to get them to fold down smoothly. Cleaning appears to be difficult but I've yet to have the need to. Whereas the 4Evers two cup holders detaches from the seat, but I've had issues with them not securing all the time and my daughter would pull on them. Pria - comes with one cup holder and I believe its permanently attached to the seat although I've read that it can be removed but I have yet to figure that out, therefore it makes cleaning a bit harder, plus the material is not a smooth plastic so dirt can easily catch in.I like the harness holder of the Rava; sticking the buckles into the clip holder is easy whereas the 4Ever doesnt have that option and the Pria Max does but I find it harder to clip the harness without having to pull the straps out far enough.The Rava harness does twist but not as much as the Pria, which the Pria just drives me crazy!!!I love how the Rava has the adjustable crotch option. I'm still trying to get the hang of adjusting it, but that options is definitely a plus since my daughter has big thighs.My daughter looks comfortable in the Rava even when she falls alseep in it. She looks comfy in the Pria but always seems too hot and stuffed, and 4Ever needs more padding!Thus far I am happy with my decision to go with the Rava and is my primary car seat of choice. I am hesitant to take it for travel (air line check in) as I'm afraid it might get damaged. The 4Ever is my 2nd option. Weve checked it on airlines and no issues. I would pass on Pria 85 altogether (again, I have the Max).