Choosing the right car seat is paramount for your child’s safety and your peace of mind. The Nuna Revv Car Seat stands out with its innovative 360-degree rotation, making it easier to get your child in and out of the car. Understanding how to properly install the Nuna REVV car seat is crucial for ensuring its safety and effectiveness. This guide will walk you through the installation process using both the vehicle’s seatbelt and the Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH) system, along with highlighting key features and considerations for parents.
Installing the Nuna REVV Car Seat: Seatbelt Method
While the LATCH system is commonly used, Nuna recommends the seatbelt installation method for the REVV, especially as your child grows. Here’s how to securely install the Nuna REVV using your vehicle’s seatbelt:
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Prepare the Tether: Locate your vehicle’s top tether anchor connector, usually found behind the headrest of the car seat position. Attach the Nuna REVV’s top tether strap to this anchor, but do not tighten it fully at this stage.
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Route and Buckle the Seatbelt: Identify the seatbelt path on the Nuna REVV car seat, often indicated by color-coded guides. Thread your vehicle’s seatbelt through this designated path and through the “True Tension” door. Ensure the seatbelt is lying flat and is not twisted. Buckle the seatbelt securely.
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Remove Slack and Tighten: It’s essential to eliminate slack in the seatbelt for a firm installation. Press down firmly on the Nuna REVV car seat with your body weight. While maintaining pressure, pull up on the shoulder belt to initially remove the slack. Then, pull the shoulder belt out completely and allow it to retract. This locking mechanism secures the seatbelt. Position the shoulder belt behind the anti-rebound base and over the top tether strap. Give the shoulder belt one final, strong pull upwards to confirm it’s tightly locked.
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Close and Finalize: Close the “True Tension” door, ensuring it is securely latched. Finally, tighten the top tether strap to eliminate any remaining movement in the car seat. The seat should be firmly installed with minimal movement.
Installing the Nuna REVV Car Seat: LATCH System Method
The LATCH system provides another secure installation option for the Nuna REVV car seat. Here are the steps for using the lower anchors and tether:
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Prepare the Tether: As with the seatbelt method, begin by attaching the Nuna REVV’s top tether strap to your vehicle’s tether anchor connector behind the headrest. Do not tighten it yet.
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Attach Lower Anchors: Locate the lower anchor belt attached to the base of the Nuna REVV. Fully lengthen this belt. Identify the metal LATCH clips in your vehicle’s seat. Attach one of the lower anchor connectors to a LATCH clip.
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Route and Connect Second Anchor: Thread the other end of the lower anchor belt through the designated path on the Nuna REVV car seat and through the “True Tension” door, but leave the door open for now. Attach the second lower anchor connector to the other LATCH clip in your vehicle. Ensure the lower anchor belt is not twisted.
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Tighten and Secure: Push down firmly on the Nuna REVV car seat while simultaneously tightening the lower anchor belt. This can be done by pulling on the adjuster strap of the lower anchor belt. Once tightened sufficiently, close the “True Tension” door securely. Finally, tighten the top tether strap to complete the installation and minimize movement.
Both installation methods, seatbelt and LATCH, are designed to be straightforward. Users have reported that both methods take roughly the same amount of time, around 2 to 3 minutes, once familiar with the process and car seat components. Achieving a truly tight and secure fit might require significant force, potentially involving using your body weight or assistance from another person to press down firmly while tightening the belts. For long-term use and higher weight limits, the seatbelt installation is often recommended by Nuna.
Nuna REVV: Not FAA Approved for Aircraft Use
It’s important to note that the Nuna REVV car seat is not FAA-approved for use on airplanes. According to Nuna, this is because “aircraft belts will not accommodate proper installation of this restraint.” While this might be a drawback for families who frequently fly, the substantial 30-pound weight of the Nuna REVV makes it less than ideal for air travel anyway. Consider this a minor limitation if air travel with the car seat was a consideration.
Nuna REVV Compared to Rotating Car Seat Competitors
The Nuna REVV enters a competitive market of rotating car seats. When compared to models like the Cybex Sirona S and the Evenflo Revolve360, the Nuna REVV presents some differences. Notably, the Nuna REVV has lower height and weight limits for forward-facing use than these competitors, which can accommodate up to 65 pounds in the forward-facing position.
The Nuna REVV also comes with a higher price point. However, this premium price reflects Nuna’s commitment to quality and thoughtful design features. The REVV boasts fire-retardant-free organic fabrics, convenient magnetic buckle holders, and a no-rethread harness system for easy height adjustments. These features, combined with its luxurious aesthetic, justify the higher cost for parents who prioritize these elements.
In conclusion, the Nuna REVV car seat offers a blend of safety, convenience with its 360-degree rotation, and premium features. While installation is manageable using either seatbelts or LATCH, understanding the nuances of each method is key to ensuring your child’s safety. Despite not being FAA-approved and having slightly lower weight limits than some competitors, the Nuna REVV remains a strong contender for parents seeking a high-quality, rotating car seat with exceptional design and user-friendly features.
