Quick Car Seat Guide: Diono Radian 3R Review

If you have been on Amazon, you have always seen the Diono Radian 3R review. If you are trying to get one of the Diono Car Seats and are looking for the all in-one convertible car seat. This post will give you the rundown of what you need to know.

If you fly a lot or do a lot of international travel, you might be surprised I have mixed feelings about it. My experience with the all in-one car seat might be different than what you expect from a car seat review.

Now my husband and I got this car seat a couple of years ago. When we travel with our little boy, we want to ensure that he is comfortable and safe.

We were traveling internationally to Jamaica for our annual family vacation. At the time, we were with our 16-month-old son.

And this car seat was highly recommended. Regarding being able to travel on airplanes, since it’s FAA approved, you can use it on the aircraft in the seat while traveling.

You will see on Amazon reviews that the Diono is highly rated and listed as a recommended car seat. While you can bring the car seat to the cabin, we decided to check the car seat and the stroller we brought along.

By the way, if you are looking for a great stroller that I highly recommend using if you are traveling internationally or domestically, here is my review of the gb Pockit+ All City Stoller that you can also get on Amazon. This post is great if you are looking for great tips regarding international travel with a toddler!

Were you interested in purchasing this travel stroller? Click here to get this stroller and see the other travel products I recommend for your kids!  

This post is a Diono Radian 3R review.

Peace of Mind Car Seats

Here is the part of the post where I go over the specs so that you have an understanding of what you will get with the car seat. We currently have the car seat in jet black, but you can get the car seat in different colors.

While you will have to buy travel accessories to add to the car seat, you can make the car seat rear-facing. The rear-facing capacity goes up to 40 lb.

You can buy additional parts to make this a comfortable infant car seat if you feel the current products could be upgraded to make it more comfortable.

The back of the car seat is made with automotive-grade steel, so you can feel confident that you are getting decent car seat safety.

Personally don’t recommend using this car seat as a rear-facing car seat. It works better in forward-facing mode. Older children will find the weight capacity to work better since the slim fit design modes are better to transport in different vehicles.

If you’re interested in having a booster, you can purchase the booster seat separately. Being in the convertible family, the max capacity of the car seat goes from 5 to 120 lbs.

3-in-1 convertible car seat

It is a 3-in-1 convertible car seat. As you know, convertible car seats are meant to grow with you and your child from infants, so keep in mind that this car seat will allow you to go up to 100 pounds.

A lot of convertible car seats will allow you to go up between 100%, so this is normal in the convertible car seat.

If you have a smaller child who would need to sit in this car seat with the booster attachment.

You can bring this on the aircraft, but I would recommend getting on the aircraft early so that you have enough time to while you’re boarding install the car seat in their seat properly.

As you know, aircraft seatbelts are situated a lot differently, so you will need a few extra moments to ensure your child is securely front facing in this car seat on an aircraft.

It has a steel core 5-point harness, so making sure that the latch connectors are hooked up correctly will also be necessary.

The car seat’s weight is 25 lb, so it’s not a light car seat. This will be an easy transport for a guy but if you are a petite person like myself, be mindful that this is heavy to pick up.

Luckily, all the way around, it has a detachable rear-facing base foam harness pad, a lap belt cushion, a harness a front-facing top tether, and it does come with an instruction manual.

Diono Radian 3R Cons

My main issue with the car seat is insufficient padding for my son’s neck. When he’s in the vehicle, most kids tend to fall asleep.

When he falls asleep, his neck is all over the place, and because there is no cushion on the side, we are very concerned about his neck getting strained and looking very uncomfortable.

We include a traveling neck pillow to protect your child’s neck from offsetting this.

If you can, look past the padding. Since the Diono seats generally don’t offer that. You will be in good shape since the safety features are up to par. If you are looking for an option for additional padding, check out the chicco fit4 review.

Were you interested in purchasing this convertible car seat? Click here to get this car seat and the recommended travel system for infants and younger children.

Sometimes, depending on your car type, it doesn’t seem to fit as securely as other convertible seats. It’s disappointing, considering that you can take this one aircraft. It is mainly designed for that. But if you’re using it for everyday travel, keep in mind that the top part of it is secure.

Separate Purchases for Accessories

The bottom does move and it’s concerning when you’re taking it from the vehicle to the vehicle. It comes with additional memory foam blocks to help it stay secure.

But they are also meant to be used if you use the infant insert. Booster mode operates differently.

Another thing is that it doesn’t come with cup holders or any place for your child to like add their goodies. You will have to purchase those things separately.

It is not included. But if you’re getting the actual car seat for travel, you’ll have to buy the additional accessories or the cup.

You’re not going to be able to fold it up and down, which is a little disheartening when it comes to travel. You want to be able to like to make things really compact, and you’re not able to do that with this car seat.

If you order it from the website directly, there is no free shipping. If you have Amazon prime, the shipping is included with your membership.

It doesn’t come with an adjustable bottom, making it challenging to find the perfect fit.

Diono Radian 3R Pros

If you are a heavy traveler to other countries, for example, Jamaica or Mexico or any other country, this car seat is going to be top-tier.

Vehicles and other countries are made differently than vehicles in the US, so those cars, this car seat fits better, and those types of vehicles. I haven’t tried the car seat in the rear-facing position in another country, only in the US.

You can adjust the height of the harness straps, so if you are using the child rear-facing option, you can make sure it’s not in the child’s way.

I have found that when using this on an aircraft, we could see it in real action from another person. It is very, very sturdy.

It’s not taking up additional space. If you’re traveling with children on aircraft, this will be very beneficial for you.

It’s FAA approved, so it fits right into the seat. Since the car seat is designed to provide the best passenger comfort, the angle adjuster will make it so that it’s really the only car seat you want to take when traveling.

It does travel well in an airplane bag. Here is the exact gate check bag for the car seats we used to travel. The bag did take a beating, but the car seat had no scratches.

It remained intact. The car seat cover is machine washable, so you can take it off and clean it as needed.

Other Diono Car Seats

While I think it’s a good car seat, there are better options. If you are looking for something that will provide your child with the best comfort.

You will get the best bang for your buck with this car seat for heavy travel. Like on an airplane or going to different countries.

I don’t know if it’s something I would use every day. I like ensuring that my son has additional cushions around his body to feel comfortable.

When he is napping or falling asleep. While it does have the slim fit convertible design, with the precious cargo that we carry. There are other great car seats by this company that you should consider. Here is a list below.

Radian® R Series

Other than the Diono Radian 3R, if you are looking for a car seat comparable to the Chicco Fit4, you should check out the Diono Radian 3QXT. This, by far, will be rated the best diono car seat on the market.

Diono Radian 3QXT FirstClass SafePlus 4-in-1 Convertible Car Seat

Price: $529.99

Designed with mesh panels and high-end fabrics. Easy to remove and machine washable for comfort, convenience, and a stylish All-in-One. It also comes in several colors.

Diono Radian 3RXT Car Seat SafePlus, 4-in-1 Convertible Car Seat

Price: $279.99

Includes Safe+, easy-adjust 12-position headrest, 6 layers of Safe plus Side impact protection, and Safe plus testing. It also comes in several colors.

This post was a Diono Radian 3R review.

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