Ask any parent: That first drive home from the hospital is always the longest.

You double check (no, triple check) your mirrors before inching your way out of the parking spot. You’ll think some silly thoughts: “Did I remember to top up the wiper fluid?” (Wait, what?) You’ll gingerly tap your brakes for every pothole on the way back, allowing your newest family member to snooze on.

You’ll share a laugh about your nerves when you get home, of course — you’ll get used to this mix of anxiety and relief eventually, by the way — but this near-universal moment is a Parenting 101 lesson in how a smart decision (and a little precaution) can make all the difference, now and for years to come.

One of those smart decisions can be choosing a Nuna car seat. Nuna offers a line of smartly designed strollers, car seats, bassinets, playards, and swings with practicality and safety at their core. However, nothing says “practical” quite like their convertible car seats.

Today, we are walking you through everything you need to know about your little one’s convertible car seat journey with Nuna. From baby’s first drive home in the Nuna RAVA Convertible Car Seat to their final days as a big kid in the Nuna ROYL Harnessed Booster Car Seat.

What does the transition look like? You’re about to find out. Buckle up!

Early Years: Nuna RAVA

THE SPECS:

• Rear-facing 5-40 lbs. and up to 49" tall 
• Forward-facing 25-65 lbs. and up to 49" tall
• Dimensions: 19"w x 27.25"d x 27"h 
• Car Seat Weight: 27.8 lbs 

Nuna has you covered through your child’s whole car seat experience from newborn to big kid. First stop? The Nuna RAVA Convertible Car Seat. Thanks to true tension doors, a nifty recline angle guide, and coloured belt path indicators, it’s seriously simple to set up securely, giving you peace of mind — whether it’s your first time installing a car seat or one of the bleary-eyed, sleep-deprived instances that are sure to follow. You have our “Honey, can you put your entire body weight on the seat while I pull this belt?” guarantee.

On the road, your child is protected by energy-absorbing foam over a steel frame, providing exceptional side impact protection. It’s comfy, too! A five-point harness, 10-position headrest, and six-position recline can help you find the perfect configuration for babe.

But we’re here to talk about convertibility, aren’t we? Your kiddo’s car-seat needs will change as they grow taller — nay, longer — and heavier. The RAVA makes it exceedingly easy to flip to a forward-facing configuration to give your no-longer-quite-an-infant-even-if-you-want-them-to-stay-tiny-forever child a little bit of extra leg and headroom. Just remove a few pads and re-secure.

Although it’s a snap to flip the RAVA from rear-to-front-facing, don’t be in too much of a hurry. As much as you may want to see that sweet smile in your car’s mirror, a rear-facing configuration is safest for your young child. Do your best to keep them facing backwards until they meet the seat’s weight (40 lbs.) or height (49”) limit (whichever comes first). The RAVA’s rear-facing configuration is designed to give your baby an extra two inches of legroom. In forward-facing mode, your baby is covered until they reach 65 lbs or 49”.

For more details about the RAVA Convertible Car Seat, check out our in-depth review, here.

Later Years: Nuna ROYL

THE SPECS:

• Dimensions: L 22.5" x W 18.5" x H 26"–33"
• Product Weight: 25.8 lbs 
• Forward-facing (with built-in harness) suitable for children 30-65 lbs or up to 49" with vehicle belt and tether 
• Forward-facing (with built-in harness) suitable for children 30-40 lbs or up to 49" with UAS and tether
• High back booster suitable for children 40–120 lbs or 38"–57"

Once your baby is in forward-facing mode, they can transition over to the Nuna ROYL Harnessed Booster Car Seat at pretty much any point. If baby number two is joining the fam and will be requiring the RAVA, the ROYL will ensure their older sibling is taken care of properly.

The ROYL is truly built for the long haul with eight headrest positions, four recline positions, and an adjustable calf rest for superior comfort at any age — all made comfortable with the same padding and steel frame of the RAVA. A washable fabric cover keeps it looking fresh and stain-free for years. Cup holders help with the transition from juice boxes to soccer-practice water bottles. It’s highly transportable, too, easily fitting three across most midsize vehicles and meeting most airline limits. Did somebody say road trip?

This seat has the ability to transform from a forward-facing toddler seat configuration to a booster that can — and stay with us here — comfortably sit a pre-teen (did you think we were kidding about that “from newborn to big kid” stuff?). Just like the RAVA, it installs and converts simply with no fuss.

Although your kid may be the one asking to upgrade to a big-kid seat, it’s important to find a diplomatic way to turn them down until it’s safe to convert to a booster. (“How about ice cream?” does wonders to erase the memory.) When your child reaches the max weight (65 lbs.) or height (49”) in forward-facing mode, you can then convert the ROYL to a high back booster, that your child can use until they can safely use the regular car seat. Seriously, they can use this booster until they are 120 lbs. or up to 57” tall!

For more details about the ROYL Harnessed Booster Seat, check out our in-depth review, here.

Baby's Nuna Car Seat Journey

Growing up is hard — converting your car seat doesn’t have to be.

Nuna’s RAVA and ROYL Car Seats take the work out of growing up in the car. Their car seats are easy to install, easy to convert, and easy to sell to the kiddos who ultimately get to enjoy them for years. So feel free to kick back, relax, and drive on.

Inspired by Nuna’s commitment to simplicity and ease? Don’t forget to check out their travel systems and car seat accessories. To learn more about Nuna’s full line-up of car seats, be sure to read our full in-depth overview, here.