Review: Sunshine Kids Radian XTSL Convertible Car Seat

Courtesy of Sunshine Kids

If you’re a parent of multiples, you know how hard it is to fit more than two carseats in the back seat of your car.

Now it’s easier thanks to Sunshine Kids — each of their convertible car seats is 17.9 inches wide, so there’s more than enough room to stack them side-by-side.

We recently tested the Radian XTSL ($299, left) with great results.

Not only is it height-adjustable, but it features an aluminum-reinforced head support and extra side impact protection.

Click below for our full review!

Things We Like: This well-constructed seat — which can be used with children up to 80 lbs. — comes with plenty of bells and whistles. It offers energy-absorbing EPS foam panels on all sides, a Safestop® energy-absorbing harness system and five shoulder and three buckle positions for a proper harness fit.

There are also two recline positions in forward-facing mode, which works well for sleeping children. Plus, we really liked that it folds flat for travel and can be worn like a backpack — which is perfect for the airport!

Things We Didn’t Like: Despite its slim width, it’s a little too tall. So small tots look like they’re swimming in it, even if they’re securely harnessed in.

Moms & Babies Rating: If you’re a stickler for safety or need to fit more than two car seats in your vehicle, it’s the perfect choice.

Check out testimonials from real parents on the company’s Facebook page.

— Nancy Horn

Comments

Too tall? Obviously you don’t get the point. It was designed to keep babies rear-facing as long as possible (which is 5x safer). Longer kids can now stay safer, thanks to this seat being “too tall.”

First the pics of pics of Mason in his seat completely wrong, now an ignorant review. Thanks, People. Great job promoting car seat safety…

- Rizzy on July 30th, 2010

Another HUGE plus of the Radian is that if rear faces up to 45lbs!

- Kate on July 30th, 2010

We have one of the smallest SUV’s around and we can fit 3 of these across the backseat. It’s snug but it CAN be done! Plus, the safety features can’t be beat. And like the article says, you CAN fold them up and carry them at the airport. Can’t say enough good things about these carseats!!!

- Kellie on July 30th, 2010

The Best carseat on the market I LOVE THESE SEATS

- Courtney on July 31st, 2010

We have this seat and love it as well. Most parents we know switched their kids forward-facing at one year, but we keep ours facing the rear as long as possible (2 yrs), as it’s recommended to be safer and is common practice in Europe.

The one downside of this seat, from my perspective, is that it is REALLY heavy. I recently flew with my two and a half year old and considered taking a seat for him for the plane, which I had never done before. But I realized that the seat is so ridiculously heavy that I would have had a very hard time wrangling both the seat and my kid across the airplane. Yes, it does fold, but that doesn’t make it any lighter!

- ctl on August 1st, 2010

“Too tall” rofl. One of the biggest complaints of those who are into carseat safety is that kids outgrow the seats by height too quickly.

We brought our newborn home in her Radian (yes, she looked ridiculously tiny, but the harness was nice and snug and the infant inserts cushioned her nicely) next to her 4 year old sister: both rear facing

- Catherine on August 1st, 2010

Well, I’ve heard it’s a bit taller than some of the other carseats that rear-face till 45 lbs, like the Britax. I can’t sit in the front seat of our car anymore b/c the carseat has to be installed at a 45 degree angle and so it impedes moving the seat back. I’m fine sitting in the back for now, but I won’t fit when we have a 2nd carseat back there in a few months. Then we’ll either have to buy a bigger car/van or flip the seat forward.

- MZ on August 1st, 2010

@MZ, the car seat dosnt have to be at a 45 angle once the child can sit up properly. I am not sure how old your oldest is, but from a year up they definitely don’t have to be so reclined. I am sure that you can keep your son rearfacing even after your new arrives, just a bit more upright.

- MiB on August 3rd, 2010

I have four of these in my car; three rear facing and one forward facing. They fit PERFECTLY, as well as another booster seat that we have. I have a very tall three year old and a very tall 11 m/o and they still fit snuggly. I hated how tall they were at first, but I can see how that’s a necessity.

- Ethan, Aly, James, Sully and Stellan's Mama on August 6th, 2010