Kiddy Evolution Pro Infant Carseat Preview

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Kiddy EvolutionPRO infant seatA couple days ago we brought you a video of the Kiddy Evolution Pro infant seat. At the time, we had absolutely no information about the seat, so we made stuff up. (Just kidding—but we didn’t have any information to share.) But now we have answers!

The Evolution Pro is interesting in that it can lie flat. That had us scratching our heads a bit, trying to figure out how safe that would be in a car. The very simple answer (that we hadn’t even considered) is that it is not meant to lie flat in the car, just in a stroller or on the floor. I’m not sure why that possibility hadn’t occurred to us, but there it is.

Kiddy has built safeguards into the seat to ensure that people can’t install it while it’s flat. For one, it won’t snap into the base unless the seat is in the proper position. Second, as you recline the seat into its flat mode, little tabs pop up to block the belt path on the seat itself.

The seat will be rated from 6-35 lbs, but a preemie inlay will be available to reduce the minimum weight all the way down to 3 lbs. The insert consists of a headrest, body support, and a wedge/pommel to help fill the gap in the crotch area and prevent slumping.

The seat features a no re-thread harness that adjusts to five different heights.

As if lying flat weren’t different enough, here’s another big difference for you: The seat will have a 3-point harness.

Initially we thought the 3-point was just a prototype from Europe, but it really will be that way on the US model as well. The Kiddy representatives said that a 5-point wouldn’t allow the seat to lie flat, and they also feel confident in their decision to bring a Euopean-style 3-point to the US market. The Evolution Pro has been in Europe since May, and it has passed all testing there, including side-impact testing. They feel it will perform equally well in American testing.

Here are Heather and Kecia going over some of the seat’s features:

 

The prototype base features a ratcheting system to tighten the seatbelt or LATCH belt. The handle must be up in the car (and won’t click into the base if it isn’t). Baseless, the seat allows for European belt routing.

Kiddy Evolution Pro - early PROTOTYPE base

Kiddy Evolution Pro – early PROTOTYPE base

 

The Evolution Pro will come in several colors, from neutral to zebra print. You’ll also be able to mix-and-match covers and inserts to create adorable combinations.

Kiddy Evolution Pro  Kiddy Evolution Pro

Accessories include a mosquito net/breathable rain cover combo.

Kiddy Bug/Rain Shield  Kiddy Bug/Rain Shield

 

The Kiddy Evolution Pro is expected around the first quarter of 2014. It will retail for about $299 for the seat and base, and extra bases will be available for about $99.

9 Comments

  1. Jennie September 15, 2014
  2. Amanda Taylor September 15, 2014
  3. Jess October 19, 2013
  4. Julie Abel-Gregory October 19, 2013
  5. bbartlettnfld October 19, 2013
  6. 3 ladybugs October 18, 2013
  7. maggie October 18, 2013
  8. Kecia October 18, 2013
  9. 1mommy October 18, 2013