We received the following email from Peg Perego yesterday. We were hoping for some clarification before we posted but the day came and went without a response so we’re putting the info out there and we’ll update as soon as we have anything more to share on the subject.
We would like to inform you that after further evaluation and testing, we have determined the 35 inch height limitation to be no longer necessary for the Primo Viaggio SIP 5-70 Convertible in rear facing mode. The following guidelines should be used for rear facing mode:
1) Use rear facing with children who weigh between 5 and 45 pounds
2) Use rear facing if head is at least one inch below headrest edge
3) Use rear facing when the shoulder straps are located at or below shoulder level
If you saw our extensive preview of the Primo Viaggio Convertible from the ABC Expo, you know that we were impressed by the quality and features of this new seat but were very disappointed with the 35″ stated height limit which was clearly printed on the sticker label and in the manual. We did provide specific feedback on the product at the Expo and we’re thrilled that they listened and made some changes before the seat went to final production!
However, it’s still unclear as to what the maximum height headrest position is going to be in rear-facing mode – which is ultimately going to determine how long this seat will last kids before they outgrow it by height using the 1″ rule. The headrest, which extends considerably beyond the shell on its tallest setting (see pics in ABC blog), did not seem to be substantially reinforced which makes me question how far above the shell they’re going to be willing to allow. Fingers crossed that it’s a reasonable height setting that will make this a competitive model in the current convertible market. I just don’t want anyone to get their hopes up that this is going to be great extended rear-facing seat until we get clarification from Peg on the max height setting.
Stay tuned – we promise to update when we have more info!
My tall (literally off the chart) almost 2 year old just fits rear facing at the highest allowable setting, but almost any other 2 year old should. He is 39 1/2 inches tall and 37 pounds. For reference, at 2 years old, my other son was 36 1/2 inches tall, and my daughter 35 inches. All the other kids we know were shorter than my two boys on their second birthday.
I kept one kid rearfacing in this seat 2 1/2 years, planning to do the same with my daughter, but I think I’ll have to switch the tallest about a month after his upcoming second birthday. My 43in tall, 48lb weight four and half year old still fits comfortably forward facing.
The top reason I recommend this seat, and bought three of them despite being big and heavy, is that the child’s head DOES NOT FALL TO THE SIDE WHEN SLEEPING. And also, the material does not cause them to sweat like other seats. I think you can use this until you switch to boosters.
Awesome! Too bad I now own more convertible seats than I have convertable-seat-sized kids (or grandkids or daycare kids). I’d love to have an excuse to buy one of these.
Thanks for passing along the information.
Wonderful news!! Good job carseatblog peeps :D.