News and Updates from the 2018 JPMA Baby Show
Overall the trend in carseats for 2018-2019 is ease-of-use and technology. We saw that in abundance at the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) baby show this year. From mobile apps that tell you if your child has unbuckled their chest clip to QR codes that help you register your carseat and get installation help, to new seats with anti-rebound features, there were plenty of new and updated products on the show floor this year.
2018 Diono Updates
A few months ago, Diono hired a new CEO and a new lead engineer and they’ve been busy making improvements and adding new product lines such as strollers and baby carriers. Diono is also in the process of refreshing their entire line of Radian carseats. The new lineup will be available in July and will offer full-wrap covers and IMMI components. We’re especially excited about the IMMI A-lock harness adjusters that will be featured on the updated carseats. What’s the big deal with an IMMI A-lock adjuster? No more tug-tug-tug to get the harness tight! The harness adjustment will be much smoother and easier to tighten compared with current Diono models.
Radian Line Updates
The entire Radian series will be renamed. Most new seats will feature only minor changes but Rainier will get a few major changes as well. You’ll see some of the new seats labeled with a “3,” which indicates the ability to fit 3-across in many mid-sized vehicles.
All the new Diono convertible carseats will feature a full-wrap cover with heat-transferred labels since the new black plastic shell will be covered. There will be an opening in the front of the cover (aka, an access panel), at the forward-facing beltpath, so you can pull the tail end of the LATCH strap to tighten it. Replacing the harness, if necessary, will also be an easier task: the screws holding the access panels on the sides of the current seats will be replaced with silicon plugs.
See our review of the 3RXT here.
3R (formerly R100) $199
- 5-40 lbs. rear-facing
- 20-65 lbs. forward-facing
- 50-100 lbs. as a booster
3RX (formerly R120) $249
- 5-45 lbs. rear-facing
- 20-65 lbs. forward-facing
- 50-120 lbs. as a booster
- Comments: Adds higher RF weight limit and infant insert
3RXT (formerly RXT) $299
- 5-45 lbs. rear-facing
- 20-65 lbs. forward-facing
- 50-120 lbs. as a booster
- Comments: Adds a higher RF weight limit over the 3R, an infant insert, and adjustable headrest
New Rainier models
The Rainier has been redesigned to offer enhanced side-impact protection in the head area. Because the Rainier line is wider across the top, it’s not 3-across friendly in smaller vehicles, therefore Diono labels it with a “2” instead of a “3”.
- 5-50 lbs. rear-facing
- 20-65 lbs. forward-facing
- no booster mode – this model is rear-facing & forward-facing with harness only
- 5-50 lbs. rear-facing
- 20-65 lbs. forward-facing
- 50-120 lbs. as a booster
- Features naturally flame-retardant-free Merino Wool covers
All new Diono seats should be available in July! Check out our facebook video from the JPMA Show and stay tuned for additional updates as we get closer to summer!
Are the harness slots the same as previous versions? What is the highest for FF on the Rainier 2AX?
Elsie, yes, they are the same. The top slots are 17″ high.
So i just ordered the rainier 2axt amd the rear facing limit is 40lbs while the radian 3rxt is rear facing to 50lb. My question is what is better to do use the radian and get the extra pounds rear facing or stay wotj the rainier which is the higher model but ill have to flip my kid sooner. Thoughts?
Hi Harrison. It’s not that the Rainier is the higher model it’s that it’s a little wider up top. The basic frame is the same as the RX seats, but Diono has added deeper side wings to the Rainier. As to whether you’ll need the 40 lbs. or 50 lbs. RF weight limit depends on your child. Both seats are the same height, so if your child is heavier-set, the 3RXT may be a better choice. If your child is tall and thin, you may want to look at a Britax or Graco seat because the Dionos may not last as long RF as those seats, if extend RF is your goal. If you want to get to ages 2-3 RF, Diono will get you there with average kiddos.
What is the forward facing 5-point-harness and booster height limits on the Diono 3RX?
Hi Candice. The RF limits are 45 lbs., 44″ or less, and 1.5″ of carseat above the head. The FF limits are 65 lbs., 57″ or less, and shoulders not above the top harness slots. The booster limits are 50-120 lbs., 40-57″, and shoulders above the 4th set of harness slots.
Hi there,
I saw your video on the challenges to the diono in the high-back booster mode. Do you think this will be resolved with the newest models?
Thanks for all your hoard work in helping us keep our children safe!!!
Hi Deborah. Yes, Diono has done a good job of fixing the problem with the seat belt catching in the shoulder belt guides in the RXT and Rainiers. We should have a new review of the 3RXT coming very soon!
Hi carseatblog team! I am toying with the idea of buying the Rainer 2axt but if I do this would be about the 10th car seat I’ve bought for only 2 kids. Thankfully, I’ve been able to rehome some and some I’ve sold knowing they were still in great condition and no accidents; just me wanting to get a new seat for newer features. Any thoughts on if I should change my Britax Advocate clickTight (seat less than 2yrs old) for the new Rainer 2axt? I find that the Advocate seat depth is limited and my 4yr is a little cramped even when adjusting the harness and headrest . Also, my car has very little space in the middle with a Pinnacle ClickTight on the other end of the seat (used by my 7 yr old). I would love any input from the professionals. Thank you! Kindly, S.H.
I am waiting for the Rainier 2AXT …. when will this be out!! I can’t find it anywhere online 🙁
Is this a significant change from the current models? We just bought the Diono Radian RXT for our twins. We haven’t opened the boxes yet since they’re still in infant car seats. They’re currently around 29 inches tall and 20 lbs. Not sure how long we have until they need to move out of their current infant car seats.
Will this change Diono’s not really being recommended by techs due to incompatibilities and being outgrown FF and booster at the same time?
Any update from Diono on when these will actually be available?
Yes! They are arriving in stores at the end of this month and will be ready for sale on August 1.
Another late update: boat is arriving a little later than anticipated. Early August is when they’re expected to arrive in stores.
Will they be in stores in beginning of August? I called a store and they say we won’t be seeing the new seats TIL October?
Steve, probably toward the middle to end of August. They were supposed to be arriving in the states at the end of July and getting to stores shortly thereafter, but the ship left China a little late.
Hi Heather,
Thank you so much for the detailed info. Do you have any more updates on when these might hit stores? My little one is just about to outgrow her infant seat and I’m hoping to hold out for the Rainier 2 ACT.
Thanks!
Hi CC, the most recent update we have (as of last week) was that seats are probably at least 6 weeks away from being available on retailers shelves. I don’t know how much time you have left to wait but that’s the latest info. –Kecia
Thank you! I’m hoping we can wait that long, we’ll see how long it takes this baby to grow the last half inch. I appreciate the update!
So awesome!
Will these newer models be easier to install… Meaning, lately the “radian”s have not been recommended seats because of Diono constantly changing install regulations without informing users…. These changes causing the seats to be incompatible with many vehicles.
I am very excited with their changes!
Another question.
Its been several years since ive had a Diono. Will these new seats allow for rear facing tethering?
Corrie, yes, they will still allow RF tethering.