Customer Reviews

Orbit Baby Toddler Car Seat, Black

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(11)

 

 

I don't even know where to begin - basically, it is a horrible car seat. I would like to slap myself for ever falling for the bells and whistles of the swivel/dock feature Orbit is so proud of. I recommend you to stay away from Orbit, the toddler car seat in particular. Your wallet will thank you and you will save yourself a headache. If you feel like reading why, go ahead.

We have the Orbit Baby G2 travel system (the frame, the base, and the infant car seat) and felt somehow trapped as we thought since we already have the expensive base we should get the Orbit toddler car seat to put it to further use (our 12-month old baby is getting too big for the infant seat). Unfortunately, we were unable to see the toddler car seat in person because no retailer seems to have a floor model of this thing. I was hesitant to order it online so we went to a store hoping we would be able to take it out of the box to further examine its functions because I wasn't sure whether it has a recline function (Orbit website does not mention this function at all). So we went and were told by the shop that they do not have a floor model (surprise) and that the box cannot be opened. So I asked a few questions and was assured and reassured that it does, indeed, recline into a very comfortable position to accommodate babies and small toddlers. We paid almost $400 ($360 + NYC tax) and brought this thing home where we discovered that it DOES NOT RECLINE!!! I was furious because I asked 3 different sales persons and all of them assured me that it does recline. Every other convertible car seat on the market has a reclining function, especially at this price point. And frankly, for almost $600 ($360 seat + $220 base) it should recline automatically when I say "recline". The seat is so upright I do not understand that Orbit says it is designed for babies from 15 pounds! No way. My son was 15 pounds when he was only 3.5 months old. There is absolutely NO WAY a 3-month old baby would ever be comfortable in an upright position when they can't even sit. Actually, they shouldn't be in an upright position this early at all! I tested the seat with my 12-month old son who weighs 22 pounds now and measures 31 inches (BTW, the infant car seat is for babies up to 30 pounds or 32 inches, so he's only 1 inch away, and frankly, he's not very comfortable in it anymore). Do you think my 12-mo/22-lb/31-in baby was comfortable in his new toddler car seat? ... No, he was not. We drove for about half an hour (we couldn't take it longer), he slept and his poor head was literally resting on his chest. It looked horrible and very uncomfortable. For those who think it is normal, let me assure you that it is not. I have used Chicco and Maxi-Cosi convertible car seats in Europe and they all recline, so I have never experienced this problem. I knew instantly I would be returning this seat. Which is exactly what I did.

I only owned this seat for 4 days, therefore I didn't get a chance to experience any problems with the belt twisting as reported by other reviewers.

Another major con is that this seat has only 4 harness slots to adjust harness height (of which only the lower 2 are allowed for rare facing installation)! That's totally inadequate - other convertible car seats offer more than double (Britax Next Generation: 10 slots, Maxi-Cosi Pria: 11 slots). This important detail (along with the fact that it doesn't recline and that you can't use the swivel base while forward facing) is conveniently not mentioned at the Orbit Baby website. You'll discover this when you take the seat out of the box and read the manual.

I contacted Orbit because I am still in shock that such an expensive car seat from a company that claims to be so innovative lacks standard features. I wrote an email which included the following:

"... What is a consumer supposed to do if his/her baby's head is literally resting on its chest while sleeping in the seat - this looks super uncomfortable for the baby and seems unsafe too. Normally, I would recline the seat. But Orbit does not allow me to do that. Why not and what is supposed to be done instead to make the baby comfortable? I tested the toddler car seat with my 12-month old who weighs 22 pounds and measures 31 inches - the toddler car seat is too upright and the poor baby was sleepy and his head was falling on his chest all the time. We have your infant car seat, which has a good angle, but he's outgrowing it and we need a new seat for him. The current seat angle of your toddler seat seems sort of OK for bigger toddlers, maybe around 2 or 3 years, but what am I supposed to do during the "in-between" stage from 12 months up to 2 or 3 years, when he's too big for your infant seat, yet too small for your toddler seat due to the non-existing recline..."

Brace yourself for the response and suggestions I received from Orbit...

"We are not aware of any convertible car seats that have a recline position." ... Really??? How about Britax, or Maxi-Cosi to name a couple (they have the same safety features like Orbit, such as the EPP foam and side impact protection). Britax, for instance - all of their convertible car seats allow 3-position recline both while rear and forward facing. Maxi-Cosi PRIORI model has 4 recline positions when forward facing. Maxi-Cosi PRIA 70 has 3 recline positions - position 3 (most reclined) and 2 (medium recline) can be used while rear facing. Position 2 (medium recline) must be used while forward facing for children up to 40 pounds. Position 1 (upright) must be used while forward facing for children over 40 pounds. Interestingly, Maxi-Cosi seems to believe (just like me ... or maybe it's just common sense) that toddlers/children up to 40 pounds should be seated in a more reclined position. Their website explains it as follows: These recline positions allow a more reclined riding position for younger children and a more upright position for older children. Not only does this provide an appropriate riding position for different sized children, but the required recline angles also improve crash energy management.

On the head falling forward: "We understand your concerns and see the same phenomenon when our own children nap using the Toddler Car Seat." ... Phenomenon?! More like a poorly designed, overpriced car seat that lacks BASIC features!

"We have never received any information - from pediatricians or otherwise - that when children sleep in these seemingly awkward positions, it is somehow bad for them." - Uh, how about just incredibly uncomfortable!?

"There are many general techniques that you can use so that your child is more comfortable. Some include a towel, foam wedge, or pool noodle that can be used to prop the Base." - A pool noodle??? Are you kidding me? No, thank you, I will not be sticking any towel or pool noodle under the car seat base. The towel/pool noodle option doesn't seem safe and frankly it is a very sloppy solution for a $600 ensemble and to be honest I am appalled by their suggestion.

Rather than a pool noodle, I will get a different car seat. I am extremely disappointed with the Orbit system due to its lack of otherwise standard features. The fact that they are not aware of the reclining function tells me that Orbit is way behind its competitors.

FYI: If you think the rotating feature is cool and you are planning to buy it for that reason, please don't. This function does not compensate for the many disadvantages of the seat and frankly, you can only use the rotating function when rear-facing. Once forward facing, the rotation-allowing base cannot be used anymore, nor will you be able to dock the seat into the stroller frame (unless you want to install it over and over again which is beyond annoying). Hence, once forward facing, the famous swivel feature cannot be utilized.

And if you think you can just grab the toddler car seat, lift it with your sleeping child in it and dock it into the stroller frame, then trust me, you can't unless you are the Incredible Hulk. The seat is very bulky and heavy (22 pounds), I struggled with it alone, I would never be able to lift it from the back seat (a very awkward angle) with a toddler in it. Never.

I am thrilled with my Orbit Baby toddler car seat and want to put to rest some of the issues others have brought up. Our family has all the other Obit Baby products and with this final addition to the collection, I see all the usual thoughtfulness of design and attention to detail.

Our son is 14 months old, around 30" tall and 24 lbs and absolutely loves his new seat. We have installed it rear facing in the center seat (on the base) of our CRV. Though the seat is very tall, it allows for plenty of growth in the future and I can still see out the rear window just fine. Also, when installed on the base, our son gets a few extra inches of height and he loves to look out the window.

I also want to point out that the rear installation on the base makes use of the anti-rebound feature of the base which is RARELY found in any car seat on the market in the US, though very common in Europe. The base is braced against the rear seat-back and prevents the seat from tipping forward and smashing your kid into the seat back in the event of a crash. This also protects you child's legs and makes it even safer to keep them rear facing as long as possible. The only other way to get this kind of protection is to use a tether strap and an anchor in the floor of the car, which most cars do not have. Britax is the only other manufacturer to address this in rear facing situations. Kids can sit fine with their legs crossed; lots of safety experts have commented that rear facing as long as possible is the way to go.

There is no point in using the base (or any base) forward facing as it is very important to use the top tether to secure the seat tightly against the car's seat-back. I don't understand why people don't realize this when they purchase ANY seat, yet complain about the lack of forward facing/base coupling with the Orbit.

We do not use this car seat on the stroller chassis on a regular basis but have this wonderful feature specifically in mind for when we are traveling, which we do frequently. Getting through the airport was such a breeze. Just wheel right up to the plane's doors and then carry the seat on the plane and strap it in. I can't imagine trying to travel around a city and forgo using a car seat in taxi just because of the hassle and I'd hate using one of those car seat travel adapters where you push/pull your kid around about 5 inches off the ground, nasty! Almost all cars/taxis these days have the LATCH system so it takes about 30 seconds to get it in and out. This is what Orbit Baby had in mind, you obviously don't use it as your everyday stroller but as an bonus feature to the Obit list of features.

Getting the straps properly adjusted was a cinch, they are on the lowest setting and I have moved the crotch strap forward one. The gray head protection pillow also moved down to the lowest setting and fits our guy perfectly. Again, Orbit Baby has made this process very simple. All of the straps are neatly stored in the back side of the car seat, there is even a place for the sunshade and the manual as well as the extra installation straps for use without the base. I have no issue what so ever with the straps twisting. When I take my son out of the seat, we loosen the straps and then use the handy Velcro tabs to keep the straps out of the way. When I put him back in, the straps are out of the way and just waiting to be secured, piece of cake!

Can't wait for Obit to adjust their line for multi-kid families!

We were so relieved that we were able to buy this product at last despite the lengthy delays prior to its release. It should be noted that once the seat becomes forward-facing, the famous "docking" car seat base, needed for the Orbit infant car seat, is not used at all. This went against my expectation of the Orbit system "growing with your baby". We had put off buying a forward-facing car seat, despite my child's discomfort with her legs significantly hanging over, as I had thought we would still use the base, so I feel a tad misled. This would have been less of an issue if the seat had been available towards the end of 2007 as was originally promoted.

Anyhow now that we have it in our car, our toddler enjoys being in her seat and the elevated position helps with her ability to see more out the window (which is helpful in keeping her entertained with the passing view and therefore less temper tantrum prone!)

It is well constructed as well as fairly easy to put together and install. Our only gripe is, similar to the Orbit infant car seat (but worse), the seat belts get tangled very easily. Given the earlier reviewers raves about Orbit's customer service, I'll be contacting them this week to see if they can help us resolve this recurring issue. We have not used it as a stroller seat (as advertised) because the forward-facing seat does not use the patented dock, and thus the convenience of being able to rotate the seat off the dock and into the stroller (like the infant car seat) is not available. For us, it is easier and faster to take her out into a more compact stroller, such as the Maclaren Techno Sport, rather than re-do all the seat-belt anchors when we return to our car.

I really really wanted to love the Orbit Toddler car seat, but it just sucks. I read all the reviews I could find and decided that I would risk the money and buy this over a Britax. I wish I hadn't and I will replace it as soon as my daughter is forward facing. I bought this item because I have truly loved all the other Orbit products and I thought that this rotating seat would be as wonderful as the infant seat. My problem is that the straps get twisted in the back of the car seat and I am unable to tightly secure and restrain my 12 month old daughter. I pull and pull on the strap, but it won't tighten. I have to turn the seat around, open the back compartment and fix it. This happens about 80% of the time. Its a huge waste of time and effort. I contacted Orbit and they gave me a bunch of things to try to make it work, but nothing has improved this problem. I'm so sad to write this review and even sadder to have spent all that money.

UPDATE: I am now experiencing the problem with the twisting straps that other reviewers have complained about. Its amazing how they get twisted for no apparent reason. My daughter hates being put in her car seat and this makes it even more unbearable. I hate this seat!

I'm overall really pleased with the orbit toddler system My child has grown with the entire Orbit line ... he started with infant carseat and stroller, and now is in the toddler carseat. We still use the carseat with the stroller, but also have the toddler stroller seat for more convenience.

The positives: The toddler carseat, when docked for rear facing, or when using the braces and latch belts for forward facing, is very very sturdy -- a lot sturdier than other systems I have tested. My son is comfortable and has no problem sleeping in it, and the upholstery is easy to remove and clean.

The drawbacks: If you need to put the toddler seat in forward facing, you do not need the base, in which case you need some sort of hook to attach the anchor down in the back behind the seat. I have an old Honda Civic that doesn't have a latch system or hook. So while the shoulder/lap seatbelt anchor the toddler seat against the chair, I worry that if I am rear-ended in an accident, the carseat would move forward too much because I don't have any place to anchor the seat down in the back. So for now, in this car, we have no choice but to place our son sitting only in a rear-facing position where we use the base. In a small car like a Civic, having the seat in a rear facing position can make it difficult to see out the back.

Which brings me to the next drawback ... in the rear facing position in my old Civic, I can't use the sun shade because it would block my view while driving. This isn't normally a big deal, but I did have to buy one of those mesh window shades -- after a super hot day and long drive when I realized my son got sunburned through the window because I didn't have the carseat shade up.

All of the above drawbacks are not a problem in our other car, which is bigger, has the latch system/hook system, and is big enough to see over the carseat while driving. It's just when the seat is installed in my Civic (that doesn't have a latch system) that it's a problem.

Finally, I agree with the earlier review that the seatbelts do get tangled, which seems to bother my husband a lot when he's trying to buckle our son in. I generally don't have a problem untwisting the belts.

I do take my son in and out of the car in the toddler car seat and dock it on the stroller. It's admittedly heavy to lift in and out of the car with him in it, but sometimes it's just easier to move him while he's already strapped in than to unbuckle him and put him into some other stroller or backpack. So, I'm really happy about it still working with the stroller.

I was adamant about buying a stroller sysytem that provided the most amount of ease. We loved the idea of the car seat base, stroller, etc. that all worked in sync. In fact, we loved the Orbit system until it was time to transition to the toddler car seat. This seat is awful. I gave this review one star only because we liked the system in the past and I consider our past experience with the infant seat to be positive. If I were to review this only on the toddler seat, I would probably give the review ZERO stars.

The straps on the toddler seat become twisted every day...multiple times per day. When a parent is getting into their car and needs to travel somewhere, the last thing you feel like doing is untwisting or reattaching the car seat straps for 20 min plus. Unfortunately, what usually happens is that the car seat straps do not get unraveled due to time constraints and our daughter is probably never in the seat securely. Which brings me to the safety concern...I NEVER feel quite like my daughter is safe. The straps are ALWAYS (110% OF THE TIME) an issue and she is always sitting in there somewhat loose. Secondly, because my daughter needs to face forward because of car sickness, we can no longer use the base. The base can only be used if the child is rear facing. So, for the last year she has been facing forward using the braces and that also always feels loose.

Both my husband and I are educated individuals and are astonished at the amount of time and effort it takes us to get our child into this seat correctly. I am sorely disappointed because the seat is extremely expensive, but once you buy into the system, you almost have to go with this awful seat.

Therefore, unfortunately, if I did this all over again, I would completely go with a different stroller system and stay away from the Orbit all together. And, if you are thinking of adding an addtional child to your family, this really should be a non-issue in terms of buying a different system...the orbit system isn't compatible with any double stroller systems and they do not offer one themselves.

I drive a GL450 and this huge car seat obstructs my rear view. It is heavy and looks ugly. I certainly enjoyed the infant orbit system, but the toddler car seat still needs more innovative work to justify its price. I got rid of mine and replaced it with a graco and my son is more comfortable and sleeps better in a cheaper car sit.

I own the Orbit Baby Stroller set and once my little one outgrew his infant carrier, I was hesitant to get the Orbit Baby Toddler Car Seat because of a bit of sticker shock. In the end, I am glad I bought it. We keep a car seat in every car so we don't have to switch them around and this is hands down the best. The AirProtect is second, but by FAR. We also bought a bargain priced Cosco one and that one is just terrible (I got what I paid for - and will be replacing it soon enough!).

This has been so convenient for me, especially when we travel. I bring my Toddler Car Seat and my Orbit base and voila! Car Seat and stroller in one! The fact that it can rotate on the stroller base and seemlessly go from the car to the stroller or even into the house when my little one has fallen asleep is perfect!

Please note that once you put the car seat in the front facing position, you will discontinue the use of the rotating base and will then use the brackets (which are nicely packaged and easy to use). Despite this set back, I still love it. Everything is cleverly designed, from the "paparazzi cover" and where it is stored, to the tiny velcro tabs that keep the straps for the seat open while your baby is not inside of it. This is a very well made car seat and I couldn't be happier.

I love all my Orbit Baby products!

If you're using the toddler car seat as a stroller seat whilst on vacation and you'd like some more shade/coverage (we did when we took our baby to Hawaii!), then simply purchase a $12 Ray Shade and you can attach the top straps to the strap in the back that holds the paparazzi cover and thread the side straps into the upper or lower holes along the tension line for the handles. You'll easily double or triple your shade this way. When I use the Ray Shade, It covers all the way to the front of the car seat. This is an excellent "hack". I don't know if anyone has ever thought about it, but I figured I'd post it here since it's posted on my blog!

We have owned our Orbit Baby Toddler Car Seat now almost a year and we will never use anything else! What really caught my husband's eye about the Orbit Baby products is the design and functionality. We regularly get compliments on the seat because of the sleek look and the removable UV sunshade (which keeps the little one cool and quiet which is worth the price tag alone on long car rides). Another huge plus for me is the way the car seat is designed to lock and rotate on the car seat base (same one as we used for the infant seat), and stroller seat. When I am lugging my 30lb bruiser into the car, I do not have to awkwardly reach around and place him in the seat. The car seat rotates facing out the door for easy strapping in. Any experienced parent will attest to how helpful this is.

While the seat is a bit on the heavy side, I do not hesitate to use the car seat as also a stroller seat when I travel. I dont even need to take my child out of the car seat when I lock the seat into the stroller frame! I love it. We could not have purchased a better car seat for our son. Thank You Orbit Baby.

Pros:

Easy Installation

Great Design

Modular with other Orbit Baby products

Cons:

A bit on the heavy side, but manageable

I really like the Toddler and infant Car Seat a lot. The reasons we chose Orbit Baby over all other products was because it is Chemical Free and the system is easy to use. The smart hub system works with both the toddler and infant car seat. I drive a small car and sometimes I have both Toddler Car Seats and I never had a problems with space or visibility. If you love your Baby and The health of your bundle of joy you will choose Orbit Baby Toddler Car Seat and all the other Orbit products.

I highly recommend the Toddler Car Seat.

Keep your Baby Chemical Free,

mother of 4