Our intrepid media team is headed to exciting Las Vegas for the ABC Kids Expo! During this first day of the show, we had the chance to meet with the these manufacturers:
Peg Perego Convertibles get a new look!
Peg Perego
Our first stop was Peg Perego, where we got to check out some updated fashions in the entire line including the HBB 120 booster.
An updated level indicator on the base of the 4/35 is coming soon. Part of the inspiration for this change was the questions we had while we reviewing the seat so we’re pleased to be part of that innovation.
Updates are in the works for the Primo Viaggio convertible. The recline lever is easier to use and the seat will be available in several new fashions, including a premium fabric that’s more breathable and easier to clean.
Britax (now pronounced Brih-tax)
Britax Click Tight Convertibles and Combination Seats
Our introduction to the updated Britax line started with a very enlightening demonstration about how to use the lockoffs on the current G3 convertibles.
G4.1 convertible seats are coming soon. Pavillion is being dropped, and the Classic Marathon/Roundabouts are going away. The Boulevard will gain the Click & Safe harness indicator.
The G4 lineup will include the Roundabout, Marathon, Boulevard, and Advocate. New fabrics are coming to update the line for the rebranding and updated logo.
The updated lower anchor limits for Roundabout, Marathon, and Boulevard are 40 lbs rear facing and 50 lbs forward facing. The Advocate lower anchor weight limit is 40 rear facing and 45 forward facing. The G4.1 seats will retain their current 7 year expiration period.
Updated Britax fashions
All convertible seats (G4 and Click Tight) will feature SafeCell Impact Protection, which comes in 3 levels: Complete Side Impact Protection, Plus, and Max. These levels reflect the amount and features of impact protection, which varies across the different models.
The Versa Tether is now being called the impact-absorbing tether. The length of this tether will be reduced by 10 inches — customers needing a longer tether for their vehicles can call Britax to have one sent to them.
Because the Click Tight convertible seats are intended to be installed with a seat belt, the seats have clip-style lower anchors and the weight limit for lower anchor installation will be lower than the G4 series of Britax convertible seats.
Combination Seats
Britax Pioneer’s new cover
The Pioneer will be switching to a 45 lb lower anchor limit (up from the current 40) and includes many new fashions. New fabrics coming for all seats, including the fan favorite, cowmoo Frontier and a really lovely coral colored Pioneer that we’re particularly fond of.
Click Tight Convertibles
Boulevard Click Tight
The Click Tight convertibles were the star of the show today. The seats feature a 7-Position recline with Automatic Level Indicator. The angle indicator features two zones for rear facing: a more reclined setting for the child who can’t hold their head up and older child who can. Forward facing the seats can be reclined in any position as long as the level is in the forward facing area of the bubble.
The Click Tight lineup includes the Marathon, Boulevard, and Advocate in a variety of colors and fabrics. The Marathon has a 17.7 inch top harness slot, the Boulevard and Advocate are 19.4 inches. The Click Tight seats have a 10 year expiration and a not required infant insert.
The lower anchor connectors aren’t the premium lower connectors that we’re used to seeing on Britax seats. This is an important change — it speaks to Britax’s commitment to the Click Tight system. Click Tight utilizes the seat belt for installation and the expectation is that most installations will use the seat belt rather than the lower anchors.
Anti Rebound Bar
Boulevard with Anti Rebound Bar
The Anti Rebound Bar is currently shipping with Canadian versions of the convertibles. It will be available as an optional purchase in the United States soon. The release date and price will be announced soon, we’ll be sure to keep you posted about that.
Harness Loops
Britax hip straps
Click Tight also includes a handy loop for holding the end of the harness strap while adjusting the strap. This may be convenient for some caregivers who like a little extra leverage.
There are two length settings on the hip straps of the new Click Tight convertibles. The seats will ship set on the smaller setting. It can be moved to the larger setting.
UPPAbaby
UppaBaby Mesa
We had a chance to see the newest colors and the updated infant insert on the Mesa. The lock off is much easier to use than the old one and doesn’t have the little silicone piece that was on the previous model.
Tip: use the heel of your hand to close the lockoff to get a tight install.
Clek
Step into the Clek booth with us, where you’ll see some exciting new products and some old friends shown a new way!
Prototype of the Clek Infant Thingy
Clek is demonstrating a prototype of an infant insert for the Fllo/Foonf. The insert requires the headrest to be removed, which could save some front-to-back space.
This exciting innovation could make the Clek convertibles useable for younger children. We look forward to seeing the production version of this accessory.
Clek stain remover
A cleaning kit for the Foonf/Fllo is coming soon — we’re a little more excited about this product than we should admit publicly. This will be out in October and should cost around $30.
Juliis Fllo — coming soon?
The most exciting moment for me was seeing an old friend, the Julius print, on a couple of convertibles. Clek is considering bringing back this print — a change the Paul Frank fans would welcome!
Other new colors include a very smooth grey fabric made from recycled materials, it seemed like it would be fairly cool to the child.
 Clek Fllo next to the Clek Foonf |  Tokidoki Olli prints |
Diono
Diono Convertibles
This was our first chance to see the new Diono convertibles in person. They boast a higher weight limit than the Radians and have some very plush fabrics.
Diono Monterey Makes a Return!
We were pleased to see that the Monterey, long-time friend of the CSFTL booster riders, will be returning to the lineup in the coming months. The Monterey will feature updated prints and remain at the higher price point.
The Cambria (and the backless Solana) , the lower-priced booster, is lighter weight than the Monterey with the same top shoulder height so it’s an exciting booster option for Diono fans.
Little Tykes
Little Tikes Boosters
Little Tykes will also be releasing some colorful boosters at the lower price points. The high back booster has a high top shoulder height that’s as tall as the Diono Monterey and Cambria at a very competitive $60 MSRP.
Evenflo
Evenflo showcased some exciting new color choices
We stopped by Evenflo’s booth and took a peek at their offerings. Their main production line features some exciting new color combinations.
It’s been quite a day here at the ABC Kids Expo! Thanks for sharing the first day with us and stay tuned for another update tomorrow. Check our our recap of Day Two and Day Three!
