Sunshine Kids Becomes Diono

I’ve heard so much about Sunshine Kids, now Diono, and their highly awarded Radian, which is not only up there in safety, but fits three across in most vehicles. I could not wait to see Diono’s booth at ABC Kids Expo last month and was disappointed when Kate told me they weren’t planning to have one. Imagine how excited we where when we stumbled across their display outside the Expo hall on the way to lunch one day.

Sunshine Kids Now Diono?

Sunshine Kids Juvenile Products has been producing innovative products that improve safety and convenience for families for over 10 years. In 2005 they introduced their famous Radian car seat, the first folding steel framed car seat on the market. Now with products in over 54 countries and as one of Inc 5000′s fastest growing companies, Sunshine Kids has changed their name to Diono. Apparently the name Diono doesn’t have any specific meaning, but is designed to be more memorable and international than Sunshine Kids. I have to say, I like the change. The name Sunshine Kids always made me wonder if the car seats were going to be made out of hemp or somehow require that I stop shaving my armpits. What do you think?

The Radian

The Diono Radian is touted as the only car seat you will ever need and I can see why. Check out our shot of the RadianRXT infant set-up next to booster set-up from the show.

RadianRXT

• Child Weight: 5 to 120 pounds.
• Standing Height: 57 inches
• Rear facing (with latch) upto 45 pounds (highest on the market)

Here’s Diono’s video on the RadianRXT. You can see some of the changes they’ve made, like making the child seat area more spacious without making the seat wider (don’t worry, they still fit 3 across).

To Buy or Not to Buy?

I can’t really do a to buy or not to buy on Diono because I’ve never used one, but I’m very impressed. The only feature I don’t love is that you have to re-thread the shoulder straps as your child grows, but I guess I’m okay with it if it adds to the safety. Do you own a Sunshine Kids/Diono? What do you think?

Shop! The RadianRXT is the top of the Diono Radian line and sells for $305 on Amazon and at other major retailers. Other models are available for progressively lower prices, with corresponding changes in features.