RAVA™
What are the age and size limits for the RAVA™?
The RAVA™ was designed for children from 5 to 65 lbs, and whose height is less than 49 inches.
- Rear Facing: Children can ride rear facing from 5 to 50 lbs using the Vehicle Seat Belt, and 5 to 35 lbs using the Lower Anchors (LATCH).
- Forward Facing: Children can ride forward facing from 30 lbs to 65 lbs using the Vehicle Seat Belt, and 30 to 40 lbs using the Lower Anchors (LATCH).
When is the best time to begin using the RAVA™?
The best time to begin using the RAVA™ depends on your personal preference and situation. The RAVA™ accepts infants starting at 5 lbs., with the infant insert, giving you the option to use a convertible seat as your child's first car seat if preferred.
The RAVA™ is a convertible seat meant to stay in your vehicle. If you prefer to use a rear facing infant car seat that attaches to a stroller, we suggest using one of our PIPA infant series car seats. Once your child outgrows the PIPA™, we suggest choosing the RAVA™ convertible seat as your next seat.
Is there a minimum height restriction on the RAVA™?
There is no minimum height restriction, however, an infant must be able to fit properly in the harness. For rear facing use, the harness must be AT OR JUST BELOW the child’s shoulders. An infant insert is provided for newborns 5-11 pounds to improve their fit to the seat and harness system, and to improve the recline angle for smaller infants. For forward facing, the harness must be AT OR JUST ABOVE the child's shoulders.
When should I use the infant insert and infant head insert?
The RAVA™ infant insert is recommended for use with infants who weigh between 5-11 lbs. The harness must fall AT OR BELOW the child’s shoulders. The head insert may be used or removed for improved comfort at any time.
Why does Nuna prefer the vehicle seat belt installation rather than the Lower Anchor Belts (LATCH) installation?
Both methods of installation are safe and have been tested and pass the FMVSS 213 standard. Nuna's preferred installation method is the Vehicle Seat Belt because 1) it eliminates confusion of when to switch from Lower Anchor Belts to Vehicle seat belt, 2) all vehicle seating positions are manufactured with a seat belt but not all vehicle seating positions include Lower Anchor Belts/LATCH, and 3) you can install the RAVA™ in more seating positions with a vehicle seat belt install. Always use Tether for forward facing installations if your vehicle is equipped with a Tether Anchor point and vehicle requirements are met (see vehicle owner's manual).
How long can I use LATCH/Lower Anchor Belts?
In Rear Facing: Use of the Lower Anchors (LATCH system) in rear facing is for a child weighing 35 lbs (15.8 kg) or less.
In Forward Facing: Use of the Lower Anchors (LATCH system) in forward facing is for a child weighing 40 lbs (18.1 kg) or less.
Can I install RAVA™ with both the Vehicle Seat Belt and Lower Anchor Belts (LATCH)?
The RAVA™ can only be installed using 1 method: either the Vehicle Seat Belt or Lower Anchor Belt. Always use Tether for forward facing installations if your vehicle is equipped with a Tether Anchor point and vehicle requirements are met (see vehicle owner's manual).
Do I need a locking clip?
The RAVA™ True Tension door applies tension to the vehicle seat belt. The RAVA™ must always be used with a locking vehicle belt system, to ensure a secure installation in every vehicle. To be sure your car is equipped with a locking vehicle belt or locking latch plate, consult your vehicle owner's manual. If your car does not have a locking vehicle belt or locking latch plate, we can also provide you with a locking clip.
Is it dangerous or uncomfortable for my child's legs to be touching the back of the vehicle seat when rear facing?
Though it may seem uncomfortable to you, children are more flexible than adults. Children will find different leg positions to make themselves comfortable, from crisscross, to putting their legs straight, to hanging them over the sides of the car seat. These are all acceptable riding positions. There is no data that shows when a child's feet or legs reach the vehicle seat that they are at an increased risk for lower-extremity injuries. It is much more important to protect the head, neck, and spine during a crash - which is what riding rear facing does. Studies have shown that forward facing children are at a higher risk for lower extremity injuries as their legs can come in contact with the vehicle seat-back in front of them.
When can my child be turned around to face forward?
We recommend children ride rear facing as long as their weight and height are within the rear facing requirements, and until at least 2 years of age. Children can safely ride forward facing when they weigh 25 lbs. and are at least 2 years old.
What recline angle is appropriate for my child?
In rear facing, any of the 5 positions in blue are acceptable. However, if your infant's head falls forward, recline the seat more to get a better angle.
In forward facing, any of the 5 positions in red are acceptable. If your child's head falls forward, the seat can be reclined more.
Is there on-the-go recline? Can I recline my RAVA™ if my baby falls asleep?
Always uninstall the RAVA™ to change the recline position, and then reinstall it.
You do not need to start over.
Simply, open the appropriate True Tension door and change the RAVA™ recline.
Then follow the instructions for installing RAVA™ and be sure to review the checklist to ensure your RAVA™ is properly installed again.
My child has exceeded either the weight or height limit of RAVA™, but not both. Can I continue using RAVA™?
To use the RAVA™, your child must be within BOTH the height and weight requirements. If your child exceeds the usage requirements for forward facing, he or she may be ready for a belt positioning booster like the Nuna AACE™. The AACE™ starts at 4 years old, 40 lbs. and 38 inches in the high back booster mode.
What happens if my child can unfasten the chest clip?
If a child does manage to undo the chest clip while riding in the seat, the seat is still perfectly safe, provided that the harness straps are properly tightened, and the buckle secured. The chest clip is used simply as a harness positioning aid. It is not required by Federal child passenger safety seat standards (FMVSS213), nor is it the mechanism used to restrain the child in the seat in the event of a crash.
The function of a chest clip is to act as a "pre-crash positioner," which means when used at the armpit level, it positions the harness over the child's shoulders properly. The first step is to make sure the harness strap is centered and snug across the child's shoulders so that you cannot pinch a fold in the harness strap. If the harness is not snug enough, it will be easier for a child to compress the chest clip button. The chest clip is designed so that the force to unfasten it is not too easy for a child to do, but not too difficult to where a parent cannot unfasten it quick enough in the case of an emergency.
We encourage parents to make traveling a fun and safe experience for their child. As your child gets older and more independent, your child may want to open the chest clip themselves. Explaining to your child that only an adult can operate the RAVA™, and practicing wearing your own seat belt when driving are the best methods to setting a good example for your child.
How do I keep my child warm in the car seat?
Wearing bulky clothing can prevent a proper harness fit. A large “puffy” coat or clothing can compress in a crash introducing slack into the harnesses which need to stay tight on the child. You should not put your child in any car seat wearing bulky clothing or jackets. Instead, remove any bulky clothing and cover your child with a blanket or jacket after securing your child in the seat.
We do not recommend using any products or accessories that are not approved by Nuna.
To determine if the harnesses are tight enough, the caregiver should use the “pinch” test. If you can pinch the harness vertically between your fingers at the shoulders, then tighten till you cannot pinch any of the harness between your fingers.
Do I have to use the harness or hip covers, or the crotch belt cover?
The harness pads and crotch cover are a comfort feature that can be used or removed for any child.
Is the RAVA™ aircraft approved?
Yes, the RAVA™ has been tested and certified to meet FAA requirements. Follow the instruction manual for installation on an aircraft (see "Aircraft Installation"). The FAA certified sticker is located on the bottom of the RAVA™. Look for the label with the airplane. Because some aircraft seat configurations are different than others, it is always a good idea to contact your airline prior to travel to double confirm compatibility.
Can I use an inflatable seat belt?
The RAVA™ cannot be installed using a self-inflatable vehicle seat belt. If the only seat belt options in the vehicle are inflatable seat belts, you must install the RAVA™ using the Lower Anchor Belts (LATCH).
Do I have to replace my RAVA™ if it has been involved in a car accident? What if it was a minor accident, i.e.: fender bender?
If you have been involved in a minor crash then we recommend you follow the NHTSA guidelines:
NHTSA recommends that car seats be replaced following a moderate or severe crash in order to ensure a continued high level of crash protection for child passengers.
Car seats do not automatically need to be replaced following a minor crash.
What defines a minor crash?
A minor crash is one in which ALL of the following apply:
• The vehicle was able to be driven away from the crash site.
• The vehicle door nearest the car seat was not damaged.
• None of the passengers in the vehicle sustained any injuries in the crash.
• If the vehicle has airbags, the airbags did not deploy during the crash; and
• There is no visible damage to the car seat.
NEVER use a car seat that has been involved in a moderate to severe crash. Always follow manufacturer's instructions.
How do I remove my cupholder?
Both cupholders can be removed by rotating the cupholder into the use position, and then firmly pulling up. Replace the cupholder by snapping the cupholder onto the hinge. Be sure cupholder is securely attached.
How do I replace my RAVA™ fabric after removing to wash?
In the section below are the steps from the RAVA™ Cleaning Instructions Manual that describes putting the seat cover back on as well as link to a video that shows you how to replace the fabric.
Nuna YouTube Video: RAVA™ Cleaning and Maintenance Video
Reverse Steps of Seat Cover Removal:
- Recline Child Restraint to rear facing Position 1.
- Tuck the seat cover into the retaining channel along the edge of the seat and tuck the corner flap in near the screw.
- From the center of the seating area, push the white plastic tab on the seat cover down over the screw while pulling down on the fabric from the outside.
- Ensure both corner pockets are secured to the outside of the Calf Support.
Can I use a seat protector under my RAVA™ to protect my vehicle seat?
The RAVA™ was designed with a smooth seat back and seat bottom, so using a vehicle seat protector
is not necessary. We do not recommend using any products or accessories that are not approved by Nuna.
Adding a product or accessory could alter the effectiveness or performance of the RAVA™ if ever involved
in a crash. We do not recommend placing any seat protector or other item under your RAVA™.
How do I wash my seat cover?
You may hand wash or machine wash your covers on the delicate cycle, using cold water and mild detergent (Baby Dreft, Biokleen, or small amount of Dawn). Then be sure to air dry.
How do I clean my car seat?
Wipe plastic, vinyl, and metal parts with a damp sponge or soft cloth.
The harness system should be cleaned with mild soap and water and allowed to air dry.
- Do not attempt to remove the harness system. Wipe the outside of the buckle with a damp cloth.
- Do not lubricate the buckle or immerse in water.
- Do not use bleach or harsh chemicals on your car seat and do not dry clean. Use of cleaning agents such as these can damage your car seat and cause deterioration of the materials.
Where can I find my product / serial label on the RAVA™?
The product / serial label can be found underneath the car seat on the frame of the RAVA™.