Nuna Rava vs. Britax Poplar Car Seats: A Comparative Analysis

We know how hard it is to choose a convertible car seat for your little one. There are many car seats to choose from and oftentimes it can get overwhelming to decide which one is right for you and your family.  In this comparison, we'll be taking a close look at two popular car seat models: the Nuna Rava and the Britax Poplar S. Both renowned brands offer a range of features designed to keep your little one secure, but there are notable differences that might sway your decision. Let's dive into the details and compare these two car seats.

What are the differences in safety between the Nuna Rava and Britax Poplar S? 

Safety is undoubtedly the top priority when it comes to car seats. The Nuna Rava and Britax Poplar S excel in this aspect, meeting and often exceeding industry safety standards. Both car seats come equipped with a five-point harness system to secure your child snugly and securely in the seat. They also offer side-impact protection to shield your child from potential collisions.

The Nuna Rava and the Britax Poplar S have energy absorbing foam, offer rear facing up to 50lbs and are free of toxic flame retardant chemicals. Both Nuna and Britax feature naturally flame resistant materials.

The Nuna Rava offers side impact pods and a steel frame to add to the safety of the seat. 

How easy is it to clean the Nuna Rava and Britax Poplar S? 

Car seats seem to see some of the worst of it when it comes to how dirty our little ones can be. If you find yourself needing to wash the fabric on a car seat often, you’re going to want to know how easy it is to clean. Great news for those with messy tots, both the Nuna Rava and the Britax Poplar S have removable and machine washable fabric. The Nuna Rava does require you to line dry their cover as it is not dryer safe. The Britax Poplar S does have a dryer “safewash” fabric making it easy and quick to clean. 

How long you can use the car seats

Longevity of a car seat is crucial for making an informed decision on which convertible car seat is right for you. 

Both the Nuna Rava and Britax Poplar S are convertible car seats, meaning the are meant for both rear and forward-facing. Both car seats are suitable for use from birth to toddler. 

The Nuna Rava is built for rear-facing from 5 to 50 pounds and forward-facing toddlers from 25 to 65 pounds. The overall height restriction of the Nuna Rava is 49 inches. Typically this car seat can be used until your child is about 5-6 years old and ready to move to high back booster like the Nuna Aace.

Similarly, the Britax Poplar S is designed for rear-facing from 5 to 50 pounds and forward-facing toddlers from 20 to 65 pounds. The overall height limit is also 49 inches. This car seat is generally used until the child is about 5-6 years old and ready to move to a high back booster like Britax Highpoint.

How easy is the Installation on the Nuna Rava and Britax Poplar S? 

The installation process can significantly affect the safety and usability of a car seat. 

The Nuna Rava's "Simply Secure" system simplifies installation, even for first-time parents. The color-coded indicators and bubble level guide you through the installation process. This system reduces the likelihood of installation errors, providing peace of mind for parents.

The Britax Poplar S, on the other hand, utilizes the "ClickTight" a self-tensioning system that takes the guesswork out of car seat installation. It involves opening the front of the car seat to access the seat belt or LATCH connectors. While this is a straightforward process for installation, it does not guide you as much as the Simply Secure process on the Nuna Rava. 

Can they fit three across in back seats?

For parents with more than one little one and needs to fit more than one car seat in their backseat, the size of the car seat comes into making your decision. There aren’t many convertible car seats on the market that are slim enough to fit three across, however the Britax Poplar S  Slim 17” seat is designed to fit 3-across in most vehicles. The Nuna Rava is too wide to accommodate three across.  

Are there any additional features on the car seats I should know about before making my decision? 

While safety, ease of use, and longevity place a huge part in your decision, there are other added features that might help sway your decision on which is right for you. 

The Nuna Rava has 10 recline positions 5 for rear facing 5 for forward facing. 

It also has a 10 position height adjustment and non rethread harness (which is clutch when it comes to adjusting the height of the harness.) The Rava also features two pop out cup holders, harness holders, extended leg support and ventilation panels for airflow.

The Britax Poplar S also features an adjustable recline and has a 14 position height adjustment and non rethread harness. 

Which car seat is right for you? 

Choosing between the Nuna Rava and Britax Poplar S ultimately comes down to your priorities and preferences. Both car seats offer exceptional safety features, comfortable designs, and easy installation processes. The Nuna Rava's "Simply Secure" installation system and innovative features make it an excellent choice for those willing to invest in top-of-the-line safety and convenience. On the other hand, the Britax Poplar S provides a reliable option that is slim enough to fit three across and offers their ClickTight System for secure and simple installation. 

Before making a decision, consider your budget, the specific needs of your child, and your comfort level with the installation process. Whichever option you choose, both the Nuna Rava and Britax Poplar S are designed to keep your child safe and comfortable on every car journey.

Download our Convertible Car Seat Buying guide >>> HERE

Any questions? We'll match you with the perfect baby gear for your family.  Book a Virtual or In-store Consultation with a baby gear expert today!