In the whirlwind of preparing for a new arrival, there’s one essential item that stands out among the rest: a car seat. You’ll want this sorted in plenty of time as you won’t be able to drive home from the hospital without it!
With so many belts and straps, correctly installing a car seat can be daunting. Whether you’re buying a
newborn capsule
or graduating them into their
next seat
, it’s important to get the right fit in your vehicle.
That’s why we offer one FREE car seat installation when you buy the seat from us.
If you’re not a fan of reading instruction manuals, car seat installation can be stressful. But it’s an important thing to get right to keep your little one safe. Properly installed car seats can significantly reduce the risk of injury or death in the event of a crash.
Expert Guidance: In-Store Installations
Dimples’ can both install your car seat for you and talk you through the process so you’re confident installing it yourself should you need to in the future.
Our knowledgeable staff members undergo extensive training to become qualified Child Restraint Technicians. When you purchase a car seat from Dimples, you can rest assured that it will be installed correctly, following manufacturer guidelines. We'll also take the time to demonstrate proper usage and answer any questions you may have, ensuring that you feel confident using the seat.
Bridging the Distance: Virtual Video Calls
If you can’t visit one of our stores in person, don’t stress, we've got you covered. You can book a Fit Check online. This is where you do your best to install the car seat first, then on a video call with one of our car seat technicians, we check the fit and help with any issues.
Have you bought your seat elsewhere?
No problem – we offer a car seat installation service for $50 if the seat wasn’t bought from Dimples.
Visit Dimples today to explore our wide selection of premium car seats.
Getting a wriggly toddler into a car seat shouldn’t feel like a workout. That’s why rotating car seats are quickly becoming a go-to for modern parents.
In this blog, we explore how they work and why so many families are making the switch. From extended rear and front facing options to reducing back strain, we’ll help you decide whether a rotating car seat is the right choice for your growing family.
Benefits of a Rotating Car Seat
Easier access in and out of the car - The swivel function turns the seat towards the door, making it easier to get your child in and out of the car without awkward angles. With the seat facing you, it is easier to correctly position and tighten the harness, helping ensure your child is safely secured every time.
Reduced strain on your back - Rotating the seat towards you helps minimise bending, twisting, and reaching, which can help prevent back and shoulder strain, especially with growing toddlers. This also helps parents (or grandparents) recovering from birth, injury, or surgery, or those with limited mobility, who often find rotating seats easier and more comfortable to use.
Rear and front facing options - While your child is young, rear facing car seats are recommended for their safety. Though you want to keep them rear facing as long as possible (according to weight and height restrictions), you will eventually need to switch to forward facing, which is made incredibly easy with the swivel feature. You also have multiple angle options to recline the seat and can change all of these settings without having to re-install the entire seat.
Things to Consider Before Buying
Weight limits - Most (though not all) rotating car seats have a weight limit of 18kgs because of the isofix installation. On average, that’s around four years old, and while many parents are happy to switch to a booster seat after that, others just want one seat that goes all the way. If you’d prefer to buy a single seat with more longevity, a non-rotating option may suit you better. The Nuna Rava Next goes up to 29.4kgs (seven or eight years on average), and the Exec Next has a booster seat conversion, meaning that it lasts right from newborn up to 49.9kgs, around 12 years old!
Space in your car - If you have multiple kids and multiple car seats in the car, having one that rotates might be a bit tricky. Rotating seats generally have a larger base, and the swivel motion itself can be blocked if there are other seats in the way. If you plan on having three seats side by side in the back row, swivelling is a no-go. If you have two seats, then a rotating seat might be a good option depending on how it fits into your car. If you’re not sure, give us a call at our Newmarket or Christchurch stores, and book in a time to try out some options and see what works best.
What Are the Rotating Car Seat Options?
Nuna NEXT System
Built to work together seamlessly, the Nuna NEXT System offers flexibility, longevity, and peace of mind in one refined package. With two different base options (Base Next & Base Curv), two capsules (Pipa Next & Arra Flex), a unique lie-flat car seat (Cari Next), and a toddler seat for good measure (Todl Next), the NEXT System gives you a range of options for travelling in style. The bases come equipped with True Lock™ technology and coloured installation guides for your peace of mind, and one base can be used for all compatible products (keeping you covered for the first four years of baby’s life).
Maxi Cosi Pebble 360 Pro Capsule & Maxi-Cosi Pearl 360
As part of the 360 Pro Family range, the Pebble and Pearl (when on the Family Fix 360 Pro Base) not only rotate 360°, but also slide towards you to eliminate the awkward reaching that usually comes with buckling in a little one. While the Pearl must be attached to the base in order to go in the car, the Pebble can also be seatbelt installed by itself.
Nuna Pruu
If you love the Todl but don’t want to bother with the separate base, the Pruu might be the seat for you. With the same detachable Side Impact Protection, integrated rebound bar, and smart-swivel lock, your little one will be travelling in stylish safety from start to finish. The big difference? The Pruu is one piece, with no separate base, making it a bit heavier to carry around, but super convenient for those who’d rather not bother with the extra pieces.
We also have the new Nuna Pruu Aire with a retractable sun canopy.
Nuna Rylo
A new and popular choice is the Nuna Rylo. This seat has it all: 360° rotation, seat belt installation capability, and premium materials. Certified to the AS/NZS standard, it’s perfect for Trans-Tasman travellers, or anyone who’s after the latest version of Nuna’s award winning technology.
Not sure which seat is right for you? Visit us in Auckland or Christchurch to see them in person. You can also book in a fitting with our team - we’ll help you find the safest, easiest option for your car and your family.
Potty training isn’t just about learning a new skill - it’s a big emotional and developmental milestone. Understanding what’s happening in your child’s mind can transform the experience from a power struggle into a confidence-building journey.
Need a gift for new parents (and their little one)? Unless you’re in the thick of newborn life yourself, it’s not always obvious what will actually be helpful. If they have a registry, great. But if not, that’s where we come in, with thoughtful gift inspiration to help you show up in a meaningful way during this beautiful but often overwhelming season.
From your newborn’s very first ride home to their toddler adventures and beyond, the Nuna RAVA Car Seat in Caviar colour grows with your child, supporting them from newborn up to a whopping 29 kg.
You want a car seat that feels reassuringly solid, simple to install, and genuinely comfortable for the long haul. The Nuna RAVA delivers exactly that. Designed to grow with your child from infancy through the early school years, this uncomplicated, unfussy convertible car seat exceeds safety standards while keeping everyday use straightforward. Thoughtful details like laid back leg room, breathable fabrics, and fuss free adjustments mean you spend less time wrestling with settings and more time enjoying the ride.
The Award Winning Nuna Aace LX booster seat in Caviar colour offers top tier safety and comfort for children aged 4 to 12 (100–150 cm).
Designed with Nuna's innovative 3D Growth™ system, it adjusts in height, width, and seat depth to accommodate your child's growth. This high back booster seat features a customizable recline and a detachable side impact protection pod, enhancing safety during side collisions. Its sleek design and breathable fabric ensure a comfortable ride for your child.
Installation is straightforward with the ISOFIX attachment system, providing a secure fit in your vehicle. The Aace LX also includes a belt positioner and color coded belt path indicators to ensure correct seat belt routing.
Travel in style with our Dimples Baby on Board sticker! This Decal has an adhesive back, so simply peel off the backing, then place the sticker where you like it. Brush over the sticker with your hand to build heat - this will help the sticker stay, then slowly peel away the adhesive front.
The Nuna Carseat Locking clip prevents the seat belt from moving and provides improved stability when used with your child's restraint / Car seat.
This locking clip is used alongside your child's car seat. The locking clip is to be used when your vehicle has seat belts that will not lock at rest or if your vehicle has a latch plate that slides freely.
Features:
Sturdy metal clip Used to secure seat belt when installing your child car seat Always read and follow your car seat instruction manual as well as your vehicle owners manual for full car seat installation instructions
