Peg Perego Primo Energy-Absorbing Foam Convertible Car Seat

Last updated: March 17, 2023

Peg Perego Primo Energy-Absorbing Foam Convertible Car Seat
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We looked at the top Convertible Car Seats and dug through the reviews from some of the most popular review sites. Through this analysis, we've determined the best Convertible Car Seat you should buy.

Overall Take

In our analysis of 88 expert reviews, the Peg Perego Primo Energy-Absorbing Foam Convertible Car Seat placed 17th when we looked at the top 18 products in the category. For the full ranking, see below.

From The Manufacturer

Made In Italy. The new primo viaggio convertible is our premium car seat that comes with EPS side foam in the shell and in the head panels for superior side impact protection (SIP). The SIP is easy to adjust, even with your baby in the seat. The wide padded seat includes a specially shaped removable cushion for newborns and a quick release five point safety harness. The primo viaggio convertible is fastened to the vehicle by means of standard lap or shoulder lap vehicle belts or using latch connector and top tether straps according to FMVSS-213 and CMVSS-213 regulations. Features include: Rear facing for children 5 to 35 pound, forward facing for children 20 to 65 pound, adjustable side impact protection is easy to adjust in 10 different positions with baby in the seat, quick-release five point safety harness with shoulder pads and chest clip, harness webbing made with cobblestone extra strong polyester thread, wide, padded seat; includes a specially shaped removable cushion for newborns, EPS side foam in the shell and in the head panel for superior side impact protection, gently shaped base with non-friction pads for extra stability, superior quality fabric, removable, washable covers, top tether hook, adjustable latch connectors easily repositionable for forward or rearward installation.

Expert Reviews


What experts liked

the Peg is a fantastic seat with luxurious fabrics. The 45-lb maximum rear-facing weight limit is one of the highest on the market. Other than the fact that it’s pretty difficult to install with a seat belt rear-facing, car seat techs generally like it too.
Premium fit and finish, Rear-facing to 45 pounds (like the Diono Radian RXT), Decent overall weight range (5 to 65 pounds), EPS energy-absorbing foam, Soft and comfortable, Peg Perego SAFE crumple zone system, Premium LATCH connectors, Durable and easy-clean jersey fabric, Easy installation and adjustments, Approved for air travel, No-rethread harness, Side impact protection.
Highs: Push-on LATCH connectors. - No-rethread harness.
The fabric wraps around the bottom and edges of the shell and is smooth enough to wipe clean. The infant insert and fabric around the head are both textured and seemed like they would be more absorbent than the majority of the fabric on the seat.
Their breathable Fresco Jersey fabric (washable!) is equal parts stylish and comfortable. And underneath are supreme safety features, like a contoured steel back plate, adjustable side-impact protection and energy-absorbing foam.
Generous use of white EPS foam on the sides of the carseat adds that extra feeling of safety. A block of EPP foam (called Shock Absorbing Foam Element, or SAFE) on the bottom of the seat crushes during impact. At 8.5” wide at ear level, the headrest will actually fit a big ol’ noggin.
The conversion process is easier with a simple snap and twist motion. The 7-year expiration date means that it could last through a few children, but not as long as some of the 10-year models. The thing we liked most about it is that it stood up to several real-world crashes and kept the baby completely safe.

What experts didn't like

Bulky and large, No cup holders, No booster mode, Too expensive for most (about $350).
Lows: Difficult to thread vehicle belts through belt paths. - Belt guides interfere with installation.
In crash tests designed to the specifications used by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), this seat was below the maximum limit for both the head and chest sensor data during testing.
The strap covers are very thick and cushy and long. While that’s comfortable for the child, they make it difficult to tighten the harness down properly. The harness also appeared to get caught in them, making it tough to tighten. Without the covers, the harness adjusted easily.
The rear-facing belt path is unique and will take a little while to get used to, which also means that installation may take longer. Initially, tightening the harness is difficult because of the padding, though should get easier with continued use.
View our Convertible Car Seat buying guide for in-depth advice and recommendations.

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