- Converts from high-back to backless booster
- Adjustable width
- Deep seat base
- Heavy, awkward to carry
- Belts don't retract properly in some vehicles on 2012 models
- Fabric tricky to remove, wash
Bottom Line
The Diono Monterey, formerly the Sunshine Kids Monterey, is a longtime parent favorite among belt-positioning boosters. A deep seat, adjustable width and 120-pound weight capacity make the Monterey a pick that can keep even the biggest kids secure. The seat also converts from a high-back to backless booster. However, parents should beware of a belt-fit issue on 2012 models in certain vehicles.
Safety
Belt-path issue in certain vehicles. The Diono Monterey is a belt-positioning booster that uses a vehicle's existing seat belts. It offers energy-absorbing foam, side-impact head and side protection, and flexible LATCH connectors that help ensure a secure installation. The connectors will also keep an empty seat contained in the event of a crash. LATCH can be used regardless of a child's weight. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) names the Monterey a best bet for proper belt fit in high-back booster mode but check fit in backless mode, meaning it doesn't offer proper fit in as many vehicles as some competing seats. Several reviewers reported problems with the belt guide on some 2012 models, which they say wasn't allowing the seat belt to properly retract. Diono attributes the issue to seat fit in certain vehicles and notes that those seats may still be on the market. The company says it will send a modified headrest to anyone who encounters the problem.
Ease Of Operation
Easy-to-adjust seat. Reviewers like the Diono Monterey's included flexible LATCH connectors, but they are short and can be hard to attach to the seat, experts say. The easy-to-adjust headrest and expandable seat-back width, which can give kids more shoulder room, win raves. In ease-of-use ratings by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the seat receives 3 stars overall, with testers criticizing needed assembly and incomplete or unclear labeling.
Lifestyle Features
A good pick for big kids. The Diono Monterey converts from a high-back to a backless booster. It has two retractable cup holders and padded armrests. Reviewers also like the rubberized seat bottom, which helps keep the seat stable and reduces wear and tear on vehicle upholstery. The seat cover is removable, but Diono recommends machine washing only if you have a front-loading washer without an agitator. One expert reviewer says the cover is a "nightmare" to take off. Reviewers say the seat padding seems comfy, and the head wings and two-position recline are good for car naps. However, the seat is fairly heavy, and the back easily detaches when the seat is carried, one expert notes. The Monterey is available in six colors, including neutrals and brighter hues. Diono recommends the seat for children 30 to 120 pounds and 38 to 63 inches. A generous seat depth and adjustable width make this a good pick for taller or wider kids, reviewers say.
Customer Service
Responsive customer service. Diono offers a limited one-year warranty on the Monterey. Experts and parents generally give customer service high marks; they reacted very quickly to deal with the belt positioning issue of 2012. The seat expires six years from its date of manufacture.
| Diono Monterey Booster Seat, Grey | |
(42 reviews) In Stock. Eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping |
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Our Sources
1. CarSeatBlog.com
Review Credibility: Excellent The editors of CarSeatBlog.com pick the Diono Monterey as one of their top booster seats, saying it's a good choice for taller, wider kids. The newest model has an improved belt guide, they say. They also like the Monterey's ability to become a backless booster and its foam lining, one-hand height adjustment, side wings, LATCH connectors and cup holders. However, the seat is a bit heavy and bulky, they say, and needs "head support from the vehicle even when used with the back."
Review: Recommended Carseats, Editors of CarSeatBlog.com, September 2012
2. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety
Review Credibility: Excellent The IIHS evaluates booster seats on how well they make a safety belt fit an average 6 year old. The Diono Monterey is rated a best bet in high-back mode, meaning the lap belt was flat or nearly flat on the thighs, and the shoulder belt was correctly positioned at or very near the mid-shoulder. It is rated check fit for backless mode, meaning it offers "good protection for some kids in some vehicles, but not in as many cases as top-rated boosters."
Review: Booster Evaluations for 2012, Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, Not dated
3. NHTSA.gov
Review Credibility: Excellent The NHTSA rates car seats on a 5-star scale for ease of use, label content and clarity, instruction content and clarity, ease of installation and ease of securing a child. The Diono Monterey receives 3 stars overall, with testers citing needed assembly and incomplete or unclear labeling.
Review: Child Safety Seat Ease of Use Ratings, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Not dated
4. Baby Bargains
Review Credibility: Excellent Denise and Alan Fields review baby gear and common baby brands. The authors review popular car seats based on expert testing and parents' reviews, as well as information from manufacturers and retailers. Their website offers up-to-date information, additional reviews, recall information and forums for parents to discuss baby products.
Review: Car Seats: Picking the Right Child Safety Seat, Denise and Alan Fields, Tenth Edition, 2013
5. ConsumerReports.org
Review Credibility: Excellent Editors of ConsumerReports.org test 13 combination and 33 belt-positioning booster seats, including high-back and backless models. The ratings are reliable and unbiased, and they include editors' highs and lows for each seat -- helpful for parents who want a quick summary of each seat. However, there are a couple of discontinued models listed, and it's unclear when the tests were performed.
Review: Booster Seat Ratings, Editors of ConsumerReports.org, Not dated
6. TheCarSeatLady.com
Review Credibility: Very Good Car-seat experts from The CarSeatLady.com pick the Diono Monterey as one of the best seats for tall kids and kids with long legs. Picks are based on those thought to be "the most versatile for the widest range of children and vehicles," they note. However, there is no in-depth review of the seat.
Review: Our Best Picks for Boosters, Editors of TheCarSeatLady.com, Not dated
7. Bestcovery.com
Review Credibility: Very Good The Diono Monterey is one of Bestcovery.com's picks for best booster seat overall. Natasha Puryear gives the seat a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, praising its 15-pound weight and flat fold for travel. The seat also grows with kids and has a high 120-pound capacity, she says. She also likes the seat's ability to become a backless booster and praises the deep cup holders, two recline positions and protective padded bottom. Because the seat is deep, it can accommodate long legs, she says. The review does not note any cons.
Review: Best Booster Seat, Natasha Puryear, Jan. 3, 2012
8. 10rate.com
Review Credibility: Very Good Editors at 10Rate.com pick the Diono Monterey as one of the best overall boosters and give it a rating of 9.5 out of 10. They like the seat's high safety ratings, folding frame, 11 adjustable headrest settings and ability to become a backless booster. However, the seat is still heavy to take while traveling, they say.
Review: Best Booster Seats, Editors of 10Rate. com, Not dated
9. Amazon.com
Review Credibility: Very Good The Diono Monterey receives 3.8 out of 5 stars in more than 50 reviews on Amazon.com. Reviewers say the seat is soft, comfy and good for naps. They also like the long seat bottom, adjustable width, sturdy feel and cup holders. Many negative reviews focus on a seat-belt guide issue on some 2012 models that was preventing belts from retracting and gliding freely.
Review: Diono Monterey Booster Seat, Contributors to Amazon.com, As of April 2013
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