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As everyone knows, the inside of a car can get extremely hot - even in weather that doesn't seem especially warm.
For children in a car seat, hot weather can be even harder to manage, because their harness holds them tightly against warm fabrics and padding, and their harness and buckles can get hot against their skin.
Especially for parents in hot climates, it's a good idea to look for car seats that are specifically designed to keep children cool, with materials that won't absorb heat, breathable fabrics, and adequate ventilation to keep kids comfortable.
That’s where the Evenflo Symphony comes in!
Who is the Evenflo Symphony DLX Most Suitable For?
Many all-in-one car seats are only rated to hold children up to 100 pounds, but it's important to remember that children transition to adult seat belts based on their height, not their weight. Children should not use adult seat belts until they are 57 inches tall, regardless of their age or weight.
The top weight of the Evenflo Symphony is higher than the top weight rating of most all-in-one car seats, going up to 110 pounds, making it a good choice for children that are heavier than average for their height.
The Evenflo Symphony also has some features that make it a great choice for parents who live in hot climates. Like everything in a car, a child's carseat can get extremely hot, and metal buckles and plush fabrics can be uncomfortably hot for a child. With special features like breathable fabric and buckle pockets that reduce heat, the Symphony stays cooler than other car seats, and helps keep young ones comfortable.
Pros and Cons of Evenflo Symphony DLX
Pros
Cons
Overview of the Evenflo Symphony DLX
The Evenflo Symphony is an all-in-one convertible car seat with a great weight range, protecting children from 5 – 110 pounds. But it's also designed to keep children cool and comfortable, with breathable, temperature-regulating fabrics, and even thoughtful pockets that hold buckles and keep them from getting hot. It's a convenient, convertible car seat that will keep children safe and comfortable for all the years they need the extra protection of a car seat or booster seat.
Safety
What are this model’s NHTSA ratings? At the time of writing this review, the Evenflo Symphony doesn't have an NHTSA rating.
- Side impact protection? Yes
- Energy-absorbing base? Yes
- Metal frame? No
Longevity
Ease of Use
Ease of Installation
Comfort and Quality
Video Overview of Evenflo Symphony DLX
Evenflo Symphony DLX Specs
FEATURE | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
Rear facing child weight | 5 -40 pounds |
Rear facing child height | 19 – 40 inches, with the top of the child's head at least one inch below the top of the car seat back |
Forward facing child weight | 22 – 65 pounds |
Forward facing child height | 28 – 50 inches, with the tops of the child's ears below the top of the head rest |
Seat belt booster child weight | 40 – 110 pounds |
Seat belt booster child height | 38 – 57 inches, with the tops of the child's ears below the top of the child restraint |
Car seat weight | 21 pounds |
Car Seat dimensions | 19.5” high x 21.5” high x 28" long |
Car seat expiration date | 8 years |
Evenflo Symphony DLX Features
FEATURE | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
Safety features | |
Ease of use | |
Longevity features | |
Quality and comfort features |
What is included with the Evenflo Symphony DLX?
The Evenflo Symphony doesn't come with any accessories. If you are considering this car seat specifically because it has temperature-control features and you are using it in a hot climate, you may want to consider adding a car seat cooler. It's a convenient, self-insulated cooling pad that can be used as needed to keep a car seat cool and comfortable for hours.
Evenflo Symphony DLX Installation
Evenflo hasn't produced installation videos, but offers free video chat support to help with installation. Several YouTubers have produced installation videos for the Evenflo Symphony that will be helpful reference, including this one that covers rear-facing installation
Rear-facing Installation
and this one that shows forward-facing installation.
Forward-facing Installation
Evenflo Symphony DLX Manual
The English version of the Evenflo Symphony user's manual can be found here:
Evenflo Symphony vs. Evenflo EveryStage
If you are looking for a convertible car seat with the longevity of the Symphony and the proven quality of Evenflo, you may want to consider upgrading to the Evenflo EveryStage. The EveryStage is the superior car seat, beating the Symphony in nearly every category. Here's a comparison of the two models:
Header | evenflo symphony | evenflo everystage |
|---|---|---|
Rear-facing child weight | 5 – 40 pounds | 4 – 50 pounds |
Rear-facing child height | 19 – 40 inches | 17 – 43 inches |
Forward-facing child weight | 22 – 65 pounds | 22 – 65 pounds |
Forward-facing child height | 28 – 50 inches | 28 – 50 inches |
Seat belt booster child weight | 40 – 110 pounds | 40 – 120 pounds |
Seat belt booster child height | 44 – 57 inches | 44 – 57 inches |
Car seat dimensions | 21.5 W x 19.5 H x 28 D inches | 19 W x 26.5 H x 22 D inches |
Car seat weight | 21 pounds | 22 pounds |
Car seat expiration | 8 years | 10 years |
Installation system | QuickConnector LATCH system | EasyClick LATCH system |
Rollover tested? | No | Yes |
The Evenflo EveryStage has a higher overall weight rating, and particularly a broader range of height and weight rating in the rear-facing mode, making it a better fit for extended rear-facing, from smaller babies to bigger toddlers.
The Evenflo EveryStage also has a longer life span, and is narrower in width, while being just a bit heavier than the Symphony, making it easier to fit in vehicles with multiple car seats. It also has an easier installation system. Overall, if your goal is to find an all-in-one with a longer lifespan and easier use, the EveryStage is a better bet.
However, the Symphony has some special features that the EveryStage does not, including the temperature-regulating fabric and the stay-cool buckle holster. If you need a car seat that will protect children from hot temperatures, the Symphony is a great choice.
And, while narrower, the EveryStage is much taller than the Symphony. In some vehicles, this increased height of the car seat can impede the view, and be frustrating to drivers. Whether you prefer a car seat with a couple more inches of width, or a couple more inches in height, depends on the vehicle you are using and what your needs are.
Since both car seats are high quality construction and backed by the reputation of Evenflo, and both are almost identical in price (and can sometimes be had at a bargain, depending on your upholstery preferences), the choice of whether you want the robust longevity of the EveryStage or the cool comfort of a Symphony is entirely up to you.
Evenflo Symphony Car Seat: Changing to Forward Facing Demo
Conclusion
The Evenflo Symphony is a safe, reliable all-in-one car seat that is easy to use and keeps children cool in hot weather and hot cars. It has an excellent weight range, easy adjustments, and convenient features to make it comfortable and long-lasting.
And it's backed by the quality and reputation of Evenflo, that makes car seats right in America and provides excellent support for all the years you need it. For parents who want an all-in-one that will keep children safe and comfortable all the way up to 110 pounds or for their first 8 years of life.
Evenflo Symphony (click image for more info)
With two kids of my own, I’m passionate about child safety! I’m a research nerd who’s on a mission to make the world a safer place for kids – starting with car seats!
To contact me directly please click here.
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