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Next, in the Mother&Baby Tried & Tested hot seat, we asked parents for their opinions on the Nuna ARRA flex car seat and BASE curv...
Parenting is full of decisions, but choosing safe, smart, stylish gear shouldn’t be complicated. That’s why Nuna has introduced two innovative additions that promise to transform your travel experience from day one.
The Nuna ARRA flex is thoughtfully designed for life on the move. Whether you're navigating city streets or heading out for a countryside drive, it’s engineered for comfort, ease and healthy development. Promising to give your baby the support they need in a sleek, travel-ready form.
Pair it with the Nuna BASE curv for seamless journeys every time. With intuitive safety features and a smooth 360° swivel, this base simplifies car seat installations while keeping your baby close and secure.
Families deserve equipment that’s as flexible as they are, so read on to learn first-hand what our parent testers thought of these products.
What did you like most about the product?
One tester said: "Our favourite thing about the ARRA flex is how stylish and comfortable it is for my little one. We always get complimented on how nice and premium the car seat looks. The best part is I always thought you had to compromise on aesthetic or safety, but with the ARRA flex’s i-size certified, R129 rating and three recline positions, including 157 degree recline, you don’t have to compromise on either style or function. The ARRA flex comes in a range of colour options and the memory foam headrest just screams luxury and comfort. Our baby loves the car seat and always seems so comfortable, he usually falls asleep in it right away and never fusses when getting strapped in, thanks to Nuna’s innovative and simple restraint design. Our favourite feature of the BASE curv is what Nuna calls the ProxiPivot(TM) technology that allows you to turn and glide the car seat out and towards you in a simple one-handed motion"
Another parent wrote: "I absolutely love how lightweight the seat is, the recline function and the look of it. This car seat is so light that I don’t dread getting it in and out of the car. I found that I could carry it with one hand and my shopping. It also wasn’t bulky in the car or when in the house. The recline function was great. I absolutely love the look of this car seat. The biscotti is so attractive and looks expensive. Long with the brown leather handle, it looks so stylish. I just love it. I really liked the adjustable headrest within the car seat and how it could be moved up and down with the toggle. It just felt way more sturdy than what I’ve had in other seats. The sunshade is super, as it really does cover most of the seat and I think it’ll be great on sunny days. I really like how easy it is to swivel the base and how you can easily tell if the car seat is secured correctly."
Another parent commented: "First impressions were fantastic. There was minimal waste from the initial parcels. The instruction manuals and warranty card were safely inside and extremely easy to read and follow. The product is fashionable. I particularly like the leather badge on the top of the car seat. It’s stylish, and I had the choice of three different colours. I chose Caviar. It is very aesthetically pleasing and fits nicely with the interior of our family car. The product was so easy to fit and use, and is lightweight when transferring from the house to the car. We currently have two cars and with our current car seat it is time consuming at times having to take it out to switch over to the other car."
How does this product compare to others you’ve used?
One parent said: "It is by far the best car seat I’ve used, I’ve had Chicco, and Ickle Bubba and Joie seats and this one offers so much more support to the baby's head. I found in the other seats, especially the Chicco seat, there was just not enough support around his head, it would stress me out as his head was always looking like it was slumping forward. I would be stopping the car to check him, but I don’t have those worries with the ARRA flex, and I’m confident that the seat is giving his head enough support. I wish I had had this seat from the start. I’ve also found that the material is much more breathable. In the other seats, I would find that he was getting sweaty, but I have not had that problem with this Nuna seat.
All the buttons are also so much smoother with the Nuna seat. The other seats just felt clunky in comparison and sticky. The BASE curv is very nice and smooth and the release buttons are not sticky, like other ones."
Another parent said: "The most notable difference between the ARRA flex car seat and other car seats we have used is its versatility. Most other car seats we have used or tested meant we had to compromise on features. With the ARRA flex, we were pleasantly surprised to discover that we could get all the features we looked for in an infant car seat: i-size certified, R129 rated, lie-flat recline (up to 157 degrees). However, we also got the bonus of a choice of installation. This was a game changer for us, as while our main car has ISOFIX, we often travel with family in older cars, and being able to use seat belt installation just allows that extra flexibility and freedom. The side and rear belt guides also made this super easy, and the grandparents were pleasantly surprised with how easy both the ISOFIX and belt options were to use compared to older systems they were more familiar with. Even my dad, someone who struggles with new innovations and products, loves using the ARRA flex with the BASE curv when taking our little one out. The innovative design means that with a couple of simple buttons and clicks, the base is smoothly installed with three clear windows (representing the leg, seat and 360 base lock) that easily display green once the system is installed correctly and red if there is an issue with any component. Finally, my favourite feature that sets the BASE curv apart from other 360-degree car seats is the swing-out feature. As someone recovering from an emergency c-section, being able to swing the seat out one-handed and not having to bend and lean into the car when transitioning my baby in/out of the seat is really a nice feature. It’s seamless, intuitive, one-click features like this that shows Nuna have not just safety, design and the child in mind - they really have taken into consideration usability for parents/guardians."
Another tester commented: "We currently have the Ickle Bubba Stratus i-Size, and we find it difficult to transport our baby to and from it. This is because we don’t have a rotating base. We live where our cars are parked on the road, so we have to be extremely mindful and careful when we take them out. With the Nuna ARRA flex and BASE curv, this is an absolute game changer! Our baby is placed, positioned, belted up and clipped, ready for our car journey to commence. I can also tell he feels a lot more comfortable and less stressed because of the base. Even the interior of the Nuna ARRA flex is much more comfortable with its memory foam insert and headrest."
Would you recommend this product to other parents? Why/why not?
One tester said: "I would 100% recommend both the ARRA flex car seat and BASE curv to other parents, and we have! Ease of use, safety features, style, comfort, versatility…this car seat and base set has it all! Nuna truly is a masters of innovative and intuitive design that work seamlessly together. I would also consider them to be a premium quality product for a reasonably affordable price, people always think the products are more expensive than they are. The EPP energy absorbing foam, side impact tested, one-handed height adjustable memory foam headrest with 10 positions, leatherette carry handle, lightweight design, removeable UPF 50+ canopy, flip out eye shade, peek-a-boo window, environmentally friendly merino wool and Tencel fabrics are just some of the features included that really translate that luxurious and premium quality design."
Another parent commented, "I would 100% recommend this seat and have already done so. The recline function is brilliant. He was sleeping in the car, reclined. I got him out and went to a restaurant and didn’t need to put him in a bassinet, he just stayed sleeping in the reclined car seat. I would also recommend it because of how light it is. This is just great for us mums. The only issue I’ve encountered with it is that even though it has various levels of recline, even in a full seated position, it still feels quite laid-back. This does tend to frustrate my baby, who tries to get himself more upright, so it would be nice if it could have the option to sit up just a little more. The other thing I wasn’t sure about was how to secure the fabric flap that covered the mesh when opening it for ventilation. Maybe some magnets or something would be good to secure it open. I’ve seen magnets used on car seats to keep the straps out of the way when putting the baby in the seat, which I think is a great idea and would benefit this seat. The only thing I wasn’t keen on when it came to the base was that when the base is facing the door, I couldn’t close the door of my car, so had to spin the base back to the driving position which was a bit irritating when holding the car seat and you just want to shut the door but have to move the base back into place."
Another parent wrote: "Absolutely yes. For starters, it is easy to use. Being a first-time mum, I have met a lot of first-time parents during antenatal classes, where we still keep in touch on a daily basis, and we always discuss babies, products, and everyday occurrences. Some of the parents like ourselves had gone with the car seat that came with the pram, and Next-to-me bundle, and after having been lucky enough to test the Nuna ARRA flex and BASE curv, I can honestly say that this would make our busy lives easier. I didn’t realise how important it would be to have a rotating base, and in hindsight, I should have done some research before we bought our Ickle Bubba bundle."
How do you think the ARRA flex and BASE curv could benefit parents?
One parent said: "The ARRA flex car seat can be installed by using either ISOFIX or seatbelt options and can be used with compatible pushchairs when used with car seat adapters. This flexibility allows for installation in various vehicles, whereas ISOFIX-only car seats are only compatible with vehicles with ISOFIX technology. While most modern vehicles come with ISOFIX as standard, older models do not necessarily allow for this option. The fabric inserts are also simple to remove, either once the baby reaches 62cm and the newborn insert needs to be removed, or the main fabric gets dirty. They are all machine washable, and with the no-thread 3-point harness, you simply pop it back in once clean and dry. As for the BASE curv, the biggest benefit is the swing-out feature of the 360 base with smart-swivel lock, which ensures rear-facing until 15 months/76cm tall. This can be easily changed to forward-facing with a simple button on the base once the child is of the correct age/height and can be used with compatible car seats up to about 4 years old. The BASE curv offers a no-fuss ergonomic design which makes travelling with your little one super smooth and safe."
Another tester wrote: "I think it just makes parents' lives easier. With how easy it is to install, how light it is, and with the lay-flat function, the ARRA flex just takes the hassle off. I think it’s easier for mums to handle because it isn’t heavy, and you don’t have to wake them up when moving in and out of the car, etc. The BASE curv makes getting in and out of the car super easy and quick, which is amazing when you are in a hurry!"
Another parent commented: "The BASE curv again just helps putting my baby in and out of the car quicker and easier. It has seemed to stop the fussing and resistance to go in the car, with him being able to face me first before swivelling him around to go in the car. I can secure the car seat belt and ensure my baby is positioned properly before swivelling it around and then starting our journey. When my baby is placed into the car seat facing me, he seems much more settled when I put him in the car. I liked that the base seems to come out slightly closer to you when it’s rotating round so there’s no awkward bending into the car when get my baby in and out the car - I found this has made transitions from pram into the car much easier and is slightly less distance to move from A to B; this is ideal as it is a heavy car seat to lift. I’ve been using this car seat system, and I’m very impressed. It’s modular, so you can easily switch between the car and pram without having to move your baby to another seat, which is a game-changer. This has made going out to the shops or a restaurant much more convenient, which will benefit parents. Setting up the base was really easy and simple because of the picture instructions on the base itself."
Would you use this product again? Why?
One parent tester said: "Yes, I love it. It’s so easy to use, and even when not using it with the base, it’s pretty easy to get in and out of the car. I have a small house, and because it’s light and compact, it doesn’t feel difficult to get in and out of the hallway. I haven’t used my bassinet since having this car seat. I can trust that he is safe in the back, and I feel stylish when out and about with it, always getting compliments on its looks. I love this car seat so much, I’m considering getting a Nuna pram. The base is really nice and smooth, feels sturdy and I feel confident when driving with my baby. The materials feel like quality, robust materials."
Another tester wrote: "Absolutely yes, and in hindsight, I wish we had gone for this in the first instance, but it came down to cost. However, you do get what you pay for. Being a first-time parent, there is a lot to think about as you have never experienced it before. I feel confident and reassured that this product supports my son with his head, spine, and hip development. I feel confident transferring him effortlessly from the car to the house because he is comfy and does not disturb him!"
Another parent commented: "Absolutely! It’s made my daily routine so much easier, quicker, and less stressful. I can keep my baby in the car seat and easily attach it to the pram and then back to the BASE curv again. This also means that if my baby is asleep, it doesn’t wake him up when transferring him in and out of the car. I would use this product again primarily because of the recline feature - I know he’s super comfortable in the seat, and he is able to be in the car seat for longer periods of time. This completely removed the worry about the 2-hour car seat recommendation and therefore doesn’t put pressure on us to feel rushed around whilst we are out. We are also able to do longer car journeys now, which is great - we would usually have stopped quite frequently on a long car journey, so this makes travelling easier. We also recently got stuck in awful traffic on the M6 and felt reassured by the recline feature that my baby’s positioning was safe in the car seat for a prolonged period, as we could not move on the M6 for over an hour. The ARRA flex also looks luxurious and feels like it’s made from high-quality materials. My baby looks really comfortable and relaxed in it with its soft padding material and extra space."
How easy was the product to use?
One parent said: "Yes, easy, easy, easy. I don’t think I had any difficulty figuring any of it out, it was all intuitive. Even when using it without the base and with a seat belt, it was still easy. I am afraid I don’t have much feedback here because it was just that, easy. The base was super easy to install and use, hardly even needed the instructions. This is by far the easiest, smoothest system I’ve used. Nothing jammed or was sticky; everything clicked in or released when I needed it to, which is a big problem I’ve had in the past. The fact that it is all so light makes using it easy. I dreaded using previous car seats because of how heavy they were to get out of; the ARRA flex doesn’t have this problem."
Another tester wrote: " So straightforward. Probably my favourite thing about it is its ‘no frills’ design. Nothing is over complicated, the clasp is a straightforward design, the height adjustment on the seat is so easy, no need to rethread the belts and buckles, just literally slide it to the right height. The base was so easy to fit into the car, and there were no complicated ‘knacks,’ which I think is what parents are really looking for. Life’s so tough with a new baby, so adding in stress with over-complicated systems is really unnecessary."
Another parent commented: "It's incredibly easy, which is why I would thoroughly recommend it. I have enjoyed using it on our travels. The instruction manuals for both the Nuna ARRA flex and BASE curv are easy to follow with easy illustrations, which both my husband and I were able to follow seamlessly."
What was your first impression of the ARRA flex and BASE curv?
One parent wrote: "My first impression of the car seat was that it had nice packaging. I liked the QR codes that linked to the warranty and instructions. I would have quite liked a video initially to go over the seat and what it can do, etc. Just as I like that sort of thing. When I opened the package, the first thing I noticed was the quality of the material—it was soft but firm and breathable—and the amount of support the seat provided compared to the original seat we had. When I picked it up, I was taken aback by how light it was and how easily all the buttons worked. I loved the base; everything on it just looked like really good quality. Fitting it in the car was easy, and the swivel function was so smooth."
Another parent said: "Personally, I think it is gorgeous. I love the cedar colourway, it’s just such a current colour scheme and looks so modern and fresh. The fabrics are nice, and they look well-padded and comfortable. The hood is lovely and again has that modern look about it. I like the embroidered logo on the fabric, too. The handle is metal instead of just plastic, and it looks really sleek. The leather handle grip is a nice touch, too. The base looks fairly standard but has all the necessary features. It has very clear colour indicator windows to show when the seat is fitted correctly, which I also liked.
Another parent commented: "I’m a little embarrassed to admit that my first impression was instant awe of the ARRA flex, simply because the middle clip cover (for between the legs) had an elastic strap that meant the padding goes nowhere unless you want it to. It was a pet peeve of mine that I almost lost this padding with our previous car seat numerous times. The simple and superficial change felt like Nuna really understood me as a parent, and I instantly thought I would be biased by that feature alone. And I tried as I could to find any flaw in the system, but I couldn’t. The ARRA flex had all the features I loved of my ARRA next, there was little noticeable difference between them. I had to get picky, and that’s where the ARRA flex just won out, with bonus features like my preferred colour option and more flexible installation options. At first, I thought I wouldn’t like the pull-out feature of the BASE curv, preferring my static 360 base as I thought the BASE curv would be too fiddly. But through using it daily, I’ve come to love this feature, and so have my back muscles. Transitioning to/from the car has never been easier, and my baby almost never stirs now. I couldn’t have been more wrong about the base curve being fiddly, it is a simple lever and pull-out mechanism, and this welcome ergonomic feature more than justifies these two simple extra steps."