Nuna Arra baby car seat review

The Nuna Arra newborn baby car seat provides a smooth transition from crib to infant carrier. Its three recline positions allow baby to lie flat comfortably, whether Arra is buckled in the backseat or attached to a pushchair.

It’s i-Size-approved and lightweight, weighing just 3.9 kg (without insert or canopy). Doubling as a car seat and a carry cot, this reclining carrier means that even though life doesn’t stop, their sleep doesn’t have to either.

We spoke to these real mum testers to get their thoughts on the Nuna Arra

Testing the Nuna Arra

The Nuna ARRA is a premium newborn car seat designed to combine safety, style, and convenience with the added feature of a reclining seat - an ergonomic benefit that sets it apart from many competitors. Parent testers shared a range of experiences with the ARRA, highlighting both its standout features and a few areas for improvement.

Several of our parents praised the Nuna ARRA for how it simplifies everyday routines. Jess Banks noted, "The ease of unloading and loading my daughter using the Isofix base is really important. The harness was also simple to clip and unclip." Emily Farmery also found the installation process refreshingly easy, adding, "There was no need to use the instructions… the security features to confirm you have fitted it correctly were really reassuring."

The ARRA’s light weight was a consistent plus. Helen Broe commented, "The leather handle is easy to grip and makes it look classy," while Chloe Hopkin added, "I also like that the car seat is really lightweight, making it easy to carry from my 4th floor flat all the way down to the car."

The seat’s standout reclining feature offered peace of mind for parents. As Helen explained, "This car seat allows your baby to be in a reclined mode, which is safer for them when travelling… my baby spends most of her time asleep in it so this is great for us."

Reactions were mostly positive, with parents noting the comfort, design, and functionality of the ARRA. Charlotte Hunt said, "I would recommend this to a friend due to the lightweight of the seat unit and the ease of use for the isofix base. The materials used for the hand piece were different to other car seats."

However, Amy Goddard expressed reservations, stating, "I do not believe that it is value for money… Although the car seat can recline, I think that encourages parents to let the babies sleep in the car seat which is not advised." Chloe, however, appreciated the reclining design, describing it as "really useful."

The car seat scored well on quality and innovation, though a few testers had concerns about longevity and value. Clare Kophamel said, "Although I think it has some very useful features, I think there are other car seats on the market that are better value for money." She also noted that "my baby seemed more squashed and I don’t think it would last her as long as our current Maxi Cosi car seat."

Danielle Smith liked the materials and appearance but had functional concerns: "I found the release button extremely difficult to use. I also feel that when the car seat is in an upright position, my baby looks uncomfortable." Still, Jess Banks stood by the ARRA, sharing, "I would choose this product for the side impact protection and the quality feel. I liked the small touches like the soft shoulder pads and extending canopy."

Some testers suggested practical updates to improve the overall user experience. Helen Broe suggested a broader range of colours and better compatibility information for pushchairs. Emily Farmery said, "I wish the chair itself was not so reclined when it is fitted as a car seat. As he grows and wants to sit more upright, I would love the seat to be able to do this." Amy and others raised concerns about cost and longevity, with Amy suggesting, "For £350, this would be a lot of money to spend. I would want something that would last at least the first year."

Final thoughts

The Nuna ARRA offers undeniable benefits for new parents: ease of use, luxurious design, and a unique reclining function that enhances comfort on the go. Its lightweight frame, Isofix compatibility, and thoughtful materials add to its appeal. However, concerns around price point, the usefulness of the recline as babies grow, and some functional drawbacks (like a stiff release button) may make some parents think twice.

If you're seeking a high-end newborn car seat that prioritises baby’s comfort and early-stage ergonomics, especially for frequent travel, the ARRA is a strong contender. But for long-term value and versatility, some may prefer an option that extends usability beyond the early months.

While the Nuna ARRA is no longer available to buy, you can instead purchase the next generation version, the Nuna ARRA Next.

Maria Martin is Digital Group Editor for Yours.co.uk and Motherandbaby.com. She is a mum-of-two with a passion for helping women from all walks of life – from supporting breastfeeding mothers with expert advice to encouraging conversations about mental health. In her professional role, she has over 10 years' experience in the digital world, including editing articles, focussing on SEO, social media engagement, picture researching and video editing.