Nuna Exec is one of the top all-in-one convertible car seats that can be used from infancy and all the way up to booster age. We've installed Execs in both rear-facing and forward-facing positions and here’s our main takeaways about the Exec’s features and installation. Nuna Exec is available for sale at Tadpole and we offer complimentary car seat fittings and installs to help you install the car seat correctly in your vehicle. You can schedule a car seat appointment here. 

What is Nuna Exec? 

The Nuna Exec is a “one-and-done” type of car seat which will accommodate your child from their first ride home to their last ride as a big kid in a booster seat. You can use the Nuna Exec from 5lbs up to 50lbs rear-facing and up to 120lbs when in the forward facing or booster-seat mode. The height limit for the Exec is 57” which is when kids are tall enough to start using the adult vehicle seat belt. The Exec is a great option for growing kids and also an efficient option for caregivers who transport children of various ages. 

Exec car seat has a five-point harness and an easy to adjust, no-rethread harness mechanism with twelve headrest positions. There is a harness storage panel behind the seat cushion where you can store away the five-point harness when your kid starts using the vehicle seat belt in the booster seat mode. 

Dimension wise, Exec is one of the narrower and lighter weight convertibles, weighing 26.6 lbs and being only 18.5 inches wide. We’ve been able to fit the Nuna Exec in the back row of large SUVs even with 3 across situations but please note every car is different and if you need a consultation or a fitting we’ll be happy to help. 

The Exec comes in four different colors which all retail for $649.99. All fashions feature bamboo-blend fabrics which in addition to being naturally fire-resistant, are also breathable and moisture-wicking. 

Is the Nuna Exec Safe? 

The Exec, as well as its little sister, Nuna Rava Convertible Car Seat, features an all-steel frame which offers heavy-duty protection compared with some other brands that have plastic shells. Nuna Exec also has an added safety feature called the anti-rebound panel. This unique feature duals as the footrest in the forward facing mode and as an anti rebound bar in the rear facing mode which limits the motion of the car seat - and the child -  in case of a collision. The structure of the panel also adds extra two inches of leg space for kids in the rear-facing mode helping to keep your growing child more comfortable. Both sides of the Exec car seat are equipped with side-impact protection pods which help absorb energy in the event of a car crash. This is very important considering that, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a quarter of all car accidents are side-impact collisions which unfortunately can result in more severe injuries for little ones compared to frontal or rear crashes. 

 Is the Nuna Exec Comfortable? 

The Exec seat comes with an infant insert which provides comfort and fit support for smaller babies from 5 to 8 lbs. As the baby grows, and the infant insert comes out, the inner shell of the car seat is still very cushion-y compared to some other car seats which feature thinner shell fabrics. The headrest is very well padded and provides good side support which parents of snoozing children will appreciate. Exec infant insert and head cushion are made from merino wool and Tencel blend knit fabrics that feel very soft and are ideal for being next to baby’s skin. 

Exec’s extra long footrest can provide additional comfort for growing children by supporting their calves. Two pull-out cup holders, one on each side, also come in handy for keeping little ones’ drinks handy but keep in mind that this might not work well if you’re trying to fit three car seats in the back row since these cup holders take up an additional 4 inches of space once they are in use.

What’s nice about the Exec comfort wise is that you don't lose any of the features as your child transitions from a convertible and into a booster seat. Typically, booster seats are stripped off some features like the side-impact protection and a padded headrest, but with the Exec you keep all the safety and comfort for your big kid.

Is the Exec Easy to Install? 

Nuna Exec is very simple to install inside a vehicle. Nuna recommends using the vehicle seat belt rather than the LATCH system because Nuna’s innovative True Tension door mechanism makes it very easy to tighten a seatbelt properly. 

We’ve never had an issue achieving a tight seat belt installation with an Exec, or Rava for that matter. Getting this install tight is as simple as threading the belt through the True Tension doors, removing the seat belt slack and closing the doors. You must remember to lock your vehicle seat belt however which will keep your car seat “locked” in place in case of an impact since the Tension doors are not a locking device but only a tensioning aid. Overall, the Exec car seat features a very straightforward install in both rear-facing and forward facing modes and its manual instructions, as well as the labels on the side of the car seat, are easy to follow. You can watch our Exec install videos below or by heading over to our youtube channel. 

Is the Exec Easy to Clean?

You can remove and clean the Exec’s Seat Cover, Slip Cover, Harness Pads, and Infant Insert according to the instructions that come on the tag attached to the seat cover. Infant insert support wedge should be spot cleaned only. The child restraint harness system cannot be removed. Do not attempt to remove the harness system. When required, the Exec harness may be cleaned with a cloth and warm, soapy water. Towel dry excess water and allow to air dry. Car seat’s shell may be cleaned with a damp cloth. Since the buckle cannot be removed, to clean it, wipe it with damp cloth. 

DO NOT use bleach or other harsh chemicals to clean any part of this seat. 

DO NOT attempt to iron the covers or pads.

What's the Warranty On The Exec? 

Nuna Exec is covered by a manufacturer’s  2-year warranty, starting from the day it was purchased. We recommend that you register your Exec car seat with Nuna right after purchase so that the manufacturer can reach you in case of important seat updates and so that your seat is covered in case of damage. 

Exec expires 10 years from the date of purchase so it’s truly the one and only car seat you will ever need. 

Please note every car seat is only good for one crash even if the crash is minor. If you suspect damage to your car seat and are not sure how to assess whether you need to replace it, please contact Nuna’s customer service directly by calling 855.686.2872. You can also consult NHTSA's resource page for determining when you should replace your car seat in the unfortunate event of a collision. 

If you have any questions about the Exec, or any other car seat, feel free to give us a call at 617.778.1788 or simply stop by. You can also schedule a one-on-one consultation with our certified techs who will be happy to help you with anything gear related. 

Tadpole is located at 58 Clarendon Street, in the South End, Boston, MA. 

Written by Anica Vujanic, owner of Tadpole and an active Certified Passenger Safety Technician.