I found the zip recline really good, my oldest is 3 and a bit and can't walk all the way to kindy so she jumps in the front and my DD2 who is 6 months goes in the back, its been great to be able to recline that back seat a bit as she is not comfy with it totally up right... My second went in there around 4 1/2 - 5 months...
You'll probably find that if you don't get the recline option you'll have to keep your baby in the newborn position for longer and (if anything like mine) she/he will not be happy!!