There are lots of things to consider when buying a car seat and if you have bought one in the last few years, the likelihood is that you have been introduced to iSize, some of the latest legislation in car seat safety, introduced by Maxi Cosi in 2013.
In this post we want to look at the range of iSize seats from Maxi Cosi and also explain some of the basics of iSize to help you make the best decision for your little one.
What is iSize?
iSize or R129 is European car seat legislation that came into force in 2013 and although it still runs alongside the current legislation R44/04, iSize has changed the way car seats from all manufacturers are developed and tested.
The main reason for introducing iSize legislation was to make car travel safer for our little ones, so what makes iSize safer?
- Improved head and neck protection at higher forces for side and frontal impacts
- Rearward facing travel is mandatory up to 15 months old
- All iSize car seats are isofix which means there is less chance of the seat being fitted incorrectly
Maxi Cosi Pebble Plus
The Pebble Plus was one of the first iSize car seats developed by Maxi Cosi and years on, it continues to be a favourite with parents worldwide. From birth the Pebble Plus offers excellent safety standards, a comfortable baby-hugg inlay and impact absorbing material to keep your baby safe in the event of an impact.
The Pebble Plus will offer a safe and comfortable ride for your baby until they are around 12 months old and is easily installed into the car using the Maxi Cosi 2wayfix Base (more on this later) with just one click.
The Baby-Hugg inlay is a great fit and offers a better laying position for your newborn baby to keep them comfortable and the impact absorbing material in the top wings of the headrest provide excellent side impact protection in the event of an impact.
As mentioned earlier, the Pebble Plus is installed using the 2wayfix Base and once your little one is 12 months old, you’ll be pleased to know that this base can also accept the 2wayPearl, the next car seat in the 2wayFamily.
Maxi Cosi 2wayPearl
Safe, simple, and easy to use; the Maxi Cosi 2wayPearl is one of our favourite extended rearward facing seats and although most would use this seat from approx. 12 months, the 2wayPearl can actually be used from approx. 6 months old or 67cm.
As the 2wayPearl also complies with iSize legislation, this car seat offers rearward facing travel up to approx. 4 years old or 105cm and just like the Pebble Plus, is installed in the car using the 2wayfix Base.
As a parent, you will be offered extra peace of mind as the base provides audio and visual confirmation when it is both connected to the car and once the car seat is connected to the base properly too.
For the full 4 years, your toddler will travel comfortably thanks to the multiple recline positions in both directions and the sprung harness will make it easy to get your baby in and out especially as they get a little heavier.
If there does become a time when you need to turn your little one forward facing then you can easily do this by detaching the seat from the base and simply turning it around and your little one can travel either way until they are 4 years old.
Maxi Cosi Axissfix Plus
The final car seat in this trio is the Maxi Cosi Axissfix Plus, a car seat that combines safety with convenience thanks to its iSize credentials and 360-degree rotation.
From birth (45cm) to 2 years old (87cm) your little one can travel rearward facing in the Axissfix Plus and the integrated isofix points allow for a quick and easy installation.
The cosy inlay, similar to that of the Pebble Plus, offers a comfortable surface for your newborn and as your little one grows the adjustable headrest and multi position recline will allow your toddler to stay comfortable too.
From 2 years onwards, your toddler can forward face until they are 4 years old (105cm) and the 360-degree rotation will make this transition quick and easy. As well as being able to turn your child forward facing, the 360 degree rotation will be useful for getting your little one in and out of the seat right from day 1!