Researching information about which car seat is best for your toddler is an online minefield, with so much conflicting information and huge variations in prices.

In this article, I will give you all the facts so that you can make an informed decision to ensure that you get the best option for your budget, your child and your particular car/s. We have also written individual, more comprehensive reviews on most of our car seats, which are linked in this article. 

WHAT ARE THE SAFEST CAR SEATS FOR TODDLERS?

The typical response in answering this question is “the safest car seat is whichever car seat fits your car and your child the best”. While this is definitely true, there is much more to consider when deciding which car seat is best for your family. These are the factors to consider:  

1. YOUR BUDGET: HOW MUCH ARE YOU ABLE TO SPEND?

Unfortunately the safest seats are usually expensive, although expensive does not always mean safest! Before you start looking for a car seat, decide what is a realistic budget that your family can afford. We understand that car seats are very expensive, so have recently added PayFlex as an interest free payment option. 

2. YOUR CAR: DOES IT INSTALL SECURELY?

You’ll need to check which installation options your car has; isofix, full 3-point seatbelts, 2-point lapbelt and/or top tether anchors. You’ll also need to check if your car has underfloor storage compartments, as this can be problematic for car seats with support legs. Once you have narrowed your options down, you will need to check if your car is on the car seat’s approved fit list to determine if it is compatible.

Please note that not all cars available in SA are listed in the European fit lists. You are welcome to contact us if you are unsure if a car seat will work in your car.

3. YOUR CHILD: WHAT IS YOUR CHILD'S PREDICTED AGE BEFORE THEY OUTGROW THE SEAT?

If your child is bigger or taller than average, he/she may reach the maximum limits of most toddler seats (18kg/105cm) before they are mature enough to travel safely in a booster. Children need to be at least 4 years old before they are safe to start using a booster seat. In which case, it would be best to buy a 36kg rear facing car seat that will last them long enough until they are ready to use a booster safely. 

Beware of misinterpreting the weight limits of multistage seats that convert to boosters. The majority can only use the harness (Group I) until 18kg/105cm and not 25kg/36kg, which is the maximum booster weight (Group II/III).

4. REAR FACING VS FORWARD FACING?

Although it is legal to forward face a child from 9kg for R44/04 approved seats and 15 months and 76cm  for R129 approved seats, rear facing car seats have been proven to provide MUCH better protection than forward facing car seats. For this reason, we are strong advocates for keeping children rear facing until 4 years, if not more. If this is news to you, you can read our comprehensive blog that explores the research and facts. All our toddler car seats listed below allow extended rear facing to 18kg or 36kg.

5. THE SAFETY RATINGS

Car seats that are sold on the South African market are imported from Europe and Asia. The seats that are sold legally, will have an orange sticker on the seat to show its ECE number to prove that it has passed the mandatory European ECE R44/04 or R129 crash testing. These results are not published, and the public are not able to find out how the seats performed in the crash tests.

In order to obtain an ECE certificate, a car seat must pass a frontal collision test at a speed of 50km/h for ECE R44/04 testing or 55km/hour for R129 testing, and pass a rear impact collision test at 30km/hr. R44/04 regulation was discontinued in 2024 and are no longer in production, however, are still legal to use and sell in South Africa. 

In reality, we travel much faster speeds on our roads, with the speed limit in most urban areas being 60km or more. 

Some European car seats are selected for additional, independent crash testing that is done at higher speeds and the test criteria are more stringent. Unfortunately, rebranded seats that are not sold in Europe will not undergo additional testing:

a) ADAC

One of the most well-known independent crash-testing is done by the ADAC (Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobil-Club). ADAC is an automobile club in Germany that selects car seats for independent crash testing. Car seat manufacturers do not pay for the testing nor do they volunteer for the testing. 

These test results are then bought by other consumer companies and re-published to the public depending on what country you are in. For example in the UK, ‘WHICH?’ consumer magazine publishes these tests, in Norway, ‘Forbrukerrådet’ publish the results etc. ADAC scores are between 1 to 5. A lower score indicates a better rating.

ADAC ASSESSES CAR SEAT ON 5 POINTS:

1.  SAFETY -  Frontal impacts at 64km/h and side impacts at 50km/h are performed with a four-door vehicle body shell mounted to a test sledge. Impact loads are measured on differently sized child dummies. Belt routing, size adjustment, seat stability and head support are assessed subjectively.
2. SERVICE/USABILITY -  A child seat is installed in a car for test purposes with the aim of identifying the misuse potential. Testing includes ease of buckling up and unstrapping the child/dummy, installation, removal and adaptation of the seat and a check of the instruction manual.
3. POLLUTANTS - They test the seat for harmful chemicals and/or pollutants
4. COMFORT - During the test installation of the seat, ADAC assesses the leg support, upholstery or uncovered parts and the child’s field of vision.
5. PROCESSING/USE - Several testers check seat cleaning and assess workmanship.

b) SWEDISH PLUS TEST

The Swedish Plus Test is conducted at the Road Safety Institute in Linköping University, Sweden, by VTI. Car seat manufacturers volunteer to have their car seats undergo the stringent testing conducted by Swedish Plus Test.

It is the only test in the world that measures the force load upon the child’s neck in a frontal collision. This is why forward facing car seats have, to date, never passed the Swedish Plus Test. The crash forces to the neck are too high when forward facing and can cause severe or even fatal injuries to a child in real life accidents.

Sweden prides itself for having the lowest child mortality rate in the world. This is not surprising as they keep their children rear facing for approximately 5-7 years.

All the car seats below have been independently crash tested and get the highest safety ratings. Read our blog explaining the mandatory vs independent crash testing.

REVIEWING THE TOP SAFETY RATED TODDLER CAR SEATS

We have compiled a list of our best toddler car seats available in South Africa, reviewing each seat and why it has made our top 10 list. The list below is in alphabetical order, and not in order of safety ratings. The car seats that pass the Swedish Plus Test are considered to be some of the safest car seats in the world. 

1) BESAFE BEYOND 360

WEIGHT AND HEIGHT LIMITS OF THE BESAFE BEYOND 360

The BeSafe Beyond 360 is part of the Besafe Beyond Modular System, where both the BeSafe Go Beyond infant seat and the BeSafe Beyond 360 toddler seat are compatible with the BeSafe Beyond isofix base. 

The BeSafe Beyond 360 is iSize approved for use in rear facing from 61cm until 125cm/22kgs or forward facing from 88cm until 125cm/22kgs but we highly recommend rear facing until the maximum limits of 125cm/22kgs. The Beyond 360 would last an average sized child until approximately 6-7 years old. 

The BeSafe Beyond 360 is THE longest lasting rotating isofix toddler seat.

HOW THE BESAFE BEYOND 360 IS INSTALLED

The BeSafe Beyond 360 can only be installed with the BeSafe Beyond isofix base. It therefore requires the car to have isofix brackets. It cannot be installed with seatbelt. Because the seat can be removed from the base, it is lighter and easier to move between cars. A second base can be purchased for a second vehicle, to make transfers even easier. 

SAFETY FEATURES OF THE BESAFE BEYOND 360

The BeSafe Beyond comes with a removeable SIP+ (Side impact protection) which is placed on the side closest to the door of the vehicle. This adds an extra 20% protection in the case of a side collision. The headrest is innovative and protective, made of special materials, which optimally absorbs the forces of any impact.

The BeSafe Beyond 360 is the exact same seat as the Beyond except with the ability to forward face. Therefore, the high safety score would only apply when used rear facing.  The BeSafe Beyond (non forward-facing option) has also passed the most stringent crash test; the Swedish Plus Test.  All safety ratings from ADAC and Swedish plus are only applicable when using this seat rear facing.

The BeSafe Beyond 360 has an extra protective headrest with Dynamic Force Absorber™ for head and neck protection. The shell has been built with shock-absorbing materials as well as a built-in Smart blocking mechanism that prevents the user from forward facing the seat too soon. It can also be used rear facing right up until 125cm or 22kgs (approx 6-7 years old) which is 500% safer than forward facing.

The BeSafe Beyond isofix base contains visual indicators providing feedback about correct installation.

COMFORT FEATURES OF THE BESAFE BEYOND 360

The BeSafe Beyond 360 has a handle that allows you to both rotate and recline the seat with one hand only. Rotate to the door for easy access and recline the seat to make it comfortable for your child all with one hand.

The Beyond isofix base rebound bar can be adjusted to create 16cm of extra legroom for your child. This needs to be done before installing the seat and base. 

The Beyond isofix base has been built with Universal Level Technology™ which ensures that the seat is the correct angle in any car due to the innovative "spirit level". When the bubble is in the green; the car seat is at the optimal angle for safety and comfort. 

The headrest has 11 adjustable height settings for your growing child and the seat has multiple adjustable recline positions for extra comfort.

The seat has good airflow with an open structure underneath the textile cover as well as Harness magnets for holding the harness out of the way when getting your child in and out of the car.

THE BESAFE BEYOND 360 IS IDEAL IF: 

• Your child is heavier or taller than average 
• You want an extended rear facing car seat
• You have limited space in your car (the Beyond 360 is the most compact rear facing seat) 
• You want a seat that installs with isofix and can rotate
• You want a seat that will last 2-3 years longer than other toddler seats on the market
• You want a seat that is quick and easy to install
• You already have the BeSafe Beyond isofix base from using the BeSafe Go Beyond infant seat
• You have a steep vehicle seat that may cause head flop

THE BESAFE BEYOND 360 IS NOT IDEAL IF: 

• Your budget doesn't allow for such an expensive seat
• You don't have isofix 
• You often travel on a dirt/bumpy road as it rattles a bit when unoccupied

2) BESAFE IZI MODULAR X1

WEIGHT AND HEIGHT LIMITS OF THE BESAFE IZI MODULAR X1

The BeSafe iZi Modular X1 is part of the BeSafe Modular concept, which both the iZi Go Modular X1 infant seat and the iZi Modular toddler seat use the same isofix base. The Besafe iZi Modular is a comfortable car seat iSize approved from 61cm-105cm/18kg in rear facing or 88-105cm in forward facing. This usually lasts average-sized children until they are 4 years old. 

HOW THE BESAFE IZI MODULAR X1 IS INSTALLED

The iZi Modular X1 can only be installed with the iZI Modular isofix base. It therefore requires the car to have isofix brackets. It cannot be installed with seatbelt. Because the seat can be removed from the base, it is lighter and easier to move between cars. A second base can be purchased for a second vehicle, to make transfers even easier. The anti-rebound brace must be fitted to the base when using the toddler seat. Please refer to the user manual on how to do this.

SAFETY FEATURES OF THE BESAFE IZI MODULAR X1

The isofix base has audiovisual indicators to ensure correct installation. It performs very well in crash tests with an overall score of good by ADAC; low risk of injury in a frontal collision and very low risk of injury in a side impact collision. It is the highest safety rated convertible car seat i.e. that can rear and forward face. 

COMFORT FEATURES OF THE BESAFE IZI MODULAR X1

The BeSafe iZi Modular X1 has 2 deep recline settings for rear facing, which offer maximum comfort for younger babies who still nap in the car. There are 4 recline settings that can be used in forward facing. The recline settlings are very easy to adjust.

When rear facing, the front brace box can be extended further to allow additional leg room as your child grows, but when forward facing it should be pushed in completely. It can be installed more compactly to fit smaller spaces. 

According to the manual, the front seat should be pushed back so that it touches the back if the iZi Modular i-Size when rear facing. If this is not possible, then it should be further forward, at least 25cm away. In forward facing, there should be 55cm between the car seat and the front seat to prevent

The headrest has 10 adjustable height settings, to accommodate your growing child. It is very easy to adjust the harness and headrest simultaneously. All BeSafe car seats have magnets in the harness in order to keep it out the way while putting your child in. It also has ventilation holes in the backrest, to keep your child cool.

THE IZI MODULAR X1 IS IDEAL IF:

1.  You already have the iZi Modular isofix base from your iZi Go Modular infant seat
2.  You want a seat that allows extended rear facing and forward facing, that still has high safety ratings
3.  You need to move the seat often between cars
4.  You want adjustable legroom and recline settings

THE IZI MODULAR IS NOT IDEAL IF:

1. You are on a tighter budget
2. You would prefer a swivel function

3) BESAFE BESAFE IZI TURN

WEIGHT LIMITS OF BESAFE IZI TURN

The Besafe iZi Turn os approved from  61cm to 105cm / 18kg, which is approximately from 6 months to 4 years. The Besafe iZi Turn can be used rear facing all the way until it is outgrown, or turned forward facing from 15 months. We always recommend rear facing to 4 years.

HOW IS BESAFE IZI TURN INSTALLED?

BeSafe iZi Turn is an iSize approved seat that offers convenient side-to-side rotation which allows you to easily take your child in and out of the seat by rotating it towards you. 

It installs with isofix and cannot be installed with seatbelt. It has Universal Level Technology, which includes a spirit level to ensure the best recline angle in any car. This results in the base hovering over the vehicle seat, and it does not rest on the vehicle seat. This is a unique and unusual installation method, but it was designed and approved to do so in order to accommodate sloped back seats and achieves the perfect recline in any car.

SAFETY FEATURES OF BESAFE IZI TURN

The iZi Turn is approved to rear face to approximately 4 years. It has built-in side impact protection (SIP) in the seat shell and additional side impact protection SIP+ that gets placed on the side closest to the door. 

The Dynamic Force Absorber™ in the headrest of the seat gives optimal protection for the child’s most vulnerable body parts. It is made of special materials and a construction of different flex-zones, which optimally absorb forces in a side impact through bending in the inner area while staying more rigid in the outer areas. 

The base boasts audiovisual indicators to ensure correct installation. The rigid support leg distributes forces safely to the vehicle floor. 

iZi Twist passed the world's toughest independent crash test; the Swedish Plus Test. ADAC gave it an overall score of 2.3, with 1.5 for safety ("very good") with very low risk of injury in a frontal or side impact collision. The iZi Turn has not been independently crash tested BUT BeSafe have confirmed that the iZi Turn and iZi Twist are EXACTLY THE SAME SEAT WHEN USED REAR FACING. So the Safety scores of the iZi Twist will apply to the iZi Turn when rear facing only. Therefore, the iZi Turn has not been independently crash tested in forward facing so we do not know how it would perform in a collision when forward facing. We recommend rear facing until your child outgrows the seat at 18kgs.

COMFORT FEATURES OF BESAFE IZI TURN

It has 4 recline settings as well as Universal Level Technology to achieve a 45 degree recline angle in any car, including cars with steep benches and/or bucket seats. 

The covers are made of high quality materials, and it allows optimal air access through ventilation system at the back to keep your baby cool.  

For your convenience and ease of use, the iZi Turn has Magnetic Belt Assistants to keep the harness open while you put your baby in. 

BESAFE IZI TURN IS IDEAL IF:

• Your car has steep / bucket seats
• You have back/ joint problems

BESAFE IZI TURN IS NOT IDEAL IF:

• You need to move it between cars very often as it heavy
• Budget does not allow for such an expensive car seat   
• You don't have isofix      

4) BESAFE STRETCH 

HOW IS THE BESAFE STRETCH INSTALLED?

The BeSafe Stretch can be installed in any car with a 3-point seatbelt, making it a versatile and universal choice since it doesn’t require ISOFIX or a top tether. Installation uses the car’s seatbelt and lower tether anchors, which wrap around the front seat rails. While installing the Stretch takes a bit more time compared to ISOFIX seats, it installs very securely.

SAFETY FEATURES OF BESAFE STRETCH

The BeSafe Stretch is i-size approved which means it meets the new R129 safety standard. However, over and above that, it has been independently crash tested by both ADAC and The Swedish Plus Test which is the most stringent crash test available.

Over and above passing The Swedish Plus Test, in crash testing done by ADAC, the Stretch received an incredible safety rating of 1.2. In the test, it displayed a very low risk of injury in both side and frontal collisions. This is the highest score out of all extended rear facing seats tested by ADAC.

The BeSafe Stretch features a unique external frame designed to absorb the forces of a frontal crash. Its rigid shell provides extra stability, keeping your child securely positioned during an impact. For added safety, the seat includes SIP+ (Side Impact Protection), which slides onto the side closest to the door but can be removed if needed. The headrest is soft, padded, and equipped with BeSafe’s innovative Dynamic Force Absorber™ for enhanced protection.

COMFORT FEATURES OF BESAFE STRETCH

The BeSafe Stretch is well-padded throughout, with two removable inserts designed for younger children (up to 2 years old) for added safety and comfort. The seat's bottom padding, in particular, provides great comfort for little ones. With five recline positions, the Stretch allows for easy adjustments using a lever at the front. Unlike other extended rear-facing seats, you don’t need to uninstall it to adjust the recline; you can do it while the seat is installed and your child is in it.

The Stretch comes with a front brace which can be extended to give your child more legroom. It can extend all the way up to 26cm for more legroom for your child. In smaller cars, it can be installed more compactly.  

BESAFE STRETCH IS IDEAL IF:

• Your car does not have isofix
• Your child is bigger or taller than average
• You need to fit 3 across as it is the narrowest toddler seat
• You are committed to keeping your child rear facing for longer
• It also works very well for toddlers with special needs, including postural difficulties, medical conditions and/ behavioural difficulties requiring extended harnessing

BESAFE STRETCH IS NOT IDEAL IF:

• You are on a limited budget
• You have a very small car or the adult sitting in front of it is very tall
  

5) CYBEX SIRONA G

WEIGHT AND HEIGHT LIMITS OF THE SIRONA G

The Cybex Sirona G is approved from 61cm to 105cm / 19kg, which is approximately from 6 months to 4 years. It can be used rearfacing until 19kg/105cm or it can be used forward facing from 76cm (minimum of 15 months old) until 19kg/105cm. We recommend rearfacing until 4 years old. The Cybex Base G isofix base is also compatible with the Cybex Cloud G infant seat. This means that you can use the same base from birth to approx. 4 years old. 

How is the cybex sirona g installed

Installation is quick and easy, and relatively foolproof. The Sirona G must be installed with the Cybex Base G isofix base. It is therefore only possible to install it in cars with isofix brackets. 

Being able to separate the seat from the base makes it lighter and easier to move between cars. A second base can be purchased for a second vehicle, to make transfers even easier.  The support leg cannot be installed on top of underfloor storage compartments.

SAFETY FEATURES OF THE SIRONA G

The Cybex Base G isofix base contains visual indicators to ensure correct installation. It performs well in crash tests and meets the severe UN R129 (iSize) side impact criteria.   The integrated side impact protection increases protection of the child in a side impact by 15% and the shell of the seat has been built to absorb energy in an accident

Comfort features of the cybex sirona g

The Sirona G has 5 recline settings which can be used in rear facing and forward facing which offer maximum comfort for naps. As your child gets older, the seat should be used in more upright recline settings.  

There are multiple height adjustments of the integrated headrest and 5-point harness to ensure a safe fit at all ages.

The Sirona G can be rotated towards the door to make it easier to get your child in and out of the car. It can be rotated on any recline angle and can be rotated using one hand.

The Sirona G contains All-round air ventilation which provides a consistently pleasant seating temperature in all seasons.

The Cybex Sirona G is ideal if: 

• You want a seat that can be used as a modular system (One base with an infant seat and toddler seat)
• You already have the isofix base from the Cloud G infant seat
• You want a seat that rotates 
• You want a seat that has a really good recline angle 

The Cybex Sirona G is not ideal if: 

• You are buying the base and the seat for a child over 6 months old (rather look at the Cybex Sirona Gi)
• Your child is bigger than average
• You want your child to have leg room when rear facing 

6) CYBEX SIRONA Gi

WEIGHT AND HEIGHT LIMITS OF THE CYBEX SIRONA Gi

The Cybex Sirona Gi is approved from 61cm to 105cm / 20kg, which is approximately from 6 months to 4 years. It can be used rear facing until 20kg/105cm or it can be used forward facing from 76cm (minimum of 15 months old) until 20kg/105cm. We recommend rear facing until 4 years old. 

HOW IS THE CYBEX SIRONA Gi INSTALLED

Installation is quick and easy, and relatively foolproof. The Sirona Gi is attached to its own isofix base. It cannot be removed off its isofix base. It is therefore only possible to install it in cars with isofix brackets. The support leg cannot be installed on top of underfloor storage compartments.

Correct installation is shown through means of visual indicators on the isofix arms and load leg.

saftey features of the cybex sirona gi

The isofix base contains visual indicators to ensure correct installation. It performs well in crash tests and meets the severe UN R129 (iSize) side impact criteria.  

The integrated side impact protection increases protection of the child in a side impact by 15% and the shell of the seat has been built to absorb energy in an accident and direct forces away from the child. 

Energy Reduction Technology improves safety performance during front-facing travel.

comfort features of the cybex sirona gi

The Sirona Gi has 5 recline settings which can be used in rear facing and forward facing which offer maximum comfort for naps. As your child gets older, the seat should be used in more upright recline settings.   

There are 12 height adjustments of the integrated headrest and 5-point harness to ensure a safe fit at all ages. 

The Sirona Gi can be rotated towards the door to make it easier to get your child in and out of the car. It can be rotated on any recline angle and can be rotated using one hand. 

The Sirona Gi contains All-round air ventilation which provides a consistently pleasant seating temperature in all seasons.

The Cybex Sirona Gi is ideal if: 

• You want a relatively cost-effective toddler seat
• You want a seat that can rotate 
• You want a seat that has really good recline angles
• You want a seat that is quick and easy to install
• Your child is heavier than average (Sirona Gi has a higher weight limit than most toddler seats)

The Cybex Sirona Gi is not ideal if: 

• You want a seat that is light
• You want a seat where you can buy multiple bases for multiple cars (rather look at the Sirona G and Base G)
• You want a seat that is part of a modular system where one base can be used for an infant seat and toddler seat (rather look at the Sirona G and Base G)

7) CYBEX SIRONA T

WEIGHT AND HEIGHT LIMITS OF THE CYBEX SIRONA T

The Sirona T is an iSize approved car seat from 61-105cm/18kg in rear facing or 76-105cm in forward facing. This usually lasts average-sized children until they are approximately 4 years old. The Base T is also compatible with the Cloud T infant car seat. 

HOW IS THE CYBEX SIRONA T INSTALLED

The Sirona T is quick and easy to install. The Sirona T can be detached off the isofix base, making it lighter and easy to move between cars. It is only possible to install it in cars with isofix brackets, using Base T. The Sirona T is quite compact for a rear facing toddler seat. It is very easy to move it from rear facing to forward facing. The Sirona T can swivel 360 degrees, making it easier to load your child in and out the car. 

SAFETY FEATURES OF THE CYBEX SIRONA T

The Cybex Sirona T installs on Base T isofix base, with visual indicators to ensure correct installation. It also has an audible alarm if the support leg comes loose to warn you that it needs to be corrected. 

In combination with the side impact protection of the headrest which is well padded with memory foam, the LSP (Linear Side Protection) offers increased safety in the event of a side-impact collision. It reduces the force of a side-impact in combination with the energy-absorbing shell by approximately 25%.

The Energy Reduction Technology of the Sirona T i-Size offers safety for your child in the forward-facing position in the event of a head-on collision. The "ER-Tech" reduces the forces on the neck of a child during a front crash by more than 20%, compared to other existing 5-point harness systems.

The Driving Direction Control (DDC) prevents forward-facing use before the child is at least 16 months old and 76 cm tall.

COMFORT FEATURES OF THE CYBEX SIRONA T

The Sirona T has 5 recline settings for rear facing, which offer maximum comfort for naps and prevents your baby’s head falling forward. As your child gets older, the seat should be used in more upright recline settings. This also gives older children more legroom in rear facing as they grow. There are 5 recline settings that can be used in forward facing.

There are 12 height adjustments of the integrated headrest and 5-point harness. The Cybex toddler seats have memory foam in the headrest for added comfort and safety. The included infant inlay should be removed at 61cm (approx. 3 months)

The Sirona T has magnets on the sides of the seat in order to keep the harness out the way while putting your child in.

THE CYBEX SIRONA T IS IDEAL IF:

1. You have back problems or a 2-door car due to the 360 degree swivel
2. You need to move it between cars often
3. You want a seat that is quick and easy to install
4. You want adjustable recline positions and some legroom for your child
5. You have a smaller car and/or you have limited legroom upfront, as it is quite compact

THE CYBEX SIRONA T IS NOT IDEAL IF:

1. You plan to use it from birth. We recommend it from 3 months minimum. The Cloud T, which is compatible with the Base T, is ideal from birth. 

8) MAXI COSI PEARL 360 PRO (SLIDETECH)

WEIGHT AND HEIGHT LIMITS OF THE MAXI COSI PEARL 360 PRO? 

The Maxi Cosi Pearl 360 Pro is an iSize approved car seat from 61 to 105cm/17.5kg in rear facing or 84cm to 105cm in forward facing. We recommend rearfacing until the seat is outgrown. This usually lasts average-sized children until they are approximately 4 years old.  

HOW IS THE MAXI COSI PEARL 360 PRO INSTALLED? 

The Pearl 360 Pro can only be installed in cars that have isofix brackets. It requires the FamilyFix 360 Pro isofix base. It cannot be installed with seatbelt. The support leg cannot be installed on top of an underfloor storage compartment.  

SAFETY FEATURES OF THE MAXI COSI PEARL 360 PRO

The Pearl 360 Pro has been built with extra-protective G-CELL Side Impact Technology for ultimate protection in a side collision as well as a headrest with protective memory foam for extra safety. The FamilyFix 360 Pro isofix base has visual confirmation indicators when the connection is secure. Headrest with protective memory foam for extra safety.

COMFORT FEATURES OF THE MAXI COSI PEARL 360 PRO

The Pearl 360 Pro provides optimal ease of use and comfort, due to the convenient 360 rotation system as well as the easy-in harness which has springs in the harness so that it is easy to strap your child in.  

The Pearl 360 Pro also features Maxi Cosi's SlideTech which enables you to rotate and slide the seat out the door towards you to prevent bending over to get your child out of and into the car.

The 360 rotation is great for getting your child in and out of the car seat as you simply rotate the seat towards the door. The Pearl 360 Pro can rotate on any recline angle so not to disturb a sleeping baby.  

The Pearl 360 Pro has multiple recline positions for optimal comfort The Pearl 360 Pro has been designed with ClimaFlow fabrics for optimal air circulation to keep your child at a comfortable temperature.

THE MAXI COSI PEARL 360 PRO IS IDEAL IF:  

• You already have the FamilyFix 360 Pro isofix base from the Pebble 360 Pro infant seat  
• You want a seat that can swivel/rotate 
• You want the SlideTech function
• You want a seat that is easy and fast to install  
• You want a seat with a harness that is very easy to buckle in   

THE MAXI COSI PEARL 360 IS NOT IDEAL IF:   

• You want your child to have legroom in rear facing  
• You don't already have the FamilyFix 360 Pro isofix base- It's expensive if you only buying the base and seat for toddler use (there are cheaper rotating toddler options)
• You travel often on dirt roads- the seat makes a rattling sound 

9) MAXI COSI MICA 360 PRO (SLIDETECH)

WEIGHT AND HEIGHT LIMITS OF THE MAXI COSI MICA 360 PRO?  

The Mica 360 Pro is an iSize approved car seat from 40 to 105cm/18kg in rear facing or 84cm to 105cm in forward facing. We recommend rearfacing until the seat is outgrown. This usually lasts average-sized children until they are approximately 4 years old.  

HOW IS THE MAXI COSI MICA 360 PRO INSTALLED?  

The Mica 360 Pro can only be installed in cars that have isofix brackets. It has a built-in isofix base so it does not separate from the seat and you don't need to buy a separate isofix base. It cannot be installed with seatbelt. The support leg cannot be installed on top of an underfloor storage compartment.  

SAFETY FEATURES OF THE MAXI COSI MICA 360 PRO

The Mica 360 Pro has been built with G-CELL 2.0 Side Impact Protection which adds an extra built-in guard and provides maximum protection with improved 3D impact absorption from multiple angles as well as a headrest with protective memory foam for extra safety.  

The integrated isofix base has visual indicators to ensure you install the seat correctly and the seat has an "anti-misuse" button that prevents forward facing before your child is 15 months old.  

COMFORT FEATURES OF THE MAXI COSI MICA 360 PRO

The Mica 360 Pro provides optimal ease of use and comfort, due to the easy-in harness which has springs in the harness so that it is easy to strap your child in as well as the ability to rotate towards the door for ease of getting your child in and out of the seat.  

The Mica 360 Pro features Maxi Cosi's new SlideTech Technology which allows you to rotate and then slide the seat out of the door to avoid bending and straining when getting your child into and out of the car. The seat can be rotated and pulled out on any recline and can be done with one hand.

The Mica 360 Pro comes with a Baby-hugg inlay which makes it suitable from birth. It has multiple recline angles for optimal comfort.  

The Mica 360 Pro has been designed with ClimaFlow panels and breathable fabrics for optimal air circulation to keep your child at a comfortable temperature.    

THE MAXI COSI MICA 360 PRO IS IDEAL IF:  

• You want a rotating toddler seat that doesn't need a separate isofix base 
• You want a seat that is easy and fast to install   
• You want a swivel seat with high safety ratings 
• You want a seat with SlideTech Technology 

THE MAXI COSI MICA 360 PRO IS NOT IDEAL IF:    

•  You want your child to have legroom in rear facing  
• You travel often on dirt roads- the seat rattles slightly when your child isn't in it
• Your child is bigger than average

10) MAXI COSI PEARL PRO 2

WEIGHT AND HEIGHT LIMITS OF THE MAXI COSI PEARL PRO 2

The Pearl Pro 2 is an iSize approved car seat from 67 to 105cm/18.5kg in rear facing or 84cm to 105cm in forward facing. It usually lasts average-sized children until they are approximately 4 years old. 

HOW IS THE MAXI COSI PEARL PRO 2 INSTALLED

The Pearl Pro 2 can only be installed in cars that have isofix brackets. It requires the FamilyFix3 isofix base. It cannot be installed with seatbelt. The support leg cannot be installed on top of an underfloor storage compartment.

SAFETY FEATURES OF THE MAXI COSI PEARL PRO 2

The impact-absorbing material in the top side wings provides enhanced safety in a side impact collision.  The isofix base has audio and visual confirmation when the connection is secure. The base will sound an alarm if the isofix or support leg comes loose.

The Pearl Pro 2 provides optimal ease of use and comfort, due to the easy-in harness which has springs in the harness so that it is easy to strap your child in. There is no release tab to loosen the harness. Instead, when the buckle is released it automatically releases the harness, making it easy to get your child out the harness. This is also ideal to preserve mom’s nails and granny's arthritic fingers! It has 2 recline settings which can be used for rear or forward facing. In rear facing, the seat must be fully reclined until your child is 97cm tall. When it is fully reclined in rear facing, the child should be high enough to see out the window. Legroom for the child is limited.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE PEARL PRO 2 AND PEARL SMART?

The Pearl Smart is a more budget friendly version of the Pearl Pro 2; without the easy-in harness and without the inlay. They have the same dimensions and fit the same base.

THE MAXI COSI PEARL PRO 2 IS IDEAL IF:

1. You already have the 3WayFix or FamilyFix3 base from the Pebble Pro or Pebble Plus infant seat
2. You want a seat that is easy and fast to install
3.  You want a seat with a harness that is very easy to buckle in

THE MAXI COSI PEARL PRO 2 IS NOT IDEAL IF:

1. You want your child to have legroom in rear facing