Everything you need to know about a Maxi-cosi

Which car seat is safe? Where can I place the car seat? And until when can my child sit in a car seat? Questions that we are often asked. Therefore, the most important questions and answers in a row:

We often get asked if a second-hand Maxi-Cosi is safe. According to the ANWB, there are 4 important checks you can do:

Choose a car seat that meets safety standards. See here the results of the ANWB test of car seats that were tested in 2019.

• Please note that the seat is not older than 7-10 years.
• Check the exact lifespan on the manufacturer's website. The plastic used ages due to exposure to sunlight (UV radiation).
• Check for damage and breaks. Remove the cover and check the car seat for tears, deformations and breaks.
• You can also ask whether there have been any accidents with it. In that case, a car seat can be irreparably damaged, just like a helmet.

Make sure you have a manual so you can install the car seat properly. A car seat that is loose does not offer good protection. So that is the most important thing.

We perform these checks carefully to check whether the car seat is still usable. We also have a special shock meter that registers whether the seat has received a big blow.

Can I also place the seat in the front?

You can put your child in the Maxi-Cosi in the front (handy to put the pacifier back), but then you have to turn off the airbag of the passenger seat! This can often be done easily with your key next to the door or in the glove compartment.

What are the latest safety standards?

There is a new standard for car seats in June 2018. This states that children up to 15 months must be transported rearward-facing and that the seat must be secured with isofix. Seats with belt attachment are still allowed, but will soon disappear from the market. When buying a car seat, make sure that it says 'I-size', then you know that it complies with the new legislation. This is, for example, the Pebble Plus from Maxi-Cosi .

How long can my child stay in a car seat?

It is recommended that you do not leave your kindle in the Maxi-Cosi for longer than 2 hours, because your baby has little room to move in the seat. Keeping it in for longer is not good for motor development. Occasionally during a car ride to vacation is of course no problem, but on a structural basis it is not recommended.

Tighten the straps

The straps should be pulled tight, so that it also provides good protection in the event of a collision. It is recommended that you place 2 fingers between the belt and your baby.

Cases

A cover for your Maxi-cosi car seat is not an unnecessary luxury, given the possible (and frequent) accidents of your baby. Nice and well-priced ones are for example those from Dooky, but you have them in all shapes and sizes.