The Complete Maxi Cosi Cabriofix i-Size Review
Posted by Robyn Hunt on
WRITTEN BY ROBYN HUNT
Registered Counsellor &
Certified Car Seat Technician
The Maxi Cabriofix i-Size is the new and improved version of the original Maxi Cosi Cabriofix. It is an iSize (R129) approved infant car seat. As with all infant seats, the Cabriofix i-Size can only be installed rear facing as it is safest for babies. The Cabriofix i-size can be installed with the vehicle’s 3-point seatbelt, or alternatively with the Cabriofix i-size isofix base or with the FamilyFix3 isofix base.
The Cabriofix i-size is one of a few Maxi Cosi infant seats that can form part of the 3-way concept where the FamilyFix3 isofix base can be used with the Jade Carrycot as well as the Pearl Pro/Pearl Smart toddler seats. Unfortunately, the Cabriofix i-size isofix base is not compatible with any other seats besides the Cabriofix i-size infant seat.
Pros and cons of the cabriofix i-size:
Pros
- It scores very well for safety with and without the Cabriofix i-size isofix base.
- It has a good recline for newborns to prevent head flopping forward when asleep.
- It is very lightweight
- It fits smaller babies (premature) very well (from 40cm)
Cons
- The harness can only be adjusted to two heights by means of rethreading it
- It has not been independently tested with the FamilyFix3 isofix base, only with the Cabriofix i-size isofix base
WHAT ARE THE WEIGHT AND HEIGHT LIMITS OF THE Cabriofix i-size?
The Cabriofix i-size is a Group 0+ approved infant car seat, approved from birth/40cm to 12kg/75cm.
This makes it a suitable option for premature and newborn babies, and usually lasts until approximately 12 months. When used with the FamilyFix3 isofix base or the Cabriofix i-size isofix base, it is i-Size approved.
WHAT ARE THE SAFETY FEATURES OF THE cabriofix i-size?
The Maxi Cosi Cabriofix i-size has been built with an upgraded Side Protection System made of impact-absorbing materials, which efficiently absorbs and minimizes the forces of impact in the event of a collision. This ensures optimal safety for your baby.
The Cabriofix i-size is compatible with the Cabriofix i-size isofix base and the FamilyFix3 isofix base. However, ADAC only tested the Cabriofix i-size with the Cabriofix i-size isofix base and not with the FamilyFix3 isofix base.
Therefore, we cannot say how the Cabriofix i-size would perform in a collision with the FamilyFix3 isofix base.
WHAT ARE THE COMFORT FEATURES OF THE cabriofix i-size?
The Cabriofix i-size has a Baby Hugg newborn inlay with a headrest cushion that cocoons your baby and gives your baby optimal safety and comfort. This insert offers your baby postural support as well as a comfortable recline that assists in preventing the baby’s head falling forward while they are sleeping (which is dangerous for newborns).
The Cabriofix i-size has a rethread harness and two height slots to accommodate your baby as they grow. The harness is easy to tighten and to loosen when getting your baby in and out of the car seat.
Unlike other Maxi Cosi infant seats, the Cabriofix i-size has a large independent sun canopy that can be used with or without the use of the carry handle.
HOW IS THE cabriofix i-size INSTALLED?
The Cabriofix i-size can be installed without the isofix base, using the vehicle’s 3-point seatbelt which is the minimally safer option when comparing crash test ratings. Although the seatbelt installation scored a slightly higher safety rating, it must be done correctly to be effective. Seat belt installations create more room for errors.
Alternatively, the Cabriofix i-size can be installed with the Cabriofix i-size isofix base or FamilyFix3 isofix base. Both isofix bases have indicators which will show you if the base or car seat is not installed correctly. This makes it more foolproof and is much more convenient. The Cabriofix i-size can simply be clicked in and out of the isofix base.
HOW TO RemovE and wash the covers?
The covers of the Cabriofix i-size can be removed effortlessly and then washed on a delicate cycle in the washing machine. Take note that the harness straps should never be submerged in water due to the fire retardant on the straps. If the harness needs to be cleaned, wipe them down with a damp cloth.
WHAT IS THE LIFESPAN OF THE Cabriofix i-size?
The Cabriofix i-size has been manufactured for intensive use for a period of 6 years. This is only applicable if the seat has not been dropped, not been in an accident or not properly packaged when on an airplane.
WHAT IS THE warranty on THE cabriofix i-size?
Maxi Cosi products have a 24 month warranty which covers all manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship when used in normal conditions and in accordance with their user manual for a period of 24 months from the date of the original retail purchase by the first end-user customer. To request repairs or spare parts under warranty, you must present your proof of purchase to the local distributor. They offer excellent customer service and usually have spare parts available to carry out repairs.
Maxi Cosi Free swap service
If your child car seat has been in an accident, its safety may be compromised even if there is no visible damage. Maxi Cosi will replace the crashed seat with a brand new one. They then send the crashed seat back to the manufacturer to get valuable information about how their car seats perform in collisions. Terms and conditions apply.
is the cabriofix i-size compatible with my car?
The Cabriofix i-size is compatible with any car that is equipped with full 3-point seat belts. The Cabriofix i-size cannot be installed with a lap belt and should never be installed in front of an active airbag.
For installation with the Cabriofix i-size isofix base or the FamilyFIx3 isofix base, your vehicle must have isofix anchors and no underfloor storage compartments. Click here to check if your car is on the approved fit list:
When to remove newborn insert
The infant insert should not be used once your baby is over 60cm in height and should be removed. The head support cushion is not attached to the infant insert. The head support cushion can remain in the seat until your baby outgrows it or you can remove it along with the infant insert
WHICH PRAMS/STROLLERS IS THE CABRIOFIX I-SIZE COMPATIBLE WITH?
WHAT ARE THE specifications of the Cabriofix i-size?
The Cabriofix i-size weighs 3.20kg
The dimensions without the isofix base are 66 x 55.5 x 44cm
The dimensions with the isofix base are 74 x 90.5 x 44cm
WHAT ACCESSORIES ARE AVAILABLE FOR THE cabriofix i-size?
It is advised that any accessories used are manufactured and crash tested by Maxi Cosi. The following accessories are approved for use with the Cabriofix i-size:
