The Maxi Cosi Pearl 360 is a 360 degree rotating baby and toddler car seat, making it easier to put your child in and out the car.  This seat forms part of the Maxi Cosi 360 Family where the Maxi Cosi FamilyFix 360 isofix base is used with the Maxi Cosi Pebble 360 infant seat and then the Maxi Cosi Pearl 360 toddler seat.

Pros and cons of THE maxi cosi pearl 360:

Pros:

• Rotation can be done with one hand
• it is Ideal for 2-door cars and for users with back problems
• The installation is Easy and fast 
• The seat has good padding and support
• It is suitable for newborns with removeable newborn inlay
• It has 5 recline positions
• It is a good option if you already have the FamilyFix 360 isofix base from the Pebble 360 infant seat or plan on using the Pearl 360 from birth 

Cons:

• If you are using it from birth; it cannot be used as a travel system (like other infant seats)
  
• It cannot be installed with a seatbelt 
• It is expensive if buying the FamilyFix 360 isofix base just for use with this seat in the toddler stage

WHAT ARE THE WEIGHT AND HEIGHT LIMITS OF THE maxi cosi pearl 360?

The Pearl 360 is an iSize approved car seat from birth/40cm-105cm/17.5kg in rear facing or 76-105cm/17.5kg in forward facing. This usually lasts average-sized children until they are approximately 4 years old. It is safest for children to rear face as long as possible, and the Pearl 360 does allow extended rear facing until 105cm (approximately 4 years). 

WHAT ARE THE SAFETY FEATURES OF THE maxi cosi pearl 360?

The Maxi Cosi Pearl 360 must be installed with the Maxi Cosi FamilyFix 360 isofix base. The FamilyFix 360 isofix base contains visual installation indicators to ensure correct installation. The FamilyFix 360 isofix base also has an anti-misuse switch to ensure you do not turn the seat forward facing too soon.  It performs well in crash tests and meets the severe UN R129 (iSize) side impact criteria.

In combination with the side impact protection of the headrest which is well padded with memory foam, The  Pearl 360 contains G-CELL 2.0 Side Impact Protection. This adds additional built-in energy absorption and provides maximum protection with improved 3D impact absorption from multiple angles, to ensure your baby’s safety in a collision. 

The Anti-misuse switch on the FamilyFix 360 isofix base ensures rearward-facing travel until at least 15 months or at least 76cm tall. We recommend rearfacing until the maximum weight and height limit of the seat (17.5kg and 105cm).

WHAT ARE THE COMFORT FEATURES OF THE maxi cosi pearl 360?

The Pearl 360 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 a bit more legroom in rear facing as they grow. All recline positions can be used when forward facing too. Babies under 60cm must be on the most reclined setting in rear facing.

The newborn inlay adds extra padding and support for newborns. The included infant inlay should be removed at 61cm (approx. 3 months).

HOW IS THE maxi cosi Pearl 360 INSTALLED?

The Pearl 360 is quick and easy to install, and relatively foolproof! The Pearl 360 must be installed with the FamilyFix 360 isofix base. It is only possible to install it in cars with isofix brackets and it cannot be installed with the seatbelt. 

HOW TO INSTALL THE maxi cosi pearl 360 REAR FACING?

Attach the isofix connectors of the FamilyFix 360 isofix base to the vehicle's isofix, and check that the indicators turn green. The isofix base should then be pushed as close to the vehicle backrest as possible for a secure installation.

The support leg should then be adjusted to the correct height in the footwell of the car, until the indicator turns green. Thereafter, the Pearl 360 can be clicked onto the base in the rearfacing position. When the seat is clicked on securely, the indicators on the side of the isofix base will turn from red to green.

Once the seat is installed and all indicators are green, you can then adjust the seat to one of the recline positions. The seat must be fully reclined for babies under 60cm. Thereafter, we recommend moving it one recline setting up at each birthday, however there is no set rule to what recline setting you have to use after your baby is 60cm. 

HOW TO INSTALL THE maxi cosi pearl 360 FORWARD FACING?

The Pearl 360 is quick and easy to switch from rear facing to forward facing. Simply switch the anti-misuse switch off, pull the lever and swivel the seat around. The seat can then be reclined to one of the 5 forward facing recline positions. It is mandatory to use rearward-facing up to an age of 15 months and a size of 76 cm.

The anti-misuse switch prevents misuse of the forward-facing position of the car seat. It ensures the forward-facing position cannot used before the child is at least 15 months old and 76 cm tall. Even beyond this limit, Maxi Cosi recommend that rearward-facing transport is the safest. And we agree!

HOW TO REMOVE AND WASH THE Maxi cosi Pearl 360 COVERS?

The covers are fairly easy to remove and are machine washable. There are 5 components fixed to the seat shell by hooks, elastic, velcro, and snap buttons, elastic piping. 

The manual has a step-by-step guide on removing the covers that is reasonably easy and straight forward to follow. 

It is important to note that the inner padding of the newborn inlay MUST be removed before washing the inlay.

The cover should be washed at 30° C in a delicate wash cycle. Washing at higher temperatures than 30° C or by hand may result in colour bleeding. Wash separately from other items and never tumble dry! Always hang to dry out of direct sunlight.

HOW LONG CAN THE maxi cosi pearl 360 BE USED FOR? 

The Pearl 360 has been developed for an intensive use of 12 years.

This is only applicable if the seat has not been dropped, in an accident, or on an airplane (unboxed and not properly packaged). The seat must also be stored appropriately to maximise the lifespan.

WHAT IS THE WARRANTY ON THE maxi cosi Pearl 360?

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

Maxi Cosi offers a unique 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 maxi cosi pearl 360 COMPATIBLE WITH MY CAR?

In order to install the Pearl 360, the car requires isofix and no underfloor storage compartments. A rear facing car seat must never be installed in front of an active airbag. Click on the pink tab below to check if your car is on the approved fit list:

WHAT ARE THE DIMENSIONS OF THE maxi cosi Pearl 360?

The Pearl 360 weighs 10kg (without the isofix base). 

In its longest position (rearfacing, fully reclined) it is 74cm long. In its highest position (forward facing, fully upright), it is 73cm tall. The seat is 43cm wide.

OUR VERDICT

The Maxi Cosi Pearl 360 is a high safety rated rotating seat. The 360 degree swivel is a huge bonus for any parent who wants convenience and safety. If you already have the FamilyFix 360 isofix base from the Pebble 360 infant seat, then the Pearl 360 is the most practical and affordable solution for a toddler seat. It is also a good option if you plan on using the Pearl 360 from birth. However, if buying the FamilyFix 360 isofix base AND the Pearl 360 to use just for the toddler years; it is quite costly. The Pearl 360 is easy to install and easy to use. When using it as a part of the Maxi Cosi 360 Family; It is a perfect long-term solution without compromising on safety.