Ensuring the safety of the child is the main task of an adult while driving. It can be solved by purchasing a restraint device, but another question immediately arises: which model of car seat to choose and which manufacturer's products to prefer. To understand the important differences, it is necessary to compare the models of popular companies in terms of basic and additional parameters and establish how well they can cope with the main responsibility - protecting the baby while moving.
In this article we will look at two popular car seat models: CabrioFix from Dutch Maxi-Cosi brand and Baby-Safe Plus II SHR from British-German company Britax Römer. These firms have long been competing with each other, and each has a large following.
Comparison of model characteristics
| Britax Römer Baby-Safe Plus II SHR | Maxi-Cosi CabrioFix | |
|---|---|---|
| Useful information | ||
| average cost | 22300 | 15400 rubles |
| A country | Germany | Holland |
| Assessment on the Yandex market | 4.0 points out of 5 | 4.5 points out of 5 |
| Main characteristics | ||
| Category | "0+" (from 0 to 13 kg) | "0+" (from 0 to 13 kg) |
| Child's age | From birth to 12 months | From birth to 12 months |
| Isofix | No, but it is possible to install on a special Isofix base | No, but there is a possibility to purchase separate Easyfix, Familyfix and 2wayFix bases |
| Latch | Absent | Absent |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 57×44×65 | 51×52×73 |
| The weight | 4.7 kg | 3.4 kg |
| Installation features | Back-mounted with car belts | Back-mounted with car belts |
| Design features | ||
| Backrest horizontal position | Absent | Absent |
| Can be used as a rocking chair | Yes | Yes |
| Newborn insert | There is | There is |
| Internal straps | 5-point, with softening pads | 3-point, with softening pads |
| The ability to adjust the height of the inner straps | There is | There is |
| Carrying holder | There is | There is |
| The ability to adjust the height of the headrest | Yes, 7 positions | Absent |
| Additional protection against side collisions | There is | There is |
| Sun visor | There is | There is |
| Removable cover | There is | There is |
| Storage pocket | Absent | There is |
| additional characteristics | ||
| Cup holder | Absent | Absent |
| Can be installed on a wheelchair chassis | Yes, includes an adapter for installation on a wheelchair base | There is |
A few more important nuances
So, restraints have similar characteristics and parameters. First of all, both car seats are specially designed for babies from 0 to 12 months old.
Product body
CabrioFix has a body made of special shock-resistant materials. It has 2-stage side impact protection and a sleeping position.
In addition, parents can change the depth of the restraint depending on how much the child weighs. An additional anatomical insert allows you to give the car seat the maximum horizontal position, then the insert is retracted so that the baby can sit.
The housing of the Britax Römer Baby-Safe Plus II SHR is also made of shock-resistant material. A specially developed D-SIP system protects the child from side impacts, which evenly distributes energy throughout the body.
The main difference from the Dutch competitor is the ability to give the headrest one of seven positions, which allows the little passenger to feel more comfortable during the trip.
Seat belts
The Maxi-Cosi CabrioFix has three-point inner straps that are padded.
There is also a centralized belt tensioning system in the product, which allows you to adjust the height of the straps in one motion.
The German competitor is distinguished by a strap with 5 fixation points, which, according to many experts, is a safer option (although for a child under one year old, the question is not the most important one).
The inner straps can also be tightened in one stroke using a single system.
Upholstery materials
The upholstery of the Dutch car seat is made of high quality materials. The summer cover includes only natural fabrics, thanks to which it allows air to pass through, “breathes”, absorbs liquids, prevents sweating and the formation of unpleasant odors.
The fabric coverings of the German analogue are made of high-quality synthetics, which are not inferior in characteristics to natural materials. The cover also perfectly ventilates the seat, it is easy to remove and easy to clean.
Installation in the car
Each of the presented restraints has certain features in terms of installation in the engine room. So the Maxi-Cosi CabrioFix can be installed in several ways:
- using standard car belts;
- using a base with a strap mount EasyBase2 (it will help if the standard belts are short);
- using the Easyfix base (sold separately).
Installation using Easyfix (first this base is attached to Isofix adapters, and then the chair is installed on it) improves safety performance.
The standard option for installing a car seat from an Anglo-German brand is fastening with standard machine straps. It is also available for mounting using the Isofix base system (sold separately).
A small nuance - "CabrioFix", unlike its German competitor, has a special small compartment for small items (the so-called pocket). This may seem like an important benefit to parents.
Pros and cons of car seats
Each restraint device has certain advantages and disadvantages. Knowing the strengths and weaknesses will help car owners take a more serious approach to choosing a child seat.
Maxi-Cosi Cabriofix
A popular restraint device of a wide famous Dutch brand. It won the Parents' Choice Award in 2016, which says a lot. Consider the main pros and cons of this car seat.
Pros:
- additional airborne collision protection system;
- relative lightness of construction;
- changing the depth of the chair;
- awning for protection from solar radiation;
- comfortable anatomical mattress for babies just born;
- high-quality cover that is removed and washed using an automatic machine;
- Convenient carrying holder for additional protection in frontal impacts;
- versatility of the device: can be used as a carrier, a cradle for a stroller, a rocking chair.
Minuses:
- in spite of natural fabrics, babies sweat in the chair in summer;
- the holder is inconvenient to fold.
The Maxi-Cosi Cabriofix car seat was rated "excellent" in the test. However, it must be added that such a high safety performance was demonstrated by the holding device installed on the Easyfix base.
Car seat group 0+ (up to 13 kg) Maxi-Cosi CabrioFix
Britax Römer Baby-Safe Plus SHR II
This Anglo-German product can be characterized by very flattering epithets. The quality of materials, safe operation, stylish design - for all this, the car seat is loved and appreciated by many foreign and domestic parents.
Pros:
- the versatility of the device, which consists in its use as a carrier, cradle and rocking chair;
- the ability to adjust the height of the headrest;
- the ability to easily and quickly remove the carrier from the wheelchair base thanks to special adapters;
- safer 5-point straps;
- special side collision protection system;
- Sun visor;
- the possibility of using the seat as a cradle when traveling by plane;
- removable upholstery, easy to wash in a machine.
Minuses:
- inability to choose a completely horizontal position;
- rather large weight of the product;
- high price.
According to the results of independent laboratory tests, the car seat was rated "good" for the standard configuration and "excellent" when installing the device on an additional Isofix base.
Car seat group 0+ (up to 13 kg) BRITAX ROMER Baby-Safe Plus II SHR
As a conclusion
Both restraints have approximately the same quality and functionality. Both the CabrioFix and the Baby-Safe Plus II SHR are secured with standard machine belts (as standard) and feature a high level of safety. What are their differences:
- the product from the German manufacturer has more advanced five-point straps. In addition, it is more spacious, which is important in winter due to the presence of warm, bulky clothing on the child. In addition, this car seat has the function of adjusting the height of the headrest, which is important for a growing baby;
- the Maxi-Cosi Cabriofix chair is more lightweight, reinforced with seat depth. Also, the holding device is significantly cheaper than its Anglo-German counterpart, which, you see, also testifies in favor of the Maxi-Cozy.
Which model from the above to choose as the first restraint for the smallest passengers is up to you. Each car seat has strengths and weaknesses, so you should focus primarily on your financial capabilities and the characteristics of the child. Safe trip!
