Maxi-Cosi celebrates 30 years at the forefront of car seat safety innovation

Maxi-Cosi is marking its 30th year in business as the leading innovator in child car seat safety with the launch of the first infant carrier to meet the international i-Size (R129) safety standard.

In 1984, Maxi-Cosi became one of the first manufacturers to introduce an infant car seat to the European market.

Since then, Maxi-Cosi has been at the forefront of car seat safety and innovation, notably: creating the first stroller-car seat hybrid; being the first to launch the concept of the 3-in-1 car seat travel system; creating IsoFix base solutions across all age ranges; and developing pioneering lights-and-sound LED display to warn parents of unsafe installation.

Maxi-Cosi has also worked with UK hip dysplasia charity STEPS to launch the Opal HD, a car seat specially designed to give children with hip dysplasia more support, flexibility and comfort.

Significantly, in 2013, Maxi-Cosi became the first to introduce an i-Size car seat to the UK market - the 2wayPearl with 2wayFix Base. This groundbreaking car seat and the industry-leading Pebble infant carrier with 2wayFix Base were both awarded Which? Best Buys in 2014.

The first infant carrier to meet i-Size regulation, Maxi-Cosi Pebble Plus - Maxi-Cosi's latest innovation - offers newborns a better fit and lying position with its innovative baby hugg inlay. Industry-first new high-tech impact-absorbing material in the top side wings of the seat provide comfort and optimum safety in the event of an accident.

Andrew Ratcliffe, MD of Maxi-Cosi UK, said: "Maxi-Cosi is extremely proud of its reputation, built up over the past 30 years, as a leading innovator in car seat safety.

"It is for this reason that we worked so hard to support the development of i-Size legislation and it has been very rewarding to be the first to bring an i-Size compliant car seat and, now, an i-Size compliant infant carrier to the market.

"Developing and introducing the Pebble Plus is testament to the commitment to innovation and safety that Maxi-Cosi has become renowned for over three decades. Long may that continue."

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Editor's notes

Timeline

In 1984, Maxi-Cosi became the first manufacturer to introduce an infant car seat to the European market.

So groundbreaking was the ‘Maxi-Cosi' car seat (eponymous with the now world renowned brand) in its purpose and design that European safety regulations had to be set up and traffic laws modified to accommodate it.

This was followed by the creation of different iconic, market-changing car seats, such as the Maxi-Cosi Standard, Maxi-Cosi Oki-Doki, Maxi-Cosi 2000 and the Maxi-Cosi Cabrio, all of which influenced the development of the car seat industry over the next 30 years.

Maxi-Cosi was the first to launch the concept of the 3-in-1 car seat travel system so popular today.

In 2007, Maxi-Cosi introduced the award-winning Mura, its first complete pram/pushchair. Loaded with options, the Maxi-Cosi Mura offered everything active young parents need to enjoy plenty of fun quality time with their child, as well as cope with their daily routine.

The 25th anniversary of the Maxi-Cosi baby car seat in 2009 coincided with the launch of the brand's next step into the future of in-car safety: the Maxi-Cosi FamilyFix Collection. Offering IsoFix safety from birth to well over 3 years of age, it consists of two car seats, the Maxi-Cosi Pebble (0-13 kg) and Pearl (9-18 kg); and the FamilyFix Base, an IsoFix base which can be used for both seats.

State of the art safety features, such as a lights-and-sound LED display to warn parents of unsafe installation, made the Pebble, Pearl and FamilyFix the most advanced child safety restraints on the market.

Introduced in 2009 as part of the FamilyFix Collection, the Maxi-Cosi Pebble, with its smooth, round edges, successfully combines first-class technology and safety with style in a travel system.

With its unique look that brought car seat design well and truly into the 21st century, it offers an 'easy-out' harness: the easily adjustable straps stay open which enable a baby to be lifted out with the greatest of ease. The flexible soft rim of the Maxi-Cosi Pebble contrasts with the hard shell of the seat; this holds the sun canopy inside so it's within reach at any time and can also be put away quickly. In latest testing (2014), Which? awarded the Maxi-Cosi Pebble ‘Best Buy'.

In 2013, Maxi-Cosi became the first manufacturer to introduce an i-Size compliant car seat to the market.

The Maxi-Cosi 2wayPearl - used with the 2wayFix Base - provides extended rear-facing travel until a child reaches 105cm (approx 4 years old). Maxi-Cosi - and its parent company, Dorel - has played a key role in the development of the new i-Size legislation and has since been providing ongoing training and communication to help explain this new law.

Which? awarded The Maxi-Cosi 2wayPearl a ‘Best Buy' in the latest testing (2014). Which? gave the 2wayPearl a minimum of four stars in every category and high scores of five stars, with the car seat achieving an overall score of 75% and, thereby, prestigious Best Buy status. Which? especially praised the 2wayPearl withregards to safety, ease of use and simplicity to fit.

Maxi-Cosi has now marked its 30th year - 2014 - as the leading innovator in child car seat safety with the launch of the Pebble Plus: first infant carrier to meet the European Union's i-Size (R129) safety standard.

‘Maxi-Cosi Cares' and Good Egg correct car seat fitting campaign

Maxi-Cosi is currently working in partnership with road safety organisation Good Egg to deliver special clinics across the UK to help parents understand the vital importance of correct car seat fitting in order to potentially save children's lives.

Maxi-Cosi has also worked with UK hip dysplasia charity STEPS to launch the Opal HD, a car seat specially designed to give children with hip dysplasia more support, flexibility and comfort.

And Maxi-Cosi Sales Director Steve Howell this year rode his bike almost 1,000 miles from John o'Groats to Land's End to raise funds for Theodora's Trust. Theodora's Trust is a charity that sends ‘Giggle Doctors' to work in collaboration with hospital staff to bring fun and laughter to around 30,000 children in hospitals including Great Ormond Street each year.