Mum of three, Kate Finney, puts the hugely popular Pebble Plus car seat through its paces
With two older siblings, baby number three is constantly in and out of the car several times a day ferrying people around, so it was important to me that she was happy in her seat, comfortable, and above all, safe. In addition, we’re constantly looking for ways to cut down on the amount of ‘stuff’ we need, so I’m drawn to products that multi-task and that have a longer life-span than the average car seat. Cue Maxi-Cosi’s 2wayFix isofix base which not only works with the PebblePlus baby seat, but can also hold the larger 2way Pearl.
The spec
When the UK adopted the new i-Size safety regulations in 2013, many car seats were unable to comply with the recommendations to keep children rearward-facing for as long as possible. With Maxi-Cosi’s 2wayFix base, both the Pebble Plus and the 2wayPearl can face backwards so your child is that much safer for longer. The Pebble Plus is a Group 0+ seat, so is suitable for babies up to around 12 months old or 75cm tall. I found this guide to be spot-on, and it lasted the full 12 months, unlike other Group O+ seats I’d used before.
It has performed well in industry-standard safety tests, and the Maxi-Cosi brand has a good track record in safety, having won awards across their range.
Practicality & versatility
The Pebble Plus has a removable washable cover, which is easy to wash in the machine if needs be, and leaves it looking as good as new, which can’t be said of a lot of a baby kit!
The harness is easy to adjust, with straps that move up and down the base to fit the shoulders, and tighten or loosen depending on the size of your baby.
It is incredibly easy to click in and out of the 2wayFix base, which in turn is easy to fit in your car using the isofix holds hidden beneath the seat. (Double check that your car is compatible with this base on the Maxi-Cosi website, but most are.) The base features visual and audible display buttons that notify you that the seat has been correctly fitted, which is a brilliant feature in my eyes. Alternatively, you can use a seatbelt to secure the Pebble Plus, which is useful if you’re using another car and are unable to take the base with you.
Many buggies or travel systems have adapters to enable the Pebble Plus to be used on the buggy’s chassis, which is a real plus for many parents who like to have this option. And the handle is big which made it easy for me to carry the seat by hand, but it can be heavy once your baby starts growing! (The car seat alone weighs 4.5kg.) The seat is also suitable to use on an aeroplane which is a real bonus for high-flying babies.
Comfort
It looks incredibly comfortable and spacious and my baby was so happy to travel in it. The baby-hugg inlay which comes with it made from well-padded, impact-absorbing material and makes the seat a lot more cocoon-like for a new baby. The straps are padded as well, and the fabric is strong and soft.
The sun canopy is also soft and is effective at shielding the baby from too much light in the car. The stretchy fabric makes it easy to adjust, and it clips onto the handle securely to offer maximum coverage.
The Verdict
It is expensive, but you’ll only need one base for up to four years, and the seat is so well-built that it will definitely withstand the wear and tear of daily use.
Maxi-Cosi car seat, £199, Maxi-Cosi i-Size 2wayFix base £199 maxi-cosi.co.uk
