Product Description

The Maxi-Cosi Priori Convertible Car Seat features the Independent Recline System, which easily adjusts the seat to four positions while the child is in the seat. Harness holders keep straps out of the way, vehicle seat belt locks ease installation, and a removable, plush seat pad keeps children comfortable on long rides. Like the Mico Infant Car Seat, the Priori features energy absorbing EPP foam. The Priori Convertible Car Seat is appropriate for children 5 to 35 lbs. and 19" to 36" in height (rear-facing, for newborns to approximately one year old), and 22 to 40 lbs. and 34" to 43" in height (forward-facing, for children approximately one to four years old.

Features:

• Independent Recline System lets you recline the car seat while installed
• Four independent recline positions are adjustable while your child's in the car seat
• Side Impact Protection with energy absorbing foam
• Harness holders keep harness straps out of the way
• Easy to install with 3-point seat belt and push button LATCH
• Rear-facing 5 to 35 lbs. and 19" to 36" in height
• Forward-facing 22 to 40 lbs. and 34" to 43" in height

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #8244 in Baby Product
• Color: Penguin
• Brand: Maxi Cosi
• Dimensions: 26.00" h x 21.00" w x 18.75" l, 19.70 pounds

Features

• The Maxi-Cosi Convertible Car Seat grows with your child from infant to toddler mode
• It provides the ultimate in comfortable and secure transportation
• Includes EPP foam for energy absorption
• Removable car seat pad features luxurious padding
• Four- position independent recline easily adjusts to desired position after it is installed

Customer Reviews

Excellent styling, very safe, and overall, a good buy
I really would love to give this seat a 5-star review, but there are some negatives that weigh enough in my mind that I have to rate the seat a 4.

First, I think this seat is a good buy for the money. For $200, you get a 4-position recline, EPS foam padded sides to make the seat comfy, nice material and styling that is easier to clean than the material on the Britax seats, and a cup holder. My son has fallen asleep in the seat and in 5 minutes was so deep asleep, he didn't budge even if we slammed the car door to try to wake him up. He had stopped falling asleep in his infant seat a long time ago. I love the Euro styling. I actually got the "Night Owl" color, but decided to post here to consolidate the reviews. The seat matches the interior of our Civic Hybrid almost to a T! While the seat doesn't go up to the monster 65lbs of some other convertibles, our son is rather light for his age and we have a small car. We can upgrade to a booster seat later and 45 lbs is a decent weight limit. If he continues being in the 3rd percentile for weight, he won't reach 45 lbs until he's 7 or 8. The little plastic hooks on the side are nice for keeping the straps out of the way while getting the child settled into the seat.

For the cons, yes, the seat is a pain to install. The diagrams in the instruction manual are only semi-clear as to where you store the latch straps if you need to use the lap/shoulder belt for installation. Once you get past that part, actually getting the carseat installed only takes about 5 minutes. So perhaps this con is more about the instruction manual, which is only in English, by the way. Nowadays, many manuals have Spanish also, this product does not. Read the instructions very carefully about how to use the locking clip, etc. When I actually followed the instructions, it was easy to secure. So if you like to skip instructions and just expect it to install like a breeze, this seat might not be for you.

I commented on another review that the buckle didn't seem larger than the buckles I've seen on Britax seats. I don't have a Britax or use one myself, but I've helped my friend unload her kids plenty of times and they have Britax seats. I think the buckles are a pain in general. I'm not particularly fond of the pads that go around the straps to protect the neck. My son always looks like he's getting a bit squished. I have to say that my son is very secure when strapped in. He can't really wiggle around much at all. He was very good at lifting up his torso to look around in his infant seat. There is a little padding/cover for the buckle you have to contend with while buckling. If you don't keep the material out of the way, you won't be able to buckle. Sometimes it gets folded in, and it interferes with buckling.

Overall, I think my son is comfortable in the seat. I think he is safe, and I think the seat is attractive. So I am satisfied enough. With a bit of practice, I can undo the buckle easily now. I just have to have no shame about jamming my hands down my babe's crotch to reach around the buckle. I like the recline features, and I think it was a well-thought out product. Maybe the instruction manual could be better. The installation is so-so, as long as you read the manual...if you can.

This seat has it all!
I bought this carseat for my 2-year-old daughter as a replacement for a seat we had been loaned. We bought it this afternoon and were able to adjust the harness straps and install it using the LATCH system in less than 1/2 hour. My daughter went right in and the first thing she said was, "It's soft!"

The one thing I was looking for in a new carseat that we did not have with the Britax Roundabout we had been loaned was substantial sides so that when my daughter falls asleep in the car (as she does often) that her head would be supported. The Priori has wide enough sides without being too big. The added bonus of this seat is that it has not only a bottom base but also a back base so it reclines on its own track and doesn't have to be removed from the LATCH or seatbelt.

Well, we got to test it out right away because sure enough my daughter fell asleep in the car for our 1/2 hour drive home from my parents' house. I reached behind me at a red light, reclined the seat with one hand, and her head stayed against the side and she was soooo comfortable the whole way home, she didn't move once! Usually as her head droops, she startles and wakes a few times. But there was no head drooping at all!

I really think we are going to enjoy this car seat for many reasons. It's a nice subtle pattern, soft and comfortable, safe, easy to install and use, and the recline is a great feature. We are very happy we bought this seat!

love it, but the straps are too short!
We switched to this car seat when my son was 6 months and already 22 lbs (when he outgrew his Maxi Cosi infant seat, which I also loved). I love it. It looks nice, reclines nicely, seems comfortable for my son. Seems safe and secure. But he is now almost a year, and almost 30 lbs and over 30 inches tall and the straps are nearly too short for him. I think I can squeeze another month out of this seat before needing to change. And I really don't want to. I want to keep this seat until he reaches 40 lbs and reaches the top slots of the harness (we have one left to go). So... Sadly, I would suggest buying something else.