Maxi-Cosi Pria 70

This car seat has been such a pleasure to use! We’re on our fourth baby now, so we’ve owned more than our fair share of car seats in the last six years. Between our two cars we’ve owned one infant seat, four bases to go with it, four high back boosters and four regular boosters. That’s a lot of car seats! We’ve always stuck with one brand because it worked for us—so we figured why change. That is, until we got the Maxi-Cosi! I never thought I’d be recommending another brand of car seat, and now I find myself wishing we’d had the Maxi-Cosi Pria 70 this whole time.

When I received the car seat, I read through the instructions before installing it in the car. Properly fitting the child for the seat requires the child to sit in it prior to it being installed, so the straps can be adjusted to the correct settings. The instruction manual is very easy to use. The language is clear and easy to understand, and the illustrations are helpful for showing exactly what is being described.

My first step in the setup was making sure the straps were in the right position.  With other car seats we’ve used, this essentially meant taking the seat apart and readjusting the straps. This is not the case with the Maxi-Cosi Pria 70! It was beyond easy to adjust the shoulder straps … just one lever to move the headrest, and the shoulder straps adjusted right with it! It doesn’t get any more convenient than that! I also had to adjust the buckle, which meant taking it out and rethreading it, but the instructions were explicit—so it wasn’t at all difficult to do.  This busy mama really appreciates ease and convenience.

Following the instructions I was able to easily install the seat into my car. The LATCH system is fabulous. Our other car seats used the LATCH system, but the actual latches on the Pria 70 are easy to attach and detach—much more than has been my experience with other car seat brands where I’m left fumbling blindly, trying to figure out how to unhook the latch.

After I had the seat installed, I set up a FaceTime call with a child passenger safety technician from Dorel Juvenile to go over the installation and make sure I’d done it properly—a new service offered to parents who purchase a Dorel car seat. The representative said she would call me directly at a certain time and date, and her call came right on schedule. We spent probably 10 minutes going over proper installation, and using FaceTime was really helpful because she was able to see what I was doing and when I had questions, she was able to show me exactly what I needed to do. This is such a great service, especially for first-time parents who are new to car seat installation.

The pad is both machine washable and dryer safe. The seat pad unsnaps and removes from the frame, making it easier to clean. As a busy mom who has a never ending list of things that need to be cleaned, I am beyond thankful for anything that can go in the washing machine and dryer. The seat is made with self-wicking fabric that deodorizes and draws liquid away from the skin. And I’m thankful for anything that is less likely to become stinky or uncomfortable.

The Maxi-Cosi Pria 70 fits children rear-facing starting at 9 pounds and enables them to stay rear-facing until 40 pounds. We are using this seat for our 2-year-old. She’s forward facing and she’ll be able to use this seat until she’s 70 pounds! As parents, we’re thankful for the safety rating of this seat. According to the manufacturer’s website, the Maxi-Cosi Pria 70 is top rated for safety and comfort. It utilizes FlexTech for multi-directional crash energy management and Air Protect for advanced side impact protection.

The headrest is much more substantial than the one on her previous seat, which makes it more comfortable for her when she falls asleep (so her head isn’t flopped over to one side). The cushioning on the seat is also very nice. It’s thick and seems quite cozy. The seat has substantial side impact protection provided by Air Protect technology which protests children where they need it most; around the head.

My only complaint would be that that buckles are a little difficult to release sometimes. The red button that releases the five-point harness straps is tough to push when I have my hands full and am trying to get her out using just one hand.  Overall, however, the seat seems very comfortable for my daughter to ride in. It was easy to adjust and install.  It sits higher than the previous high-back boosters we’ve used, which is nice because it means she can see out the windows better.

All things considered, I would recommend—without hesitation—the Maxi-Cosi Pria 70 to anyone who is looking for a convertible car seat.

Price: $250
Where to buy: Amazon.com