Maxi Cosi Cabriofix vs Pebble Plus

Last month, I had the enviable job of going through all of my daughter’s old baby/toddler toys and equipment which was tucked away in the car garage. I wanted to see what I could use for my other son, Daniel who’d just turned 12 months old. He’d outgrown his Maxi-Cosi Cabriofix so I was looking for the Maxi-Cosi 2WayPearl (my daughter’s second car seat which she started using after her 1^st birthday). To my surprise, it was still in a great condition, and after a quick clean I installed it in the car, and he’s been using it ever since.

Unfortunately, now it means selling the Maxi Cabriofix (we’re not planning any more children!) It’s been a great car seat for our family, lasting around 5 years as we bought it in 2016 when my daughter was born, and we’ve been using it in the last year for our youngest son.

For this article I thought I would write a detailed comparison of the Maxi-Cosi Cabriofix with the Maxi-Cosi Pebble Plus, which is also a very popular option for infant car seats.

Overview – Table Comparison

Maxi-Cosi Cabriofix

• Weight – 3.35kg
• Child weight – from birth to 13kg
• Depth – 66cm
• Height – 57cm
• Width – 44.5cm
• Sun canopy included
• Newborn support insert included
• Compatible with Maxi-Cosi stroller (and other strollers*)
• Choice of compatible ISOFIX bases

*You’ll need to purchase adaptors separately.

Maxi-Cosi Pebble Plus

• Weight – 4.66kg
• Child weight – from birth to 13kg
• Depth – 67cm
• Height – 44cm
• Width -56cm
•  “Easy in” harness
• i-size compatible
• Newborn support insert included
• Compatible with Maxi-Cosi stroller (and other strollers*)
• Choice of compatible ISOFIX bases

*You’ll need to purchase adaptors separately.

Detailed Comparison – Cabriofix vs Pebble

Weight

WINNER – Cabriofix

The Cabriofix is over a kilo lighter, which is a big plus.

As your baby grows, they will get heavier (quicker than you can imagine!) so if the car seat is lighter to begin with, it will make it easier on your arms and back.

Size

DRAW

There’s no difference here at all really. Both are practically the same size. However, at just 1 cm narrower, the Pebble Plus is approved to use on airplanes if you plan on travelling during the baby’s first year.

Design

WINNER – Pebble Plus

Being a slightly newer model, the Pebble Plus has some improvements over the Cabriofix. The “Easy In’ harness makes it easier to strap in your baby. Also, it is an i-size car seat  (i-size is an EU regulation brought in 2013), which makes it easier to install, provides better protection from side impacts and keep babies in the rear facing position for longer.

Safety

WINNER – Pebble Plus

Although both options are fine, the Pebble Plus just shades it, because of the i-size feature which enhances safety.

Ease of cleaning

WINNER – Pebble Plus

The only gripe I have with the Cabriofix is trying to clean it.

I cleaned the cover last week, but it took me ages to figure out how to take it off, and putting it back was a challenge too. It might just be me and my clumsy hands, but other customers seem to have issues with it too. Furthermore, it’s handwash only.

The Pebble Plus, on the other hand, is machine washable and it’s less of a hassle to take the cover off.

How long do they last?

DRAW

Both options are suitable from birth until your baby reaches 13kg.

Compatibility

DRAW

Both options will fit with Maxi-Cosi strollers, but if you’ve bought, or you’re thinking of buying another brand of stroller, you’ll need car seat adaptors. We purchased the Silver Cross Wayfarer when our daughter was younger, and it came with the right adaptors for Maxi-Cosi. They were very easy to use. I certainly wouldn’t be forced into choosing a Maxi-Cosi stroller just because you have one of their car seats.

Price

WINNER – Cabriofix

The Cabriofix is a winner if you’re on a budget as it’s a cheaper option compared to the Pebble Plus. However, being an older model it doesn’t have quite as many features. You have to weigh up what is best for you and your baby.

Installation

WINNER – Pebble Plus

Both options are compatible with a variety of ISOFIX bases which can be attached to the car fairly easily. However, the option of using the Pebble Plus with an i-size base gives you another way to safely install the car seat.

We purchased the 2wayFix base which has been a great purchase to go with the Cabriofix. Now my daughter is older we use it with the Maxi-Cosi 2wayPearl, another great option for a car seat.

For other ISOFIX base options, you have the 3wayfix and FamilyFix.

Pros and cons of the Maxi Cosi Cabriofix

Here are the advantages and disadvantages of the Maxi-Cosi Cabriofix.

Pros

• Lightweight
• Well priced
• Compatible with most leading brands of pushchairs
• Choice of ISOFIX bases to go with.
• Side impact protection

Cons

• Not easy to clean
• No raincover included
• Sun canopy doesn’t fully protect the baby.
• Not approved to use on airplanes

Pros and cons of the Maxi-Cosi Pebble Plus

Here are the strengths and weaknesses of the Maxi-Cosi Pebble Plus

Pros

• i-size design
• Approved to use on airplanes
• Compatible with most leading brands of pushchairs
• Choice of ISOFIX bases to go with.
• Side impact protection
• Easy to strap in your baby with the “Easy In” harness

Cons

• Quite heavy to carry
• Need to buy a separate base if you wish to use i-Size feature.
• No raincover included.
• Quite expensive.

What else should you consider?

Here are some other important factors to bear in mind if you’re interested in either car seat.

Is it compatible with my car?

It’s so easy to overlook this, especially for new parents. Chances are you’ll be fine, but it’s best to check with the manufacturer just in case

For Maxi-Cosi, they have an online tool for this.

What’s the main difference between the Cabriofix and Pebble Plus?

At a glance, they basically look the same. They both last for the same amount of time, they’re both rear facing and they both work with a number of Maxi-Cosi ISOFIX bases.

However, although they have similar features, including a newborn insert and sun canopy, the Pebble Plus has a couple more options (i-size and “Easy In” harness).

Bottom Line

WINNER – Pebble Plus

Even though I’m a proud owner of the Cabriofix, I confess if I was in the market for a car seat now, I’d probably opt for the Pebble Plus. Yes it’s more expensive, but the fact it’s airplane compatible, complies with more recent EU regulations and it’s easier to clean, just edges it for me more over the Cabriofix. What do you think? Which option did you choose?

• Related Post: Types Of Car Seats (A Complete Guide)

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