Similar in design to the Rodi, the Maxi-Cosi Fero has a few valuable features that, in my view, beat the Rodi hands down. It’s even easier to fit using a standard 3-point seatbelt, with a wonderful shoulder belt slot and an easy-to-buckle design. The recline works decently.
The Fero also boasts Maxi-Cosi’s ‘AirProtect’ technology, which is air padding in the headrest that supposedly absorbs and reduces impact force during a collision.
What we love
The Fero car seat didn’t disappoint. However minor it sounds, many of you will know what I mean when I say I love the fact that the belt is easy to buckle. The seat is cleverly designed to give an extra cutaway area, which means you really can see the car’s safety buckle. Having recently had an abdominal operation, the fact that I didn’t have to bend doubled over just to try to see where to click in the buckle was a very welcome feature!
I really, really love the cleverly designed shoulder belt slot (‘belt hook system’). There’s no problem to get it in correctly, and the simple well-designed feed doesn’t allow a twist or demand a sweaty struggle to get it in and out. What a relief!
I also love the fact that there’s an ISOFIX version (the FeroFix). Costing a little more, but not a huge amount extra (£175 instead of £150), many people like the extra stabilising effect of ISOFIX car seats.
For those who don’t want ISOFIX, the Fero has a good, strong headrest tether (‘safety anchor’) that gives that little extra security. I did have to break hard once and it seemed to hold the top end of the Fero seat very securely.
The seat’s height adjustor is a doddle and increases seat width effectively at the same time.
What to watch out for
My son loves that he can lean down and relatively easily unlock the belt. This is possible with many car seats, but not all. It’s not a problem for us because he never tries to unbuckle when we’re moving, but he loves to be in control of it when we’ve stopped. Probably worth mentioning for those who have younger ones and ‘issues’ in this area!
The cover isn’t machine washable. It comes off, like many Group 2/3 car seats, in parts that can be hand washed or sponged down. However, there is a washable summer cover accessory available.
Who is the Maxi-Cosi Fero car seat best for?
Parents after a user-friendly seat that’s easily swapped between cars without ISOFIX.
The Maxi-Cosi Fero is an excellent, safe and comfortable car seat that appears to be carefully designed for both safety and ease of use. With a height adjustor that’s straightforward and effective to use, it’s a flexible option that feels durable, too.
