Maxi Cosi
Maxi Cosi is the maker of high-end strollers and infant car seats, based in the Netherlands.
Maxi Cosi was founded in 1968 by Dutch entrepreneur Sjef van der Linden, who owned a baby store in Helmond, Netherlands. The company was originally called Maxi Miliaan Import and their first baby product was a high chair that debuted in 1978.
Van der Linden was inspired to launch an infant car seat after seeing the Evenflo 202 infant seat, which was commonly referred to as the Dyn-O-Mite, as an homage to comedian Jimmie Walker's catchphrase. The Evenflo Dyn-O-Mite was among the first infant car seats on the market in the US, but there was nothing comparable in Europe at the time.
Van der Linden's infant car seat debuted in 1984; he called it the Maxi Cosi. One unique feature was the ability to use the seat rear-facing, which, while common today, was unique in the 80's. The success of this seat led him to rename the company Maxi Cosi, which expanded into selling strollers as well.
In 1994, Maxi Cosi was acquired by Dorel, which went on an acquisition spree in the 1980's and 90's. Dorel also purchased Cosco and Safety 1st during this time period, folding them along with Maxi Cosi into the Dorel Juvenile Division. Maxi Cosi debuted in the US in 2007.
Today Maxi Cosi sells a variety of single strollers as well as travel systems that pair a stroller with an infant car seat. All Maxi Cosi strollers are made in China.
Flagship Model: Maxi-Cosi Zelia² 5-in-1 Modular Travel System
The Maxi-Cosi Zelia² 5-in-1 Modular Travel System (50 lbs., see price on Amazon) is Maxi Cosi's version of the UPPAbaby Cruz, a modular system that allows for an infant car seat. Key features for the Zelia include:
- Includes a Maxi-Cosi Mico Luxe infant car seat and click-in car seat adapters.
- When used with the infant car seat, the child is parent facing.
- Reversible, lay flat toddler seat also makes into a bassinet ("carriage mode").
- Vegan leather accents on swing out bumper bar and handle.
- Adjustable handle height.
- Storage basket.
- Cup holder.
- Pop-out visor on canopy.
- All-wheel suspension.
- Self standing fold.
- Machine washable seat insert.
One downside to the Zelia is its weight: it's about 5 lbs. heavier than the UPPAbaby Cruz. The fold on the Zelia is a two-hand fold and the wheels aren't as robust as the UPPAbaby Cruz. The Cruz also has a height-adjustable canopy (helpful for taller/older kids), which is missing on the Zelia.
Other Maxi-Cosi Strollers
Maxi Cosi has three other stroller options, the Tayla, Mara XT and the Gia XP. The Maxi Cosi Mara XT Ultra Compact stroller (19.36 lbs., see price on Amazon), has a one-hand fold, reversible seat, extra large cup holder, two zippered pockets and large basket for storage, partial seat recline, extended canopy, adjustable leg rest, padding on the handle grips, all-wheel suspension and can take a Coral XP infant seat or a Mico. With the partial seat recline, this stroller is designed for older babies who can sit up on their own (that is, not newborns).
The Maxi Cosi Tayla Modular Lightweight stroller (31.8 lbs., see price on Amazon) offers a 4-position recline, reversible seat, all-wheel suspension, adjustable handlebar, cup holder, removable bumper bar, fully extendable 360° privacy canopy, reversible seat cushion, and one hand fold. Like the Mara, the Tayla is also compatible with Mico and Coral infant car seats.
The Tayla Max (31.8 lbs., see price on Amazon) is a more luxurious version of the Tayla that adds a QuikCarriage feature (a seat makes into a lay-flat bassinet).
Finally, Maxi Cosi makes an infant car seat stroller frame called the Maxi-Taxi XT Ultra Compact Car Seat Caddy. The Maxi-Taxi is solely for use with an infant car seat, either the Mico or the Coral—the infant seat plugs into the car seat adapters that come with the frame and away you go. The frame has a one hand fold and comes with a small storage basket and parent cup holder.
Safety Recalls
As of this writing, Maxi-Cosi does not have any safety recalls on its strollers.
Does Maxi-Cosi have a twin stroller?
As of this writing, Maxi-Cosi does not offer a double stroller model.
Does Maxi-Cosi strollers fit other makes of infant car seats?
No.