Maxi Cosi

Maxi Cosi was founded in 1968 by Sjef van der Linden, who owned a baby store in the 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, which was called the Maxi Cosi. The success of this seat led him to rename the company Maxi Cosi, which also saw the debut of strollers under the same name.

In 1994, Maxi Cosi was acquired by Dorel, which went on an acquisition spree int he 1980's and 90's. Dorel acquired Cosco and Safety 1st during this time period, folding them into the Dorel Juvenile Division.