Maxi-Cosi Rodifix or Recaro Monza Nova (group 2/3)

[ItsNiceItsDifferentItsUnusual]

Can't decide between these two seats at all, can anyone who has one give me the your pros/cons for it please?

Ds is only 3 but has recently shot up and is 18kg which is the max for his current seat. He's going to be in this seat for ages so really don't want to buy a dud!

Thank you

What are the safety ratings on them?

I always go for cybex.

Thanks, I will look at Cybex.

I can't find the Which ratings directly because I don't subscribe but from reading other sites they both score highly, though the maxi-cosi has more results across various forums, I think purely because it's more of a known brand.

We got the recaro monza nova when DS was 3, with the cushion at the front for the seatbelt. Initially he kicked off but after a couple of trips he got used to using the cushion as a bit of a table for toys and rice cakes! Now he's 5, we bought a second one for our other car and he really likes it. On long trips he will plug an iPad in to its speakers and play YouTube or music, we can then have our own music on in the front.

He's also learnt how to undo the seatbelt, but is very sensible and never before the engine is switched off. It's actually a big help as I can just open the door and he gets himself out now. I like that it uses the standard seatbelt buckle and not a 5 point harness as it means you adjust the correct length of seatbelt every time. In winter/summer or jumper/no jumper you have to check a 5point belt every time to make sure the gap isn't too big.

I'm a big fan as it suits our needs perfectly!

We got the Monza Nova as scored highly on Which. It is a very good seat but I am short and find it a complete pain to have to lean over and plug the adult seatbelt in. DS is not very cooperative and pushes the cushion off and I find threading the seatbelt through a faff. If you're taller/more dextrous/have a more compliant child it's probably better. DH really likes it.

Hedwig You're right, I have to put one foot in the car to lean over and put the seatbelt in. We stopped using the cushion at about 4.5; when weight/height guidance said it was ok. He's big enough now to reach the tray table and uses that for toys and snacks. We have the isofix version, when we bought our 2nd we accidentally ordered non-isofix and I really didn't feel it was safe. Isofix all the way.

If you're really unsure, how about ordering online from a store with free returns? You then have a few days to try fixing it in your car and can return if you/DC don't like it.

Thank you all, very helpful. I've definitely discounted the Maxi-Cosi now so it's either the Recaro, or I've also found the Britax Romer SICT through looking at stuff online. Am trying to get to a big shop this weekend to look at them both side by side!

Also - need to consider your feedback on difficulty of leaning over the Recaro - not only am I short, my car is high up, and I'm currently pregnant! So definitely food for thought.