Maxi-Cosi Rodifix Pro2 i-Size car seat review

Designed to grow with your child in height and width, the Rodifix Pro2 car seat meets the highest i-Size safety standards, offering excellent peace of mind. With an RRP of £169.99, it sits in the middle of the high-backed booster seat market price-wise, similar to the Cybex Solution T i-Fix, £174.95, and the Silver Cross Discover i-Size, £175. The fact that it's long-lasting and high quality makes it a worthwhile investment.

What are your first impressions of the Maxi-Cosi Rodifix Pro2 car seat?

I was really impressed with how stylish it looked and how high quality it felt. The Maxi-Cosi Rodifix Pro2 car seat came in 2 parts but packaged in one box. Each part was wrapped in plastic, so it was not very sustainable, and there was no protective packaging to prevent the seat from being damaged in transit. Fortunately, it all arrived in good condition and after unpacking the seat it was easy to click the 2 parts together, fitting the seat to the backrest.

How easy is it to install the Maxi-Cosi Rodifix Pro2 car seat?

I managed to install the booster seat using Isofix on my own, without instructions within just a couple of minutes. A little instruction manual with pictures does come with the booster, but it’s pretty self-explanatory.

First, you need to identify the grey buttons on either side on the base of the seat, then flick the switch up, pinch the buttons and push out the Isofix bar – I found it easier to do one side at a time. Once both bars are out, you simply slot them into the Isofix on your car and push the seat back so that the back fits snugly against the seat of your car. It feels really secure and sturdy and stays in place without any wobble.

To remove the car seat, find the grey buttons on either side of the seat near the base, flick the switch up, pinch the buttons and pull the bars back to release the seat from the car’s Isofix.

How easy is it to strap your child into the car seat?

The Maxi-Cosi Rodifix Pro2 car seat has a slot on the shoulder for the seatbelt to thread through, meaning it is positioned correctly on your child’s shoulder, for optimum safety. However, unlike some other boosters, there is no slot on the bottom on the opposite side for the seatbelt to thread through to keep it in position. I found this a little disappointing as my son is a fidgeter and I like having a top and bottom slot to keep the seatbelt positioned correctly.

I also found the shoulder slot a little tough to pull the seatbelt through. The belt got caught a couple of times after I unbuckled my son, and the slot prevented the seatbelt from retracting, causing the metal buckle to clatter against the car door leaving a few scratches. I had to keep making sure the belt had retracted fully, sometimes threading it back through the slot myself, which was a little annoying. It also made it tougher for my son to attempt to strap himself in and he needed help.

What are the main safety features of the Maxi-Cosi Rodifix Pro2 car seat?

The Rodifix Pro2 boasts of G-Cell side impact protection which is an extra built-in guard with improved 3D impact absorption to keep your child safe. The sides do feel well padded and robust but are also cushioned to provide comfort.

The booster also has AirProtect side impact technology in the headrest to provide extra protection and claims to reduce the risk of head injury by up to 20% which is really reassuring. Again, the headrest feels really strong and cushioned so while it is providing maximum protection, it is also comfortable.

I love that this isn’t just another padded booster seat and that maximum safety is what the Rodifix Pro2 is all about. Maxi-Cosi has gone to extra lengths to ensure that safety isn’t compromised anywhere with this seat and I feel really reassured that my 4-year-old son is sitting in such a safety-conscious child seat.

Does the car seat have any unique features?

One of my favourite things about the Maxi-Cosi Rodifix Pro2 car seat is that it has multiple recline positions. Most boosters on the market have just one set seating position, which means naps on the go often result in my son sleeping in a really awkward, uncomfortable position. So to be able to recline him slightly to enable him a more comfortable journey (and nap!) is a big bonus.

The seat can’t be reclined when your child is already seated (I certainly wasn’t strong enough to move the seat once my 4-year-old was sat on it) so if your child falls asleep on a long car journey, you can’t recline them to make them more comfortable – you’ll need to pre-empt the nap and recline the chair before you set off.

The seat also has ClimaFlow ventilation panels, breathable foam and fabrics, to enhance air circulation to keep your child at the right temperature. This is perfect for us. My son is somewhat of a sweaty sleeper and overheats easily. This is the only booster seat I’ve used that hasn’t caused him to wake from a car nap with his hair sticking to a clammy face. Knowing he can nap on long car journeys in comfort and safety, and not overheat, is a game-changer for me. I can’t imagine using another seat now for that reason alone.

How comfortable did your child find the Maxi-Cosi Rodifix Pro2 car seat?

My 4-year-old son had no complaints, even after a 2-hour car journey to visit his grandparents, and seemed to find it really comfortable. The whole seat is cushioned and the sides of the car seat grow with your child so when they are getting a bit bigger you can pop them out to give them a bit more space. The 3 recline positions are also great at enabling your child to find a position that feels comfiest for them.

How robust does the Rodifix Pro2 car seat feel?

The seat feels really sturdy and solid, and the fabrics feel very premium and high quality. I have no doubt the seat will last as my son grows and will probably do another turn with my second child.

How easy is it to clean?

Other than the little 2-page instruction leaflet showing you how to install the Maxi-Cosi Rodifix Pro2 booster seat, there were no other instructions in the box with guidance on removing the fabric and cleaning. However, I managed to find an instruction manual online which explained how to remove the fabric and advised washing on a cool, gentle wash and to tumble dry on a low heat setting for just 10-12 minutes.

Following the instructions, and also a video I found on Youtube, made removing the seat covers pretty straightforward and the fact that they are machine washable makes the cleaning process super easy. Simply take the seat out of the car, hoover up some of the bigger crumbs, take the covers off then pop everything into the washing machine on a cool wash (I washed at 30°C and used a mild detergent).

Although the instructions say you can tumble dry, I had time to allow the covers to air dry fully before refitting. The Youtube video shows you how to refit the covers, but while it appeared easy, I found it a bit fiddly in places so it took me a lot longer to refit the covers than it did removing them. This isn’t so bad if you don't need to wash them that often, but could be a bit annoying if you are washing them regularly.

Is the Maxi-Cosi Rodifix Pro2 car seat big enough for a growing child?

The Rodifix Pro2 is suitable for children aged 3.5-12 years old, 100-150cm in height or 15-36kg in weight, and has been designed to grow with your child. The headrest is adjustable and reaches quite high (much higher than some of the other booster seats I’ve used) and unlike most other booster seats, it has adjustable side panels.

As your child gets a bit bigger and needs more space for their shoulders and arms, you can push the sides of the booster and they pop out a few more centimetres, allowing a bit more room. My son is quite tall and I have no doubt this seat will last him until he is 12, or reaches the height or weight limit.

How does the Rodifix Pro2 compare to its predecessor, the Rodifix Pro i-Size?

The Pro2 has extra padding for improved comfort and an extra wide backrest to further enhance your child’s comfort as they grow. It also comes in 5 different colour options, compared to its predecessor which only comes in authentic black. I tested the Authentic Graphite shade which I liked as it blended in nicely with my car’s interior.

How does the Maxi-Cosi Rodifix Pro2 compare to other high-backed booster seats?

Although the Rodifix Pro2 isn’t the only high-backed booster seat that reclines, I think I’d personally struggle to find another reclining booster that provides the same level of extra protection and feels as solid as this seat does. A car seat that is very similar is the Cybex Solution G i-Fix car seat, £154.95-£174.95, which has a reclining headrest and one-hand recline function, as well as being stylish, super-padded and incredibly safe, but it's not one I've had the chance to test.

Compared to other child seats that I’ve used (CozyNSafe Augusta i-Size, £79.99, and Harmony Elite, now discontinued) my son seemed to find the Rodifix Pro2 the most comfortable and didn’t fall asleep in awkward positions

What’s in the box?

• Maxi-Cosi Rodifix Pro2 car seat (in 2 pieces to be assembled)
• Instruction leaflet

Is the Maxi-Cosi Rodifix Pro2 car seat made from sustainable materials?

Yes, the seat is made from premium, 100% recycled EcoCare fabrics.

Can the Maxi-Cosi Rodifix Pro2 i-Size car seat be recycled?

According to Maxi-Cosi, all of their car seats can be recycled, with Ivan McCullough, QA and product development manager, saying: "When a product has come to the end of its use, consumers can take their car seat to their local recycling centre, where they will break it down into separate components and recycle each part separately."

What are the repair options?

Maxi-Cosi offers a 24-month warranty which gives you peace of mind that you can get your booster seat repaired for free in the first 2 years after purchase. This is only valid on new purchases though, not seats bought second-hand. You will need to register your seat on their website and keep your receipt after purchase too.

Maxi-Cosi also offers a Car Seat Swap service – so if your child's seat is involved in a car accident, you can contact Maxi-Cosi, and in some circumstances, they can replace your seat with a new one. You’ll need to provide details of the accident and photographs of the seat damage, plus your purchase receipt and proof of warranty, so make sure to register your seat on their website after your purchase.

Is there anything about the Maxi-Cosi Rodifix Pro2 car seat that you don’t like?

The only thing I disliked was how tricky it was to refit the fabric to the seat after washing, although I know this isn't an issue unique to this car seat. It was fiddly and required quite a bit of patience. It’s not a deal breaker though and if, like me, you don’t allow your children to eat in the car, then I can’t imagine needing to wash the covers that often anyway.

Who would this booster seat be most suitable for?

The Maxi-Cosi Rodifix Pro2 i-Size is a great option for parents looking for a seat that has longevity and can serve a second and even a third child. It feels incredibly safe without compromising on comfort, so is the perfect choice for those who travel frequently and go on long car journeys.

Is the Maxi-Cosi Rodifix Pro2 i-Size car seat worth the money?

At £169.99 (although often found on sale at a discounted price), it's certainly not the cheapest high-back booster around, but I believe it is a worthwhile investment. Just the extra safety features, plus how sturdy, strong and solid this seat feels, not to mention how comfortable it is, makes it a winner for me. If you're looking for a more affordable option, the Joie i-Trillo, £75, or the Graco Junior Maxi i-Size R129 car seat, £39.99 may fit the bill.

Where can I buy the Maxi-Cosi Rodifix Pro2 car seat?

It is available from Natural Baby Shower, Mamas & Papas and Winstanleys Pramworld.

How does the Maxi-Cosi Rodifix Pro2 compare to similar high-backed booster seats?

MadeForMums verdict:

The Maxi-Cosi Rodifix Pro2 i-Size car seat has been made to last and knowing that you’ll get a good number of years of use from it, makes it worth the higher price tag. The primary function of any child seat is, unarguably, safety, and this seat surpassed my expectations with its brilliant safety features, solid structure and soft, cushioned covers. The fact that it offers 3 recline positions, is made from eco-conscious, temperature-regulating materials and adjusts in height and width with your growing child, makes this a fantastic booster seat.