Britax Safe-n-Sound Maxi Guard / Maxi Guard PRO / Maxi Guard PRO + Review
Specifications
RRP
Maxi Guard: $449
Maxi Guard PRO: $579
Maxi Guard PRO+: $699 at Baby Bunting only
Type
Type G harnessed car seat
Weight
Maxi Guard: 6.3kg
Maxi Guard PRO / PRO+: 8.6kg
Age
Forward facing: 6 mo – 8 yrs (approx)
Dimensions
H 68-86.5 x W 46 x D 50.5 cm
Height markers
Lower marker (start use): 29cm
Upper marker (stop use): 51cm
Anchoring
Seat belt
Adjustability
2-position recline
Height adjustable headrest with ‘Hassle Free Harness’ auto harness adjust
Harness
6-point harness
Other features
Active Head Restraint side impact protection
Harness holders
Additional on Maxi Guard PRO:
Dual layer Head and Torso Side Impact Cushion Technology (SICT)
Thermo5 high-performance fabric with Bamboo Charcoal
Two rotating ‘flexi’ cup holders
Additional on Maxi Guard PRO+:
Dual layer Head and Torso Side Impact Cushion Technology (SICT)
Thermo5 high-performance fabric with Memory Foam
Two rotating ‘flexi’ cup holders
Warranty
5 years on Safe-n-Sound car seat moulding, harness and fittings
2 years on softgoods supplied with Safe-n-Sound car seat at the time of purchase (including accessories)
With extended warranty:
10 years on Safe-n-Sound car seat moulding, harness and fittings
5 years on Thermo5 soft goods.
CREP safety rating
Protection rating
Ease of use rating
Pros and cons
Pros
+ Type G allows harnessed for longer
+ Active Head Restraint side impact protection
+ Harness auto adjusts with headrest
+ Head & torso side impact protection on PRO and PRO+
+ Premium fabric on PRO and PRO+
Cons
– Expensive, boosters can be cheaper
– May be too larger for smaller infants
– Clever kids have been known loosen the straps themselves
Bottom line:
The Britax Safe-n-Sound Maxi Guard is a Type G harnessed car seat, meaning you can keep your child in a harness all the way from 6 months to 8 years, which is arguably safer than using a booster with the lap-sash belt. Britax’s Active Head Restraint feature, which is essentially a cushioned protective headrest, is available across the board, while Britax’s SICT dual head and torso protection is provided in PRO and PRO+ models. Also included the PRO and PRO+ models is Britax’s premium Thermo5 fabric which your little one might find more comfortable, but does take the RRP skyward of $500.
As a harnessed car seat option instead of a booster it does appeal greatly to safety-conscious parents of 4-8 year olds, but inevitably the Maxi Guard’s safety features, particularly in PRO and PRO+ form, do come at a price. But of the three, the PRO is probably the pick of them because it has the premium fabric and the dual head & torso side impact protection but is not too pricey.
Who this is for:
Parents looking for a premium safety-focused Type G harnessed car seat, particularly the PRO.
