Choosing between the Maxi Cosi Emme and Cybex Sirona S goes beyond cost. Is it the allure of advanced safety features or the promise of unparalleled versatility that takes precedence in your family's journey?
Maxi Cosi Emme | Cybex Sirona S | |
Rear-Facing Weight: | 5 to 40 pounds | 4 to 50 pounds |
Rear-Facing Height Limit: | 19 to 40 inches | 17 to 49 inches |
Forward-Facing Weight: | 22 to 65 pounds | Up to 65 pounds |
Forward-Facing Height Limit: | 29 to 49 inches | Up to 49 inches |
Highback Booster Weight Limit: | 40 to 100 pounds | NA |
Highback Booster Height Limit: | 43 to 52 inches | NA |
Regarding rear-facing capabilities, the Maxi Cosi Emme supports a weight range of 5 to 40 pounds, slightly lower than the Cybex Sirona S, which allows for a weight range of 4 to 50 pounds. Additionally, the Emme has a height limit of 19 to 40 inches in the rear-facing position, while the Sirona S offers a broader range of 17 to 49 inches.
Moving to the forward-facing position, both car seats share a similar weight limit, accommodating children up to 65 pounds. Their height limits extend up to 49 inches.
The highback booster mode is exclusive to the Maxi Cosi Emme, supporting weights from 40 to 100 pounds and heights ranging from 43 to 52 inches.
Maxi Cosi Emme | Cybex Sirona S | |
Width | 22 inches | 19 inches |
Height | 23 inches | 24 inches |
Depth/Length | 19 inches | 30 inches |
The Maxi Cosi Emme measures 22 inches in width, 23 inches in height, and 19 inches in depth/length. On the other hand, the Cybex Sirona S is 19 inches in width, 24 inches in height, and 30 inches in depth/length.
Comparing the dimensions, the Maxi Cosi Emme is wider than the Cybex Sirona S. At the same time, the Cybex Sirona S is taller and has a greater depth or length than the Maxi Cosi Emme.
Maxi Cosi Emme | Cybex Sirona S | |
Do I need to use a pool noodle/rolled towel? | No | |
Easy To Install Rear-Facing | LATCH - Relatively Seatbelt - Yes | Relatively |
Easy To Install Forward-Facing? | LATCH - Relatively Seatbelt - Yes | Relatively |
Easy To Uninstall? | Yes | Relatively |
The Emme car seat features a hook-type LATCH system. On the other hand, the Sirona S utilizes a more user-friendly push-on type.
Utilizing the vehicle seat belt right from the start is the most straightforward approach for the most convenient and time-saving installation of either seat. This method enables a seamless transition between rear-facing and forward-facing modes without monitoring LATCH weight limits. Additionally, it eliminates the requirement to switch to seat belt installation later, as the seatbelt is securely in place from the beginning.
The installation instructions for both car seats state that using a pool noodle or rolled towel is not required for proper installation. However, it's not uncommon for car seats to present challenges in installation, especially in vehicles with sloped seats.
While installation videos and manuals often demonstrate the process on flat seats, real-world scenarios may differ. Adjustments might be necessary to ensure proper installation and safety if you're dealing with a sloped seat. Using a towel or pool noodle is a common technique to level the car seat on a sloped surface. The goal is to achieve a secure and level installation. Here's a general guide that might help:
1. Put the car seat in the desired position on the vehicle seat.
2. Evaluate the slope of the vehicle seat. You might notice that the car seat doesn't sit level if it's sloped.
3. Place a rolled towel or pool noodle under the base if the car seat tilts too much due to the slope. Start by placing it under the lower part of the car seat to level it.
4. Recheck the installation to ensure the car seat is leveled. The bubble indicator on the car seat base (if applicable) can be used to confirm.
5. Once you've achieved proper leveling, securely install and tighten the car seat according to the manufacturer's instructions.
A common oversight that can complicate the seemingly straightforward installation process is forgetting to lock the vehicle seatbelt properly. To ensure a tight and secure installation, it's crucial to double-check and confirm that the vehicle seatbelt is securely locked. This additional step is pivotal in maintaining the car seat's stability.
The quality of the vehicle seat can also impact the stability of the car seat installation. One parent noticed significant "loose spaces" near the back when removing their previous infant car seat, which appeared non-reversible and permanent. This created challenges for the bottom and back of the Cybex Sirona S car seat to grip the seat securely. A solution to address this issue and minimize wiggling was found by installing the Cybex S on the less-used rear seat side, providing a more secure and stable fit.
When comparing the Emme and Cybex Sirona S tether strap configurations, it's notable that their attachment methods differ. The Emme tether strap attaches to the base, ensuring a consistent connection irrespective of the seating orientation - rear-facing or forward-facing. This design promotes stability throughout various usage scenarios.
On the other hand, the Cybex Sirona S adopts a unique approach by attaching the tether to the seat itself. Interestingly, the tether is not utilized in the rear-facing position. At the same time, in the forward-facing orientation, it connects to the main seat. While this enhances safety, it poses a trade-off as it limits the seat's rotation, somewhat diminishing the 360-degree functionality of the Cybex Sirona S.
Once the bases of both seats are installed, it only needs to be done once, as both seats are designed to rotate 360 degrees. This allows seamless transitions between rear-facing and forward-facing modes without reinstalling the base. However, it's important to note that when using the Sirona S in forward-facing mode, an additional minor installation task is required: attaching the tether for added security. This step ensures optimal safety and is a straightforward addition to the installation process.
Another notable difference between the Maxi Cosi Emme and Cybex Sirona S is the presence of the visual indicator in the Emme. It has a tension indicator that turns green to tell you the belt is tight enough.
Despite the abundance of online installation guides, recent feedback from parents concerning installing the Cybex Sirona S with SensorSafe is predominantly negative. Numerous users express frustration and dissatisfaction, highlighting the challenging and time-consuming nature of the installation process. Many parents report persistent difficulties in achieving a secure installation, with the seat remaining wobbly and insecure despite repeated attempts. These concerns raise severe doubts about the overall safety and reliability of the installation process, prompting a need for further attention and clarification from the manufacturer.
Maxi Cosi Emme | Cybex Sirona S | |
Country Of Origin: | China | |
Steel Frame: | Not Indicated, but past Maxi Cosi seats are not | Yes |
Five-Point Harness? | Yes | |
Side Impact Tested: | Yes | |
Approved For Airplane Use: | Yes | No |
Easy To Buckle And Unbuckle? | Relatively | |
The Maxi Cosi Emme does not explicitly claim to have a steel-reinforced frame, unlike the Cybex Sirona S, which is equipped with a steel frame, enhancing its overall safety features.
Emme has undergone side-impact testing and complies with federal safety standards, ensuring a level of safety recognized by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The Emme also introduces an innovative ClipQuik™ auto-magnetic chest clip for easier buckling and unbuckling. However, some users report challenges in tightening the harness optimally, emphasizing the importance of handling the harness correctly.
On the other hand, the Cybex Sirona S boasts a range of safety features, including a notable load leg that extends to the vehicle floor, minimizing crash forces on the child. Adjustable for optimal fit, the load leg complements the anti-rebound design, reducing rearward movement during a crash.
Sirona’s additional safety features include the Linear Side Impact Protection (L.S.P) system and the option to connect the SensorSafe 4-in-1 Safety Kit to receive alerts on critical situations.
However, user feedback highlights concerns about the effectiveness of the floor anchor and difficulties with the belt buckle, contributing to overall dissatisfaction.
Only the Maxi Cosi Emme is approved for airplane use, offering a versatile option for parents needing air travel.
Easiest Convertible Car Seats To Install (2024)
Maxi Cosi Emme | Cybex Sirona S | |
Is The Material Breathable? | Yes | |
Seat Weight: | 38 pounds | 30.4 pounds |
Machine Washable Cover? | Yes | |
Roomy? | Yes | |
No-Rethread Harness? | Yes | |
Easy To Remove Cover? | Yes | Relatively |
Expiration | 10 Years | |
Comes With A Cup Holder? | Yes, 2 | Yes, 1 |
Shoulder Harness Has Pads? | Yes | |
Recline Positions | 5 | 12 |
Due to the distinct tether strap configurations of the Maxi Cosi Emme and Cybex Sirona S, the Emme allows for a consistent 360-degree rotation in both rear-facing and forward-facing modes. In contrast, with its unique tether setup attached to the seat, the Cybex Sirona S limits its rotation to rear-facing rotation, compromising the 360-degree functionality in forward-facing mode.
Both boast breathable materials. The Maxi Cosi Emme is slightly heavier at 38 pounds compared to the Cybex Sirona S, which weighs 30.4 pounds.
Both car seats feature a no-rethread harness, simplifying the harness height adjustment as the child grows. Moreover, shoulder harness pads ensure additional comfort and protection for the child.
There is a slight disparity in the ease of removing the seat cover for cleaning. Although both models come with machine-washable covers, the Emme stands out for having a noted advantage in terms of the simplicity of cover removal.
In terms of longevity, both car seats have a 10-year expiration, providing a reasonable span for usability. Both models also come equipped with cup holders, with the Emme featuring two (rotatable and can be used for different sippy cup shapes) compared to the Sirona S's one.
A notable advantage of the Cybex Sirona S is its extensive range of recline positions, providing 12 options compared to the Emme's 5.
There is an approximately USD 100 price difference between the Maxi Cosi Emme, and the Cybex Sirona S. The Cybex Sirona S is more expensive.
For the added cost in the Cybex Sirona S, you get
- extended rear-facing weight and height limits of up to 50 pounds and 49 inches
- a narrower seat
- a more intuitive push-on type of LATCH
- a steel-reinforced frame
- a seat with more safety features, such as the load leg and the Linear Side Impact Protection (L.S.P)
- a lighter seat
- more recline positions
Saving your USD 100 and going for the Maxi Cosi Emme, you get
- a complete 360-degree rotation in rear-facing and forward-facing modes
- a highback booster mode (up to 100 pounds and 52 inches)
- a more compact seat in terms of overall measurement
- a seat that is easier to install via seatbelt in all modes
- a visual tension indicator that helps to check if the belt installation is tight enough
- a more secure installation rear-facing-wise because of the tether strap
- an approval for airplane use
- a seat cover that is easier to remove
- two rotating cup holders that can accommodate various sippy cup shapes
Do you need more help deciding between
The Maxi Cosi Emme and Cybex Sirona S?
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