Maxi-Cosi Mico AP Maxi-Cosi Mico Max 30
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The Maxi-Cosi Mico AP (2015 Version) and Mico Max 30 Seats have Arrived!
For many years, the Maxi-Cosi Mico AP has been marketed as the lightest premium infant car seat on the US market. It weighed about 8 lbs and was an excellent option for those that felt unable to manage the extra weight of some of its competitors.
Despite being a light and popular seat, however, there were some complaints from parents about the quality of its canopy and its very low maximum child weight/height limits of 22 lbs and 29 inches respectively.
Although the maximum weight/height limits on the 2015 version of the Mico AP infant car seat remain the same, Maxi-Cosi have made some significant improvements over the previous Mico AP model. These improvements include the introduction of a new “self-wicking” fabric cover that can also be easily removed, machine-washed and is dryer-safe.
For those parents that want an infant seat that is light to carry, but which also comes with higher maximum weight/height limits (together with some additional convenience and safety features), Maxi-Cosi have now introduced the new Mico Maxi 30 car seat as an alternative option.
As you can see from the images above, the general shape and style of these 2 infant seats are very similar. There are, however, some very significant differences between the seats when you examine them more closely.
The purpose of this Maxi-Cosi Mico AP vs Mico Max 30 comparison review is to explain the important similarities and differences between these 2 seats so that you can make a much better informed decision about which seat is likely to suit your needs (and budget) best.
Maxi-Cosi Mico AP vs Mico Max 30 – The Main Similarities
#1 Side Impact Protection
Both seats come fitted with Maxi-Cosi’s patented “Air Protect” technology for enhanced side impact protection.
In fact, the “AP” in Mico AP actually stands for Air Protect. Whilst Maxi-Cosi have dropped the “AP” from the Mico Max 30 seat name, it does still come fitted with the Air Protect side wings.
#2 Seat Fabric / Cover
Both seats come supplied with Maxi-Cosi’s new self-wicking fabrics, which use natural fibers to deodorize and draw liquids away from your baby’s skin and helps to keep them dry and comfortable. Although this isn’t going to be much of an issue if (like me) you live in a fairly cold climate, this can be a really big issue for those living in warmer places.
In addition, these new seat covers are well-padded and, on a more practical note, can be removed and re-installed without needing to re-thread the 5-point harness.
They also are machine-washable and, believe it or not, dryer-safe! As far as I am aware, these are the very first dryer-safe infant car seat covers. Obviously, read the user manual beforehand to make sure that you use the correct settings on your washer and dryer.
#3 Lockoffs / Harness
These seats do NOT come with built-in lockoffs to make seat belt installation easier. This will not affect LATCH installation and it just means that belt-installation is a bit more difficult, rather than impossible.
The need to re-thread the 5-point harness when increasing the strap height settings is a bit of a pain, but the process is actually pretty simple and straightforward when you read the user manual.
Maxi-Cosi Mico AP vs Mico Max 30 – The Main Differences
#1 Child Weight / Height Limits
One of the biggest differences between the Mico AP and the Mico Max 30 is that the Mico Max 30 has much greater maximum child weight and height limits. This means that you will be able to keep your child in the Mico Max 30 for significantly longer than the Mico AP before transitioning them into a rear-facing convertible car seat.
The weight / height limits are as follows:
- Mico AP can be used between 5 and 22 lbs, and between 19 and 29 inches
- Mico Max 30 can be used between 4 and 30 lbs, and between 19 and 32 inches
Note: The Mico Max 30 comes supplied with a “wedge cushion insert” that must be used for babies weighing between 4-5 lbs. This insert boosts the height of the baby’s body so that its shoulders can be raised to the correct level in relation to the height of the bottom harness level slots – consult the instruction manual for more guidance on the safe use of this insert.
#2 Anti-Rebound Bar
As you can see from the images above, the Mico Max 30 seat comes fitted with an anti-rebound bar (it’s the black curved bar that forms part of the seat base and is situated at the foot end of the seat).
In case you are wondering, the purpose of the anti-rebound bar is to reduce the chances that your child’s rear-facing car seat will “rebound” upwards and backwards in the event of a collision. The rebound bar is designed to rest against the seat and provide extra resistance to prevent your child being thrown towards the seat in certain types of crash situations.
Anything that reduces seat movement and, thereby, reduces the likelihood of your child being thrown against the seat is obviously a good thing.
Note: Since the rebound bar is part of the seat base, this protective feature only works when the seat is installed using the seat base rather than when installed without the base.
Here is a Britax video which explains how Anti-Rebound Bars work …
Although the video is designed to promote the Britax Chaperone car seat, the principles are equally applicable to the Mico Max 30 anti-rebound bar.
#3 Seat Weight
Both seats are pretty lightweight and easy to carry around.
The Mico AP weighs just 8 lbs.
The Mico Max 30 weighs 8.8 lbs (with preemie insert) and 9.2 lbs (without preemie insert)
#4 Seat Canopy
The seat canopy on the Mico Max 30 is larger than that supplied with the Mico AP.
Video reviews of the Maxi-Cosi Mico AP & Mico Max 30 Seats
Where to Buy Maxi-Cosi Mico AP & Mico Max 30 Seats
Check Best Price of the Mico AP.
Check Best Price of the Mico Max 30.
If you remain undecided, you can read more user reviews of these seats here:
Maxi-Cosi Mico Car Seats in Canada
Find Maxi-Cosi Mico car seats in Canada here.
Safety Information
After purchasing any child car seat, you should always read the User Manual thoroughly before using it. It is also advisable to visit your local Fire Department or NHTSA Child Car Seat Inspection Centre to ensure that the seat is definitely suitable for your child’s specific requirements and that you have installed it correctly. These services are usually provided free of charge.
You can find your nearest NHTSA Centre here.
Get in Touch
If you have any comments to share or questions to ask about my Maxi-Cosi Mico AP vs Mico Max 30 comparison review, please leave a comment in the box below or send me an email.
Hi there, first congratulations on this post! It was very helpful to understand the difference between the two models. I would like to suggest a new post comparing Britax B-safe 35 with Maxi Cosi Mico Max 30! Thanks!