Keeping little ones cosy and comfortable in their car seat is a top priority for any parent, but with the Avionaut MaxSpace Airflow, I’ve found myself with a different kind of problem: all three of my children want to sit in it. While all the car seats we own are designed with comfort in mind, Avionaut has taken things up a notch with this ultra-comfy high-back booster. It’s quickly become the firm favourite in our family. Designed to support growing children from ages 3 to 12, it’s technically perfect for all three of my spirited boys, which is brilliant in theory, but less helpful during the daily debate over who gets to ride in it.
So, I inadvertently tested the Avionaut MaxSpace Airflow with all three of my sons, aged three, five, and seven, to see how reliable and comfortable it was. If you haven't received the spoiler alert yet, it seems it's incredibly comfy.
Avionaut/PramWorldwww.babyplanetonline.co.uk
Pros
- Incredibly comfortable
- This breathable car seat material adapts to weather conditions
- Additional side impact protection
- Reclining backrest and an adjustable headrest
Cons
- At 44 cm wide, the seat is among the widest on the market, which can be a problem if you have multiple car seats and/or a small vechile.
| Dimensions: | 45 x 61 × 63 cm |
| Weight: | 15–50 kg |
| Suitable for ages: | 100–150 cm (approx. 3–12 years) |
| Vehicle compatibility: | Forward-facing; compatible with both ISOFIX and seat belt installations |
- An effective ventilation system for healthy airflow
- Headrest position indicator
- Both belted and/or Isofix installation
- Colours available are red, pink, navy, grey or black
- Leather armrests
- Profiled deep seating to naturally contour the pelvis and lower coccyx compression
Testing the Avionaut MaxSpace Airflow
Build
Setting up the Avionaut MaxSpace Airflow is straightforward, though for full transparency, I’ve become something of a seasoned pro at fitting ISOFIX car seats after testing more than ten car seats. That said, the ISOFIX connectors are genuinely helpful, and the instructions are clear and easy to follow. It took me under five minutes to install. I also tried fitting the seat using the seatbelt, and to my surprise (and delight), it was just as simple.
One feature that stands out is the coloured indicators, which turn green when the seat is correctly fitted, offering instant peace of mind that your child is safe and secure. There’s also additional side impact protection built into the headrest and side panels in the event of a collision. Thankfully, this isn't a feature that I have been able to test, but it does offer an extra layer of reassurance.
In terms of size, the MaxSpace Airflow is a high-back booster designed to grow with your child (from ages 3 to 12), so yes, it’s a substantial seat. But it is reasonably lightweight and doesn’t feel overly bulky once fitted. The slimline profile means I can still comfortably fit three ISOFIX car seats in the middle row of my 2022 Ford S-MAX. It’s always worth double-checking measurements if you have a smaller vehicle, but it should be a comfortable fit in most family cars.
Size
Another big plus is the size. At 44cm wide, it’s one of the roomiest car seats currently on the market, and you can really tell. My kids have that extra bit of wiggle room, and I think that’s exactly why they prefer this seat over the others we have. We also use the BeSafe Beyond and the Cybex Solution G2, but the MaxSpace Airflow has clearly become the favourite for comfort and leather armrests. It feels more luxurious, making a big difference as they grow.
Usability
The Avionaut MaxSpace Airflow scores highly when it comes to everyday usability. Once installed, adjusting the seat is quick and intuitive. Although it's secured using ISOFIX, it also requires the car’s seatbelt, which can be a little fiddly when you’re managing multiple car seats. My seven-year-old is able to buckle himself in independently, but it does become more of a challenge when you’re contending with tight spaces or little feet in your face. The headrest adjusts smoothly and efficiently to different height positions, making it simple to adapt as your child grows; no digging out the manual or removing the entire seat is required.
Cleaning is also refreshingly straightforward. The seat cover is removable and machine washable (In truth, something I have to admit I avoid as much as possible), and the fabric feels durable while still being soft enough for long journeys. I appreciate that wiping down the plastic shell and other hard surfaces with a damp cloth is quick and easy.
Comfort
What my family loves most about the Avionaut MaxSpace Airflow is the generous padding and support it offers, especially around the upper body. It’s a forward-facing seat, and that extra cushioning really helps keep my children comfortable on longer journeys. As a parent, I also really appreciate the seat’s ergonomic design. The shape has been created to support healthy spine alignment, which is so reassuring to know, especially as they spend more time in the car on school runs, day trips, and family holidays.
Materials
The car seat comes with advanced airy-mesh breathable covers that trap warmth in cooler months and promote ventilation in the summer. The nifty fabric uses a specially designed weave that allows air to circulate freely, so kids can enjoy breathable car rides, no matter the weather.
Performance
From the moment I installed the Avionaut MaxSpace Airflow, I felt confident that my child was safe and secure. The seat feels solid and well-built, and as mentioned, the additional side-impact protection offers extra peace of mind. The seatbelt positioning is reassuringly snug, and once buckled in, my sons look both comfortable and well-protected.
On long journeys, the MaxSpace Airflow performs beautifully. The seat's generous cushioning and breathable materials kept my son cool and comfy, even on our regular long car journey from Bristol to Southampton.
But for me, one of the biggest draws to this car seat is its longevity. Although car seat manufacturers often claim it, this car seat truly adapts as they grow, which means you won’t need to replace it every couple of years. It’s a solid investment that grows with your child, making it great value over time.
If you need to move the car seat between vehicles, it’s relatively easy, but it's not the kind of seat you'd want to take in and out daily, either. The ISOFIX connectors make it simple enough to remove and reinstall when needed.
Final verdict
Considering its advanced safety features and comfort-focused design, the MaxSpace Airflow offers good value compared to other high-end car seats I’ve tried. While it is a higher cost than some of the car seats on the market, the quality and durability justify the cost, making it a worthwhile investment.
While the size of the seat contributes to its comfort, it’s worth noting that this is quite a wide car seat. Space could become an issue if you have multiple young children or are planning to use it in a smaller vehicle. My only concern would be if I were to change cars, it may not fit as well in every model, particularly if you're trying to fit three seats across the back.
Overall, I would recommend the Avionaut MaxSpace Airflow to parents looking for a safe, comfortable, and well-ventilated car seat. Now I am looking to purchase another one to avoid more squabbles.
About the author
Hannah Carroll is our Senior Digital Writer. In her capacity, she curates top-notch listicles, crafts insightful how-to guides, and delivers expert product reviews. As a mother of three, Hannah draws upon her comprehensive understanding of all facets of family life to bring true insight into all the products that make running a home easier.