Finding the best car seat for your baby that’s safe, practical and built to last can feel like a minefield, especially when you’re a new parent. The Maxi-Cosi Emerald 360 S aims to remove some of that stress by offering one seat that works from day one right through to when your child no longer needs one, up to around 12 years old.
With a 360° swivel base to make getting your baby in and out easier and the option to rear-face for longer, it’s designed to give parents both peace of mind and convenience. Our reviewer Becky tested it with her young family.
Maxi-Cosiwww.mamasandpapas.com
Pros
- It has 360 rotation and easy access for getting your child in and out of the car
- It lasts from birth up to 12 years
- Complies to the latest safety regulations
Cons
- It's heavy and bulky, so it isn’t the easiest car seat to transfer, move or install
| Suitable from: | birth to approx. 12 years (40–150cm) |
| Rear-facing: | Up to 4 years (105cm) |
| Installation: | ISOFIX with support leg |
| Recline positions: | 4 options for comfort |
- One car seat from birth to 12 years (40–150cm)
- 360° swivel for easy access in and out of the car
- Extended rear-facing up to 4 years for added safety
- i-Size approved with advanced G-CELL Side Impact Protection
- Simple ISOFIX installation with support leg
- Grows with your child: adjustable headrest and harness
- Removable newborn insert for extra comfort and support
- Machine-washable covers for easy cleaning
Testing the Maxi-Cosi Emerald 360 S
As a first-time parent, one of the best pieces of advice I’ve been given is to consider a 360 car seat as it makes getting your baby in and out so much easier. The Maxi-Cosi Emerald 360 S is designed to last from birth right up to 12 years and comes with a 360° rotating base to simplify those everyday journeys.
My little boy is only a few weeks old, so I can’t yet comment on the long-term use, but I was keen to see just how easy the rotating function made things, and how secure he felt in the seat.
Build
Like most car seats, there were a few teething moments while we worked out the setup, but once we followed the instructions, my husband found it straightforward to install. This gives me confidence that switching between cars would be just as easy if we needed to.
The seat itself is bulky, but much of this is due to the added impact protection, which feels like a reassuring trade-off. The integrated Isofix base allows the seat to swivel and extend slightly outwards, meaning you don’t have to lean awkwardly into the car to fasten your baby in. It’s also designed to grow with your child: suitable rear-facing up to four years old, and then forward-facing until around age 12.
Usability
Although the instructions were clear, the car seat is heavy. At the time, I was heavily pregnant and couldn’t lift or set it up by myself. It’s definitely a two-person job, so I’d recommend having help during installation. That said, once in the car, it was easy to adjust the straps, switch between rear- and forward-facing positions, and use the Isofix base without needing to worry about seatbelts.
The buckles are simple enough to fasten and adjust, and I liked that they can be removed entirely as your child grows and transitions to using a standard seatbelt.
Performance
While recovering from a C-section, I really appreciated being able to rotate the car seat towards me - it made lifting my son in and out far more comfortable. The slide-out feature is a nice extra, though I found the rotation alone more than sufficient day-to-day.
The padded inserts are supportive for a newborn and easy to remove and clean. I also valued that the Emerald 360 allows rear-facing up to four years, which is the safest option for infants to travel.
While it would have been handy if the car seat could clip onto a stroller for quick trips, ultimately, you'd just buy an infant car seat if that's what you wanted. This also wasn’t a significant drawback personally, as I don’t like keeping my baby in a car seat for long periods anyway. The weight also makes it less practical to move between cars regularly, but once installed, it feels solid and secure.
Final verdict
The Maxi-Cosi Emerald 360 is definitely an investment, but one that feels well worth it. Although heavy, the sturdiness reinforces just how safe and secure it feels. I love how comfortable my son looks in it and how much easier the rotating function makes our daily routines.
Yes, it’s on the pricier side, but the fact that it will last up to 12 years right from birth means you’re saving money in the long run by not needing to buy multiple seats. For me, that makes it great value for money as well as a reassuringly safe choice.
Emily Gilbert is the Features & Reviews Editor for Mother&Baby. With a background in both print and digital journalism, she has written extensively on pregnancy, fertility, perinatal mental health, and the best in baby and parenting products. A first-time mum to Theodore, Emily combines her professional expertise with personal experience, offering readers trusted advice and relatable insight. Specialising in product and travel reviews, she stays ahead of the curve on the latest parenting trends and is passionate about showing that life with a little one can still be full of adventure.