Maxi-Cosi Zelia 2-in-1 convertible stroller and travel system
| Maxi-Cosi Zelia 2-in-1 convertible stroller and travel system | |
| Type | A 2-in-1 stroller with a toddler seat convertible into a bassinet which comes with Mico Max 30 by Maxi-Cosi as a travel system |
| Weight | Stroller: 21 lbs Infant car seat: 8.9 lbs |
| Dimensions while folded | 25.5″ W x 17″ D x 45″ H |
| Maximum weight capacity | 50 lbs |
| Main advantages | A travel system based on the stroller with a reversible seating unit which can be transformed into a bassinet suitable for newborn babies without using any extra accessories and one of the best infant car seats on the current market. The set includes a removable bumper bar covered with a leatherette material, a raincover and an apron. For your comfort, there is a super large storage basket as well as an adjustable telescopic handlebar. |
Modern market is offering parents various solutions which will allow them to use a single stroller right form the birth of their children up to the age of a toddler or even a pre-schooler. In the majority of cases, such an approach allows parents to save money and definitely saves their time and space at home.
One of the most popular way to make a stroller suitable not only for children who are at least six month of age, but also for younger babies who still haven’t gained sufficient neck control to be carried in a toddler seat is a travel system. Depending on the stroller or, to be precise, on the design of the seat, a travel system can be created by attaching an infant car seat to the frame of the stroller after removing a toddler seat or by using two seats simultaneously if the main seating unit is not removable. Some strollers have an extended offer providing parents with a bassinet or a carrycot which can be either used after detaching a toddler seat or, with a toddler seat, again, if this one can’t be removed.
Still, there are also more original solutions offered by some of the top convertible strollers with multifunctional performance. One of the favourite strollers of this category loved by many parents for its amazing quality and advanced functions available for a moderate price is Maxi-Cosi Zelia. If you are looking exactly for such a product, you will find everything you need to know about Maxi-Cosi Zelia in this review.
Contents
What is Maxi-Cosi Zelia?
Maxi-Cosi Zelia itself is a so-called 2-in-1 convertible stroller which goes slightly beyond the category of lightweight strollers as its weight exceeds the limit of 20 lbs set for lightweight models only by one pound. The most crucial feature of this stroller is its multifunctional seating unit which has two modes adjustable to the age of your baby. Thus, you can actually set the seat of this stroller either to the mode of a toddler seat or to the bassinet mode without a need to switch to another seating unit. Furthermore, unlike many strollers of this weight category, Maxi-Cosi Zelia is featured by a reversible seat, so you will be able to set it to the mode of facing the parent or the mode of facing the world.
At the same time, Maxi-Cosi Zelia is convertible into a travel system. It can be purchased separately form an infant car seat or as a part of a ready-to-use travel system. The latter option includes such an infant car seat as famous Mico Max 30 by Maxi-Cosi. This car seat can be attached to the stroller with the use of special adapters which are included into the price of a travel system.
Other accessories you can get by purchasing an entire Maxi-Cosi Zelia travel system are a bumper bar, a raincover and an apron. Needless to say, this is a real bargain taking into consideration the fact the entire travel system can be purchased for less than 500 USD.
Weight, dimensions and fold
The dimensions of Maxi-Cosi Zelia when the stroller is unfolded and used with a toddler seat are 25.5″ W x 35″ D x 45″ H. Folding mechanism can decrease these dimensions to the following: 25.5″ W x 17″ D x 45″ H.
I am more than glad that folding this stroller doesn’t require removing the seat whether it is in its toddler mode or in the bassinet mode. In order to fold it, you should first use a special lever located on the backrest. There is a catch which has to be slid to the side while you will be lifting this lever simultaneously.
The next step is pulling the lever which are located on the sides of the stroller’s frame upwards. The handlebar has to be flipped forwards. This will fold the stroller in half. At this step, you will find a grab handle which is also located on the frame which should be used while you will be picking the stroller up. Obviously, this instruction sounds rather complicated and actually folding Maxi-Cosi Zelia takes three steps. Needless to say, there are many strollers on the market which are featured by a way simpler folding mechanism. Yet, you should pay your attention to the fact the manufacturer has designed the folding system of this stroller exactly in such a way with a view to making it possible to fold this stroller without a need to bend which is crucial for parents with back issues. Since the stroller is pretty lightweight weighing only 21 lbs, this can be done easily.
Unfolding the stroller can be done faster. All you will need to do is to release the automatic lock and pull the frame as well as the seat back to their initial position.
The fold of Maxi-Cosi Zelia can stand on its own which makes it easy to store it. Furthermore, the fold is pretty flat which will make it easy to carry in hands or transport in your car.
The major components of the Maxi-Cosi Zelia travel system
Certainly, the most crucial parts of any stroller or a travel system are their seating options. This is what interests the majority of parents most of all and some of them forget to check other crucial parts of a stroller or a travel system. If you look through the following parts of the article thoroughly, you will find a lot of information about other elements of Maxi-Cosi Zelia you need to know before making your final decision about the purchase.
Seating options of Maxi-Cosi Zelia
First of all, let’s look at the details of the seating options available to the parents who decide to purchase a Maxi-Cosi Zelia stroller or a travel system based on this stroller.
As I have just mentioned, the stroller itself has a single seating option which is featured by two modes which should be used according to the age and the level of the physical development of your baby. The travel system based on Maxi-Cosi Zelia includes one of the top models of infant car seats available on the market today which is Mico Max 30 by Maxi-Cosi. Still, you can purchase appropriate adapters for other model of infant car seats supported by this stroller if you have different preferences or have happened to already own a different infant car seat.
Bassinet
As I have already mentioned, Maxi-Cosi Zelia is offering both a toddler seat and a bassinet for babies, however, in this stroller, both of these options are connected into one convertible seating unit.
As a rule, you will get this stroller in the majority of the shops as a model with a toddler seat as an original configuration. Since this seating option is advisable for usage only with children who are at least six month old, you should convert the toddler seat into a bassinet.
In order to do it, you should unclip special buckles first. Then, find a cord grip and slid it right underneath the seat. In such a way, the toddler seat will change into a bassinet featured by a completely flat bottom as well as pretty deeps sides. As a result, your child will be able to rest in the most appropriate position for one’s age and be sheltered right as it is supposed to be with the youngest babies. Furthermore, unlike many other manufacturers, Maxi-Cosi has added a special apron to the set so as allow you to use it without a need for making an additional purchase. This apron will keep your child covered. You can fix it by using poppers so as the apron will be in a set position.
Toddler seat
Now, you know that in Maxi-Cosi Zelia, a toddler seat and a bassinet are actually the same seating unit. Once your baby gains sufficient neck control, you can switch to the toddler mode. A great thing is undeniably the fact that you will not have to use any extra elements. You just need to make special clips buckled together which will form a base of the toddler seat. Now, you will need to use the cord grip again. Slide it to the position which feels the tightest.
The maximum weight capacity of the Maxi-Cosi Zelia toddler seat is 50 lbs, however, many parents have noticed it is somewhat too narrow and its backrest is a bit short. For that reason, in the cases of the majority of children, this toddler seat was already too small before they reach the weight of 50 lbs.
The seat of Maxi-Cosi Zelia is made of several types of fabrics. The parts which have the least contact with the skin of your baby are made of a hard-wearing material, whereas the padding of the base of the seat as well as the internal part of the backrest is made of a very pleasant soft material.
I particularly like the five-point harness of Maxi-Cosi Zelia. On the one hand this element has already become a standard safety measure. On the other hand, its quality differs a lot from a model to a model. In the case of this stroller, the straps are covered with a particularly soft and even spongy material which doesn’t bring any discomfort to a child. There is also a grip clasp which can be used for easy adjustment of the size of the harness by sliding.
The recline mechanism used in Maxi-Cosi Zelia is pretty simple, however, it requires both of your hands. I guess many parents might not be used to such a system. Each side of the stroller’s seat has a circular button. As you can imagine, both of them have to be pressed simultaneously in order to recline the seat. although some parents might find it somewhat more troublesome than reclining a seat with just one hand, the positions of recline the toddler seat is offering are really great no matter whether you are using it in the reverse mode or a parent-facing mode. The seat offers an almost upright position as well as an almost flat position for napping.
You will be able to reverse the toddler seat easily as well. For this purpose, you have to press grip buttons located below the buttons used for reclining the seat. Thus, you can remove the toddler seat, change its direction and attach it to the frame again.
The design of the bumper bar, which is by the way, is also a part of the package, is really great. First of all, you can slide it to the side without a need to remove it completely whenever it goes into the way while you are trying to put your baby into the seat or take him or her out. In addition to it, folding the stroller will let you use this bumper bar as a handlebar for carrying the folded stroller.
Infant car seat
If you decide to purchase an entire Maxi-Cosi Zelia travel system, you will get one of the best infant car seats of this manufacturer which is Mico Max 30. This infant car seat is suitable for babies whose weight is at least 4 lbs. The maximum weight capacity of this stroller is 30 lbs. Pay your attention to the height limit of this infant car seat which is 32 inches. This is quite a lot, so this seat will be useful for you for quite a long time.
The Maxi-Cosi Zelia travel system goes with a pair of adapters appropriate for Mico Max 30 infant car seat, however, it doesn’t mean this stroller is compatible exclusively with this seat. You can find a variety of adapters suitable for other Maxi-Cosi infant car seats as well as the seats offered by other manufacturers.
Yet, this set of Maxi-Cosi based on the Maxi-Cosi Zelia stroller and the Mico Max 30 infant car seat is a great bargain since it is offered for a really great price. In addition to it, as I have already said, the package also includes a variety of accessories which otherwise have to be purchased separately.
Canopy
I am more than glad to see that the canopy of Maxi-Cosi Zelia is really large. It is made of three panels. Two of them are major panels whereas the third one is a sun visor attached to the front edge of the canopy for extra protection of your baby.
The material used for producing this canopy is quite thick which makes it great for protecting your baby against different weather conditions. There is also a peek-a-boo window on the canopy.
Handlebar
A handlebar of the Maxi-Cosi Zelia stroller is one of its advantages.
First of all, this handlebar can be adjusted according to your height which is itself a great feature. Secondly, the mechanism used for changing the height is a telescopic system which is more comfortable than the rotating one.
Finally, the handlebar is covered by a leather-like material which does not only look more attractive, but it is also more rigid and resistance to mechanical damages.
Wheels
The Maxi-Cosi Zelia is using a four-wheel design. The suspension is inbuilt into the rear wheels whereas the front ones are featured by a swivelling mechanism with a possibility of locking. It is really handy to be able to switch from a pivoting mode of the wheels to the locked one depending on the terrain you are pushing the stroller through. In order to use the locking mechanism, you should flick a special lever which is located above each of the wheels.
Brakes
Maxi-Cosi Zelia is using a single-action barking system, however, unlike many strollers with such a feature, this one has a braking pedal located near the right-hand wheel rather than in the middle of the rear axle.
The brake can be activated and deactivated easily whenever you need it.
Storage options
I am more than happy to find a really spacious storage basket in Maxi-Cosi Zelia. This one is not only enough for all the essentials you are going to take for your baby, but it is also thus roomy that you will be able to go for shopping freely with your baby and purchase whatever you need. It is also great that the sides of the basket are quite deep which means the smaller items you will be carrying inside will not get out thus easily.
Maxi-Cosi Zelia travel system colour versions
The manufacturer has created four beautiful colour versions of the Maxi-Cosi Zelia travel system which includes a stroller and an infant car seat in the same colours. All of these colour versions are based on a black chassis and black wheels with a decorative white line circling the tires. The differences between colour versions are in the fashion of the seats and the type of the leatherette material covering the handlebar and bumper bar.
Nomad Black is a completely black stroller with the handlebar and the bumper bar made in a black colour. Nomad Blue has a dark-blue seat and a blue handlebar as well as a blue bumper bar.
There are also two models with seats made of the fabrics in light colours. Nomad Sand has a beautiful cream tint whereas Nomad Grey has a light-grey shade with a melange effect. The handlebars and bumper bars of these models are covered with beautiful brown leather-like material.
Pay your attention to the fact not all of these colour versions might be available right now an the prices for them can differ.
Maxi-Cosi Zelia – accessories
As I have already mentioned, the Maxi-Cosi Zelia travel system is sold with a variety of accessories which are usually sold separately in the case of many other strollers and travel systems.
First of all, this travel system comes with an infant car seat which is Mico Max 30 and a pair of appropriate adapters. Secondly, the stroller has a removable bumper bar which is also included into the price. Finally, this set will provide your baby with extra elements designed for protection such as a raincover and a special apron which can be used with the stroller when it is converted into an infant mode.
Even though the Maxi-Cosi Zelia travel system is really well-equipped, you will still have a chance to customise it even more, since there are many other accessories available on the market which can turn out to be handy for you.
For instance, in order to provide your baby with extra comfort, you can purchase one of the two types of a footmuff which are a regular model and a so-called 2-in-1 footmuff.
For your comfort, you can purchase a pair of special gloves useful during cold days. There is also an umbrella available for this model of a stroller as well as a bag.
Maxi-Cosi Zelia – pros and cons
I am sure you have already noticed Maxi-Cosi Zelia is really a great product with extended functionality and a variety of nice and useful accessories which is available for a very moderate price. Check these lists of advantages and disadvantages of this stroller to understand better what you will get purchasing this travel system.
Pros:
- an affordable price;
- a multifunctional stroller which can be used as a pram with a bassinet as well as a travel system;
- a toddler seat converts into a bassinet without a need to use any additional accessories;
- a seating unit is reversible no matter in which mode it is used;
- the travel system comes with the Mico Max 30 infant car seat which is one of the best models available on the market;
- compatible with many other infant car seats of Maxi-Cosi and other top manufacturers;
- the price includes a variety of useful accessories;
- equipped into a telescopic handlebar covered by a leatherette material;
- a compact fold with a folding mechanism which can be used without bending;
- a very spacious storage basket.
Cons:
- a three-step folding mechanism, albeit simple, requires some time to memorise;
- a toddler seat is somewhat short.
Maxi-Cosi Zelia – my conclusions
If you ask me, I will definitely recommend Maxi-Cosi Zelia to everyone! There are so many great features in this stroller which is even more appealing because of its affordable price.
Maxi-Cosi Zelia and especially the travel system based on this stroller is a great investment for anyone who would like to save some money and space at home. Due to a special design of its toddler seat, you will be able to convert it into a safe and comfortable bassinet for the youngest babies. An amazing Mico Max 30 infant car seat will help you to create a secure travel system for your baby. Of course, if you decide to purchase the Maxi-Cosi Zelia stroller separately, you will be able to use it with other infant car seats as well.
Even though the price for this stroller is really not large, it comes with a number of useful accessories and features. For instance, unlike many other strollers of this price category, Maxi-Cosi Zelia is equipped into a telescopic handlebar which is covered by a leatherette material. Usually, strollers with such elements cost more.
This stroller is also featured by an especially large storage basket which will make your life easier allowing you to carry a lot of things with you.
On top of that, Maxi-Cosi Zelia feels like a lightweight stroller even though its weight is a bit too large for the official weight limits for this category of strollers. A compact fold of this stroller makes it even easier for use.
If only you are not searching for a stroller which can be used up to the preschool age, Maxi-Cosi Zelia will be a great option for you!
Welcome to my blog, dear moms! I'm Lindsey, happy mother of two, keen blogger, traveller who likes to cook and spend time reading a good book. If you have any questions or find it difficult to make a choice, feel free to message me - I'm here to help!
