A car seat is one of the most important purchases a family will make. However, deciding which to buy can be a complicated task, namely because there’s a lot of choice.
Working out what type of car seat you want - be it static or lift-out and attach to pram - is a minefield in itself, let alone what brand. And, as all children must use a car seat in the UK until they’re 12 years old or more than 135cm tall, it is worth working out what type and brand you want early doors to avoid having to do all that research all over again.
German brand Cybex has established itself as one of the most reliable, safe, functional and stylish car seat makers on the market. Released three years ago, its Cloud Z1 i-Size - the liftout seat suitable from birth - and the Sirona Z1 i-Size - its static cousin - are best selling and have won various safety awards and accolades worldwide.
Now the brand have released its updated seats - the Cloud Z2 i-Size and the Sirona Z2 i-Size - and both are rapidly following suit.
So what’s so great about them? We’ve tried them out.
What are the best things about the Cloud Z2 and the Sirona Z2?
The Cloud Z infant car seat and Sirona Z2 child seat are part of a modular base system that grows with the child until they are about four. A modular system in car seat speak means you buy one base for both seats - meaning once you’re finished with one or your baby outgrows it, you move onto the other without the need for buying a new base. This is great as it means your not left with redundant kit when your child gets to a certain size.
While you can use the Sirona Z2 from birth, most opt for the Cloud Z2 at the newborn stage as you can lift it out of the car and attach it to a pram. This is particularly useful when a newborn is small as they tend to sleep little and often, so having the option of not having to get them out of the seat and into their pram (and probably waking them!) is a total winner - especially if you drive a lot. Then, when your baby gets that bit bigger and older, you upgrade to the Sirona Z2.
This is how I used the seats - with my baby in the Cloud Z2 until she outgrew it.
One of the selling points of both seats is their spin functionality, meaning you can turn both seats to face you when you are loading your baby in or our of the car. This generally makes life easier, especially when they get to the wriggly stage. The Cloud Z2 is one of a handful of spinning lift-out car seats on the market, meaning you have all bases covered.
The Z2 base has been updated and now has larger paddles on the side to make spinning the seat easier.
What is good about the Cloud Z2 specifically?
The Cloud Z1 always had the function to lie flat when it was attached to a pram, but the main update on the Cloud Z2 is this lying flat position can now be done in the car. However, it is less flat than when it’s on a pram for safety reasons. This is excellent for sleeping babies giving them maximum comfort and - hopefully - a restful slumber.
It also has a 12-position height-adjustable headrest that grows as your baby does.
The Cloud Z2 is lighter than its predecessor, meaning it’s easier to carry outside of your vehicle.
What is good about the Sirona Z2 child seat?
The Sirona Z2 looks sturdier and comfier than the Cloud Z2 and is suitable from birth thanks to its various newborn inlays that offer extra padding for tiny babies. Then, thanks to its spin function, when your baby hits 15 months old (or 13kg), it can then be rotated in the direction of travel and is therefore suitable until your child is about four.
The Sirona Z2 comes with five different tilt angle settings meaning your child can be upright or quite reclined, depending on their mood... or your need to get them to sleep.
From what age can the Cloud Z2 and the Sirona Z2 be used?
The Cloud Z2 is suitable for newborns and babies up to 2 years of age, from 45 cm to a maximum of 87 cm and up to 13 kg.
The Sirona Z2 is suitable for children up to 105 cm tall and weighing up to 18 kg.
What are the cons?
Not a lot - these are truly excellent car seats. But they are a significant investment if you buy both seats and a base. It’s not recommended that you pick up a second hand car seat unless you can guaranteed it has not been in an accident - so most likely from a friend or family member, so it’s hard to pick these Cybex seats up for any less than retail.
How much will it cost me?
- The Cloud Z2 is £249.95.
- The Sirona Z2 is £349.95.
- The Z2 base is £209.95.
Where to shop
Cloud Z2
- Mamas & Papas, £249
- UberKids, £249
- Kiddies Kingdom, £249.95
- Baby Planet Online, £249.95
- Harrods, £279.95
Sirona Z2
- Mamas & Papas, £319.95
- Harrods, £319.95
- Baby Planet Online, £349.95
Verdict
Both the Cloud Z2 and the Sirona Z2 are worth every penny if you can stretch to them. I’d say if you are looking to save a bit of money, go for the Sirona and the base as it will last you longer.
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Cybex Cloud Z2 i-Size Car Seat
Buy now £249.00, Mamas & Papas
Sirona Z2 i-Size
Buy now, Mamas & Papas
