The perfect car seat and stroller combination can be elusive, but I'm showing you a real competitor today. Here's my review of the Quinny Buzz Xtra Stroller and the Maxi-Cosi Mico AP Infant Seat.
Big news: we're expecting our #3! We're so excited for this next level of excitement and chaos, and I've enjoyed assessing what baby stuff we still own and want to keep. On the list of things we still needed was a new infant car seat (since I'm sure the last one was well beyond expired), so what a treat to show you an excellent infant seat, and the perfect stroller to go with it! I'm so excited to show you this excellent duo and hopefully convince any soon-to-be-parents or seasoned caregivers that this Quinny Buzz Xtra stroller and the Maxi-Cosi Mico AP Infant Seat are fantastic choices!
Quinny Buzz Xtra
First, let's take a look at the Quinny Buzz Xtra (which I received at no cost to facilitate this review). Since we're city people, we don't just go for strolls around the block or around the mall. Our daily excursions take us on old Boston brick paths and subways without elevators. Jumping curbs is just part of the journey. I rarely see weak-sauce strollers downtown; nearly all of us have all-terrain jogging strollers to appropriately tackle what we're up against. That's why this Buzz Xtra is PERFECT for the kind of travel we have to do.
The first thing you'll notice is its chic and stylish design. What might look ultra modern to some, looks extremely high end to me. I love the chrome finish with black details and solid color material. I've read that this canopy is larger than those on past models, and after unzipping the canopy, the visor can extend even further than shown for full sun coverage. There are three handle heights that adjust in seconds by pushing the large gray button you see below. To recline or remove the seat, press down on the ridged buttons on both sides.
Every button is easy to push and easy to access without being awkwardly placed. There are two reclining positions for both front facing and rear facing placement. I love having the option of having baby face me or face outwards to see the world.
The Quinny Buzz Xtra bumper bar is removable by pressing on the tiny gray circle button found underneath the bar--excellently placed so that the child can't find or push it himself.
These are very sturdy wheels that are great on all terrains. They are substantial in durability, but this also adds to the total weight of the stroller, and they do need to be refilled when flat. The front wheels can be locked in place for forward-setting when you're dealing with rocky surfaces.
The locking mechanism is one of my favorite features of the Quinny Buzz Xtra stroller. There is one red lever to press in order to lock, and one gray lever to unlock. I love a stroller than doesn't make me lift up a chunky doorstop wedge with the top of my foot to release. As you can see, there is a brake cord that runs across the bottom, much like a speed bike, that communicates to both wheels to lock or release.
The only drawback I've come across is the amount of storage space underneath. You can add a cup holder (sold separately), but other than the basket, there is not storage behind the seat. The basket is sturdy, thick, and well-attached, but as you can see, my camera bag is about all I'm able to fit underneath. Because of the bar running up the middle, you'd be hard pressed to find a full size diaper bag that can fit in this small space, plus it can hold only 11 pounds. However, you could always attach a diaper bag with handle bar clips since there is quite a bit of space behind the child seat.
You'll also notice this adjustable footrest. It allows for a comfortable sitting position regardless of your child's size/length and can be adjusted by pressing the obvious dime-sized gray circles on both sides.
This stroller is intended for ages birth (with car seat or carrier) to 3.5 years, and up to 50 lbs., which is more weight than I typically see for strollers. The seat portion is recommended for ages 6 months and up. To collapse, you need to stand in front of the stroller, and with both hands, press the side buttons down and towards you, then push the stroller down to the floor. It isn't terribly awkward, and the whole process is quick. I especially like that the seat remains off the ground and doesn't need to be removed.
I really caught the men's attention when I brought this to a family picnic and showed off the automatic unfolding feature with gas springs. You literally just unlatch this clip, give it a budge, and the entire stroller springs up at a decent speed to fully upright and functional. The engineers in the room were impressed with this unique hydraulic system!
Because of the spring-action, I'm glad there is an additional transport strap that latches onto the handle bar, so that in the event that the lever gets knocked, you don't have a spring-loaded weapon unfolding in your trunk. Speaking of, this Quinny Buzz Xtra takes up a good part of our Honda Fit trunk, but with a taller space like in a mini van, you'd be able to fit it upright.
What a cushy seat! This is a very thick, padded cover that my boy finds very comfortable. He loves his new stroller, and I don't have the heart to tell him he's being kicked out in 6 months!
Maxi-Cosi Mico AP Infant Seat
Now, remember how I told you this was such a good companion to the Maxi-Cosi car seat? I also had the opportunity to review the Maxi-Cosi Mico AP Infant Seat, to show you how well they partner with each other. I also received this infant seat at no cost to facilitate this review.
Isn't this a cute seat!? It's both modern and cozy, which is no small design feat! The first thing I noticed was the thick, wide band on the upper part of the canopy that allows for a lot of substance to grab when you're raising or lowering the canopy. The only problem I foresee is if/when you ever want to replace the canopy with a purchased cover with a very slim casing made for standard canopies. The side padding is so plush, and the embroidery is such a cute detail!
The dimensions measure 28.5 x 17.5 x 25.5 inches. The biggest reason why I was so tickled about this car seat is that it is one of the narrowest (and lightest) on the market! If we're going to fit three kids in the backseat, we need skinny seats for everyone.
This is a standard 5 point harness that you'll see on most infant seats. I like the padding around the crotch buckle and that all of this is removable and washable. I also love the included strap covers to protect that tender infant neck skin.
Few things drive me crazier than car seats that are impossible to adjust or disassemble for cleaning. This Mico AP has standard and easy to understand steps to quickly adjust the shoulder straps so that it can grow with your child.
I might be most excited about how easy this is to loosen and tighten! Depending on the thickness of the clothing on my child and the season and their rapidly growing bodies, I feel like I am always having to make adjustments! These steps are a cinch. Pull on the strap at the front/base to tighten, then to loosen, lift up the hidden flap in the front, press on the ridged button, and pull up and out on the shoulder straps until they are loosened enough.
The seat is very easy to remove from the base. You simply squeeze the gray part in the back and lift. Adjusting the height of the handle is just as easy. I like how it is a simple solid black bar, without odd grips at the top, making it comfortable to hold on your arm, in your hand, or between two adults.
And now will you just look at this cutie?! Good thing my friends have adorable babies to model for me until my little bundle gets here! The fit is so snug. I've noticed that with this seat, more than any other, there is so much soft padding to encompass a little body, so there is no room to be bounced around or jostled when moved. Cutie Pants here weighs around 18 pounds, and still looks very comfortable.
The only thing I am hesitant about is that this Buttercream color is so very close to white! How am I going to keep this clean?! My original thoughts were that this was the color of spit up, so it would cover those stains well, but there are a lot of other messy substances to consider.
Now, are you dying to see how well these two work together!? Attaching the adapters for an infant car seat is a breeze. You simply remove the child seat and insert the adapters labeled "R" into the hub labeled "R" until you hear them click, and likewise for "L". Then lower the infant seat into the adapters and, again, wait for the click. You're done!
Directions vary slightly with different infant seats, but with the Mico AP, press these two side buttons (below) while lifting the infant seat. What a great team! The seat feels secure, and taking it on and off is quick. I can't wait to go cruising with this slick system!
Without the child seat attached, the stroller weighs closer to 20 pounds, while the car seat weighs only 18.6 pounds. Both of these are manageable for wimpy arms like mine.
If you don't own a Maxi-Cosi Mico AP, but you're still -in love with the Buzz Xtra, take note. A Buzz Multi-Model Adapter (which is sold separately) is specifically designed and tested for the following car seats: Safety 1st® Onboard series, Maxi-Cosi® Cosi35, Graco® Snugride® 22, Graco® Snugride® 32 and Graco® Snugride® 35, Chicco® Keyfit™ 22 and Keyfit™ 30, Combi® Shuttle™ 33, Peg Perego® Primo Viaggio 30-30 and the Britax® Chaperone®.
Installing this into your backseat is also quick and easy. Included are latches that can attach to hooks in your car, or if your vehicle doesn't have these, you can use the lap strap seat belt. And the moment of truth: we CAN fit three children in the back of our Honda Fit! I think we're going to be ok a family of 5! In case you're curious, the other seats we have installed here are a Diono Radian and Evenflo high back booster.
Bottom line: I LOVE this duo! The Quinny Buzz Xtra stroller is top-notch in every way, and a dream to maneuver. The Maxi-Cosi Mico AP infant seat is the cushiest seat I've seen on the market, and I love the solid modern colors and clean smooth curves. I think this set looks high-end, comfortable, and slick as can be.
Buy it: You can purchase the Quinny Buzz Xtra at many baby equipment retailers, including Amazon. You can also get the infant seat on Amazon. Or you can buy them paired from Amazon.com for less!
What do you think?
Do you love the modern, yet functional designs?
If you're looking for other stroller and car seat recommendations, check out our post about the best baby products, our review of the how to pick the best double stroller featuring the Britax B-Ready, and our review of the Baby Jogger Summit X3.
Disclosure: I (Camille) received the Quinny Buzz Xtra and the Maxi-Cosi Mico AP at no cost to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own and may differ from yours. Amazon links are affiliate links.
Lindsey G says
I'm done having babies, BUT... this stroller makes me want just one more! If a stroller could be called a "Boss", I think it's this one. Great review and I'd totally consider this IF we were to have another little one!
Camille says
A "Boss"! I love that! And thank you!
Janessa S says
Wow, I LOVE the look of this stroller and infant car seat! The Quinny and Maxi-Cosi brands are two of my favorites. I own the Maxi-Cosi Pria car seat and just love it! Reading your review makes me want to get a Mico AP for our new baby.
Sharill says
I love the design! Specially the car seat's! And the variety of colors, plus they are fun colors, not boring. Thanks for the review!
Camille says
Right? I love that the colors are bright trendy and not covered in baby prints!
Nihal Issa says
Hi..
I just wanted to ask if Maxi Cosi Nxt can be installed in the great Quinny buss xtra 2.0?
I just bought the stroller and car seat. Year i can't figure out how to install the car seat on it.. and the car seat adapter is not adjustable to Maxi Cosi Nxt..
Any advice please?
Deborah D says
I love this travel system.
Dorothy Boucher says
I love how easy this was to put together, and just knowing all the safety features on this is wonderful, I also love that you can easily lay the seating down if the baby or child falls asleep.
Jackey says
Hi,
Question for you on the car seat and stroller combo. I am expecting in March and just got the Maxi-Cosi infant seat for our Buzz stoller. when i put the car seat into the stroller it seems to rock back and forth just a bit. Does yours do this or is it totally secure? it's only a little bit of a rock but it makes me feel like it's not quite right. I'm a FTM though and don't really know how these things are supposed to work.
Thanks!
Camille says
Hi Jackey! Congratulations! Yes, I know exactly what you're talking about. Mine does that too and I wondered the same thing. With kids inside (both in car seat mode and in seat mode), it still can rock slightly when the kids get crazy, but as far as I can tell, they're still secure and safe. Its a great set, you'll love it!
Deborah D says
I love that the car seat attaches to the stroller.