There’s a moment of mixed pride and panic every parent experiences: the day you realise your child is starting to look comically large in their trusted harnessed car seat. For us, that day came when our nearly four-year-old’s shoulders were cresting the top harness slot. It signals a major milestone, a step towards being a “big kid,” but it also opens a Pandora’s box of safety questions. The transition from a five-point harness to a high-backed booster that uses the car’s own seatbelt feels like a giant leap. Is it as safe? How do you choose the right one? I vividly recall one user’s story that mirrored our own anxiety perfectly: “I won’t lie, I was extremely nervous… having researched this I believe her to be safer with a normal seatbelt, assuming the fit is good.” This perfectly captures the core of the issue. The right fit isn’t just a recommendation; it’s the absolute cornerstone of safety in this next stage. Choosing the wrong seat can lead to improper belt positioning, reduced comfort, and, most critically, compromised safety in a collision. This is the journey that led us to an exhaustive evaluation of the Cybex Solution S2 i-Fix Child Seat, a product that promised a decade of safety and comfort.
- Stable and high-quality child seat with a long service life - For children aged approx. 3 to 12 years (15-50 kg), Latest generation of the Solution S i-Fix
- Maximum safety: Built-in side impact protection (L.S.P. System), Adjustable headrest, Energy-absorbing shell
What to Consider Before Buying a High-Backed Booster Seat
A high-backed booster seat is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for ensuring your child’s safety and comfort on the road for nearly a decade of their life, typically from ages 3 or 4 up to 12. Its primary function is to elevate the child so that the vehicle’s three-point seatbelt fits them correctly—snugly across their upper thighs and centrally over their shoulder, away from their neck. This correct belt routing is what allows the car’s built-in safety system to function as intended during an impact. Beyond this fundamental role, premium models offer advanced side-impact protection, ergonomic comfort for long journeys, and adjustability that grows with your child, making it a long-term investment in peace of mind.
The ideal customer for this type of product is a parent whose child has met the minimum height (100 cm) and weight (15 kg) requirements and has outgrown their harnessed car seat. They are safety-conscious, likely researching crash test ratings from bodies like ADAC, and value features that enhance comfort on long drives, such as reclining headrests and breathable fabrics. It might not be suitable for those with children who are not yet mature enough to sit properly without a harness for the entire journey, or for those who need a seat from a younger age. For younger children, a convertible or multi-stage seat with an integrated harness, like the Maxi-Cosi Titan or Graco Extend, would be a more appropriate choice.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Safety Standards & Features: Look for seats that meet the latest safety regulations, such as UN R129 (i-Size). Pay close attention to side-impact protection systems, as these are crucial. Features like energy-absorbing shells and secure headrest “wings” provide an essential layer of safety that minimalist booster cushions lack.
- Installation & Compatibility: Will you use ISOFIX or the vehicle’s seat belt? ISOFIX provides a rigid connection to the car’s chassis, enhancing stability and preventing the seat from becoming a projectile when unoccupied. However, a good belt-fit installation is equally safe for the child when they are buckled in. Ensure the seat is compatible with your car’s make and model.
- Longevity & Adjustability: A seat that lasts from age 3 to 12 needs to be highly adjustable. Look for a headrest with numerous height positions to ensure the shoulder belt is always correctly positioned. The width of the seat should also accommodate a growing child without feeling restrictive. The Cybex Solution S2 i-Fix Child Seat is an excellent example of a long-lasting model.
- Comfort & Maintenance: For long journeys, comfort is key to a peaceful ride. Features like padded seats, reclining headrests (to prevent head-flop when sleeping), and ventilation systems can make a huge difference. Furthermore, life with kids is messy, so easily removable and machine-washable covers are a non-negotiable feature for long-term use.
Making the right choice ensures your child is not only protected but also happy and comfortable on every journey, from the school run to cross-country holidays.
While the Cybex Solution S2 i-Fix Child Seat is an excellent choice for this stage, the journey of car seat safety starts from day one. For a broader look at the critical first stage, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- R129 highback booster car seat - Suitable from 100-150cm (3.5 to approx. 12 years)
- ✅ FUNCTIONAL: the car seat is suitable for children from 76 cm to 150 cm tall (approximately 15 months to 12 years or 9-36 kg). It is compliant with the latest R129 i-Size standard, it has...
First Impressions: Unboxing the Cybex Solution S2 i-Fix
Upon receiving the Cybex Solution S2 i-Fix Child Seat, the first thing we noticed was how surprisingly lightweight it is for such a robust-looking piece of equipment. At just 6.2 kg, moving it between cars is far from a chore. The unboxing process was refreshingly simple. The seat comes in two main parts—the booster base and the backrest—which click together with a satisfying and secure-sounding connection. There’s no complex assembly, which is a huge relief for any busy parent. We had the Moon Black version, and the 100% polyester fabric felt both durable and soft to the touch—a quality blend that suggests it can withstand years of use while being comfortable against a child’s skin. Compared to some other seats we’ve handled, the padding felt generous, especially in the extra-wide and deep seat cushion. Setting it in the car for the first time, its German engineering heritage was immediately apparent. Everything felt solid and well-constructed, from the smooth action of the headrest adjustment to the clear, easy-to-understand seatbelt guides. It exuded a sense of premium quality and, most importantly, safety.
What We Like
- Exceptional side-impact protection (L.S.P. System) for enhanced safety.
- Patented reclining headrest effectively prevents a child’s head from tipping forward while asleep.
- Highly adjustable with 12 headrest positions, ensuring a perfect fit for nearly a decade.
- Simple and secure installation with either ISOFIX connectors or the vehicle’s seat belt.
- High-quality, comfortable fabrics and a generously padded seat base.
Potential Drawbacks
- The ventilation system may not be sufficient to prevent sweating in warmer conditions.
- Its substantial size might make it a tight fit in smaller cars, potentially compromising the middle seat.
A Deep Dive into the Cybex Solution S2 i-Fix’s Real-World Performance
A car seat’s true worth is only revealed through daily use—the school runs, the motorway naps, the inevitable spills, and the ease (or difficulty) of installation. Over several weeks, we put the Cybex Solution S2 i-Fix Child Seat through its paces, integrating it fully into our family life. We focused on the three pillars that matter most to parents: the non-negotiable safety systems, the all-important comfort and adjustability for a growing child, and the practicalities of installation and everyday living. It’s in these real-world scenarios that this seat moved from being impressive on paper to indispensable in our car.
Unwavering Safety: The L.S.P. System and Energy-Absorbing Shell
The core promise of any child seat is protection, and this is where Cybex has built its formidable reputation. The Solution S2 i-Fix is built around a robust, energy-absorbing shell designed to flex and dissipate the forces of an impact away from the child. You can feel this solidity when handling the seat; it doesn’t twist or creak. The standout feature, however, is the Linear Side-impact Protection (L.S.P.) System. This isn’t just a label; it’s a tangible safety element. On the side of the seat nearest the door, a small wing-like protector folds out. Cybex claims this, in combination with the shell, reduces the forces of a side-impact collision by approximately 25%. While we fortunately never had to test this in a real-world collision, the system provides immense peace of mind. We noted several other parents felt the same, with one remarking on the excellent “orejeras” (earmuffs/wings) that envelop the child’s head, providing a visible and reassuring cocoon of safety. This feeling of security is paramount. The headrest itself is substantial, offering excellent coverage for the head and neck. Paired with the deep side wings that flank the torso, our child looked and felt incredibly secure, a stark contrast to flimsy, backless booster cushions. This comprehensive approach to safety makes the Cybex Solution S2 i-Fix a top contender for safety-conscious parents.
The Comfort Factor: A Nine-Year Journey of Adjustability
Safety might be the priority, but comfort is what ensures a peaceful journey. An uncomfortable child is a distracted driver’s worst nightmare. Here, the Cybex Solution S2 i-Fix Child Seat truly excels, primarily due to its thoughtful adjustability. The 12-position height-adjustable headrest is the star of the show. With a simple squeeze of the handle at the back, it glides smoothly up and down, allowing for a precise fit that grows with your child. This ensures the seatbelt is always positioned correctly over the shoulder, not digging into the neck or slipping off the arm. But the real game-changer, and a feature repeatedly praised by other users, is the patented 3-position reclining headrest. This is Cybex’s ingenious solution to the dreaded “head flop” that plagues sleeping children in car seats. By slightly tilting the headrest back, it shifts the child’s head’s centre of gravity, encouraging it to remain within the safety zone of the headrest during a nap. We found this worked remarkably well. On a long drive, our little one fell asleep, and her head stayed gently nestled back, a sight that brought both relief and reassurance. As one user confirmed, “The head nickt during the nap actually no longer forward… it’s true.” The seat base itself is extra wide and deeply cushioned, providing excellent support for longer legs. While the air circulation system is a nice touch, we did find, as another user noted, that our son could still get a bit sweaty on very warm days, but overall comfort levels remained very high. To explore the full range of its comfort features, it’s worth seeing the design up close.
Installation and Daily Use: Simplicity and Stability
A car seat can have all the features in the world, but if it’s a nightmare to install, it’s a major flaw. The Cybex Solution S2 i-Fix Child Seat shines in its user-friendliness, accommodating cars both with and without ISOFIX. We first tested the ISOFIX installation. The connectors slide out easily from the base, and clear colour indicators turn green to confirm a secure lock onto the car’s anchor points. The whole process took less than a minute and resulted in a seat that felt like part of the car’s chassis—rock-solid and stable. For our second car, which lacks ISOFIX, we used the seat belt-only installation. The well-marked, colour-coded belt guides made routing the vehicle’s seatbelt straightforward and intuitive. While not as rigidly fixed as with ISOFIX (as expected), the seat was still very secure once our child was buckled in. We found this flexibility invaluable. In terms of daily use, getting our child in and out was easy. The low side bolsters on the seat base meant she could climb in herself, and the belt guides didn’t snag the seatbelt. However, it’s worth noting the seat’s footprint. It is a substantial piece of kit. As one user in a Peugeot 206 pointed out, installing it meant the middle seat became unusable. We found a similar situation in our Ford Fiesta; fitting three across would be impossible. In a larger SUV, this was less of an issue. Finally, maintenance is as simple as it gets. The polyester cover is held on by elastic loops and can be removed without a struggle and thrown in the washing machine at 30°C—an essential feature for any product that will be in service for the better part of a decade. The ease of both installation and upkeep makes this seat a practical, long-term choice. You can check its vehicle compatibility and dimensions online before purchasing.
What Other Users Are Saying
Across the board, the sentiment from other parents is overwhelmingly positive, centring on the core tenets of safety and comfort. Many, like us, highlight the reclining headrest as a revolutionary feature. One French-speaking parent praised it as a “petit plus” that guarantees “un confort optimal,” echoing our own findings about preventing head-flop during naps. The ease of installation is another common theme, with users confirming it’s simple to set up even without using the ISOFIX connectors. The overall build quality and comfort are frequently commended, with one Italian user describing the materials as “soft to the touch” and the build quality as “superior to the average.”
However, no product is without its criticisms. A recurring issue, though not a flaw with the seat itself, relates to online fulfilment. Several buyers reported receiving a completely different colour from what they ordered—for example, “light green instead of navy” or “neon orange” instead of “Hibiscus Red.” A few even received units that appeared to be used or damaged. The seat’s size is also a practical consideration; a user confirmed our suspicion that in a smaller car like a Peugeot 206, “the middle seat is no longer usable.” This feedback confirms that while the product itself is excellent, buyers should be mindful of vehicle space and verify their order upon arrival.
How Does the Cybex Solution S2 i-Fix Compare to the Competition?
The high-backed booster market is competitive, and while the Cybex Solution S2 i-Fix Child Seat is a standout, it’s important to see how it measures up against other popular choices. Different models cater to different needs, from multi-stage seats that start with a harness to those with different comfort features. Understanding these distinctions is key to finding the perfect fit for your family’s specific requirements.
1. Cosatto Zoomi Group 1 2 3 Car Seat
- TODDLER CAR SEAT – This forward facing booster car seat is – Suitable from 9 kg-36 kg (9 months – 12 years approximately or Group 123).
- HASSLE-FREE INSTALLATION: Quickly & effortlessly installed, this car seat features a simple belted installation for a secure and stable fit
The Cosatto Zoomi is a multi-stage seat designed to take a child from 9 months all the way to 12 years. Its primary difference from the Cybex is the inclusion of an integrated 5-point harness for younger children (Group 1). This makes it an option for parents wanting to buy a single seat to cover all forward-facing stages. While this offers long-term value, it’s a jack-of-all-trades approach. The Cybex Solution S2 i-Fix is a specialist, focusing exclusively on perfecting the high-backed booster stage (Group 2/3) with features like the patented reclining headrest and advanced L.S.P system. The Zoomi is also known for its bold, vibrant patterns, which will appeal to families who prioritise style and fun designs, whereas the Cybex has a more classic, premium aesthetic.
2. Maxi-Cosi Titan Car Booster Seat
- GROUP 1/2/3 CAR SEAT: The car seat is ECE R44/04 certified and is suitable for children from approx. 9 months up to 12 years (9 - 36 kg)
- ISOFIX WITH TOP-TETHER: Combined with a top-tether as third anchor point, the child car seat is not only easy to install but also ensures high stability and safety for your child
The Maxi-Cosi Titan is another strong contender in the multi-age category, serving children from 9 months to 12 years. Like the Cosatto, it starts with a 5-point harness before converting to a high-backed booster. Its key advantage over the Cybex is its 5-position recline for the entire seat, which can be adjusted even with the child in it, offering superior sleeping comfort for younger toddlers. However, the Cybex Solution S2 i-Fix counters this with its unique reclining headrest, which specifically targets the head-flop issue in older, sleeping children without altering the seat’s core safety angle. The Titan is a fantastic all-in-one solution, but parents looking for a dedicated Group 2/3 seat may prefer the specialized safety and comfort features of the Cybex.
3. Graco Extend LX R129 Convertible Car Seat
- Suitable from 40-105cm (birth to approx. 4 years); Rearward facing for longer - from 40-105 cm (birth to approx. 4 years); Forward facing harness mode from 76-105cm (15 months to approx. 4 years)
- 4-position recline (1 rearward, 3 forward)
The Graco Extend LX R129 represents a different approach entirely. It’s a convertible car seat designed to be used from birth up to approximately 4 years (105 cm), with a strong emphasis on extended rear-facing. It is not a direct competitor for the full age range of the Cybex, but it’s what a parent might choose *before* moving to a seat like the Solution S2 i-Fix. This seat is ideal for parents who prioritise the proven safety benefits of keeping their child rear-facing for as long as possible. Once a child outgrows the Graco Extend LX at around age 4, they would then transition to a dedicated high-backed booster like the Cybex. Therefore, this isn’t an alternative so much as a preceding step in a child’s car seat journey.
Our Final Verdict: Is the Cybex Solution S2 i-Fix Child Seat the Right Choice for Your Family?
After weeks of rigorous testing and poring over real-world user feedback, our conclusion is clear: the Cybex Solution S2 i-Fix Child Seat is an outstanding investment in your child’s long-term safety and comfort. It’s a specialist seat that does its job exceptionally well. For parents transitioning from a harnessed seat, it offers a reassuringly robust build, top-tier side-impact protection, and an installation process that is both simple and secure. The true standout feature, the patented reclining headrest, is not a gimmick; it’s a genuinely brilliant solution to a common problem that makes car journeys more peaceful for everyone.
While it may be too bulky for some smaller cars and its ventilation could be slightly better, these are minor trade-offs for the immense peace of mind and comfort it provides. If your child has reached the high-backed booster stage (from 100cm) and you are looking for a premium, safe, and incredibly user-friendly seat that will last until they no longer need one, we can recommend it without hesitation. It delivers on every one of its promises, providing a secure and comfortable haven for your child on the road. For a product that will be a part of your daily life for up to nine years, the quality and thoughtful design are worth every penny. If you believe this seat is the right fit for your family’s needs, you can check the latest price and available colours here.
Last update on 2025-11-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API