European Car Seat Review: Avionaut Pixel Pro
(Last Updated On: May 17, 2022)
Avionaut Pixel Pro
Avionaut recently reached out to us to have a look at their Pixel Pro infant seat. As a slightly redesigned version of the popular, incredibly lightweight Pixel, the Pixel Pro includes some nice upgrades while continuing to be light as a feather.
Weight range: 0-13 kgHeight range: from 40 cm to 86 cmHarness position with insert and full “block”: 19 cmHarness position with insert and half “block”: 23 cmHarness position with only insert: 29 cmHarness position without insert: 32.5 cmAvionaut recommends a maximum of 10 years of useAvionaut recommends that you replace the seat after any crash. Should you meet their requirements they may offer to replace your seat free of charge.Width at widest point at the base of the seat: 26 cmWidth at widest point of seat: 44 cmFront to back of seat: 70 cmWeight of seat: 2.5 kgDynamic stress shield (side impact protection)R129 certifiedEasy to use canopyIsofix installation possible with optional baseEcological EPP materialUses the same stroller adapters as many other infant seats (e.g. Maxi Cosi)Highly adjustable insert for newborns and small babies, including head support, width reducer, and newborn height adjuster pillow.AGR (Campaign for Healthier Backs) recommendedThree positions for the handle: one for carrying, one to stabilize the seat on the ground, and the final anti-rebound position for use when the seat is installed with the seat belt
The Pixel PRO is available in five classic colors; we chose to get an up close view of the grey seat.
The insert features a soft raiser block made out of foam.
The covers for the seat, harness covers and the insert may be washed at 30 degrees celsius with a spin cycle up to 600 rpm. As with the MaxSpace, easy to understand pictorial instructions are provided to make removing the cover as easy as possible.
The harness covers are required and must be used at all times.
Unlike the original Pixel, the Pixel Pro includes an independently adjustable canopy. The canopy on the original Pixel attached to the handle, which meant it couldn’t be used when the seat was installed with seat belt due to the anti-rebound position of the handle. The redesigned canopy can be used entirely independent of the handle, making it easier to keep the bright sun off baby at all times.
The Pixel insert consists of a thick wedge, body insert, and foam blocks.
The harness on the Pixel PRO has only one static position, so there’s no way to adjust the height of the harness itself. However, the insert that comes with the seat is designed to be used to adjust the height, with the full insert used from 40 to approximately 55 cm, the block removed around 55 cm, and at around 60 cm the entire insert can be removed. Using these adjustments the harness straps should be at the child’s shoulders throughout their use of the seat.
As the insert is used for such a variety of heights Avionaut have included width reducing inserts that can be removed when the child is no longer comfortable width-wise in the seat. Just pop the foam blocks out when baby no longer fits comfortably.
Since there are so many pieces which can be easily misplaced we recommend having a labeled box or bag you can put each piece in as you remove them.
Avionaut notes that the chunky block provides a more ergonomic position for baby’s hips and back, helping to ensure healthy hips.
The belt guides on the Pixel PRO are blue and very low profile. Sliding the belt in is a bit more fiddly than in belt guides with more room, but not too much of a challenge. As you can see on our fuzzy bear model, the lap belt sits very close to the baby’s legs – luckily, newborns generally don’t have legs that are quite as fluffy as our model! As baby gets bigger and the block is removed from the seat there should be plenty of space for legs.
An ISOFIX base is available for the Pixel PRO, but we didn’t receive one to try out.
To install the Pixel PRO with the seat belt, place the seat on the vehicle seat in the rear facing position. Route the lap belt through the belt guides over the infant’s legs and buckle the belt, then pull the belt tight.
Next route the shoulder belt through the belt guide on the back of the seat, ensuring it is fully contained and not twisted.
The handle on the Pixel Pro must be against the vehicle seat back.
Finally, squeeze the grey buttons on the handle and rotate it towards the back of the vehicle, against the vehicle seat. Release the buttons, and push the handle all the way against the vehicle seat until the buttons pop back out – this ensures that the handle is locked in the anti-rebound position.
“Teddy” or Newborn
Avionaut Pixel newborn fit
Unfortunately, we didn’t have any newborns available, so we found a fuzzy stand-in. Like an average sized newborn, Teddy has a torso height of 19 cm. He gets a great fit height-wise. He’s a bit rotund for a newborn, so for him the width is a little on the snug side – with a larger child the side inserts can be removed. Once installed we noted that the seat belt might be a bit close to the newborn’s legs, but unless they are very chunky no rubbing should occur.
The positioning in this seat is very different from other seats – babies sit in more of a “froggy” position, which Avionaut says is a more hip-healthy position. It can look a bit strange, though, since we know that in European infant seats you’re generally meant to pull babies down “bum to buckle”. In this seat they are much higher than the buckle, until the chunky bum insert is removed. This is as designed, however, and not a concern! The supportive insert system tends to fit small babies well, though it’s always a good idea to check that the seat is reclined enough for a newborn – using a clinometer app on your phone, you can double check that the angle of the backrest is no more upright than 45 degrees.
Important Information: Where to Find
Expiration: Avionaut recommends that this seat not be used for longer than 10 years; this information is located in the manual.
Manual storage: Unfortunately we have been unable to locate a manual storage location on this seat. We would love to see this feature added so that manuals can stay with the seat for ease of reference for caregivers.
Airline Approval: The Pixel PRO is not airline approved.
The Pixel PRO is a wonderfully lightweight seat for families on the go. Due to its light weight it would be an ideal seat for families living without a car and relying on taxis for transport. The insert is comfy and helps place babies in a comfortable, hip-happy position. While the belt guides can be a bit fiddly, the amazing light weight and fantastic height limit make it a solid, long-lasting option.
