There's a new carseat in town! It's the Maxi Cosi Mico. Which roughly translates to "Way better than the infant carseats you had with your older kids" in my household.

Maxi Cosi seats have long been popular in Europe, where the standards for car seat safety are more stringent than here in the USA. The Mico version, now available in the USA, is actually a renamed version of Maxi Cosi's Cabrio model, a best seller in the Euro market.

It's easy to see why this cushily padded carseat is so beloved by European parents, and why they have put their trust in Maxi Cosi for one of their first "big purchase" decisions as new parents.

First there is the ease of use: We found the infant seat very easy to install with both the latch base and freestanding with a seatbelt, when needed. The latch base in particular was very secure feeling compared to other models with a base that I have tested. An indicator provides peace of mind - letting you know twhen he seat has been installed properly. The taller, narrower profile and ergonomic multi-position handle makes it easier to quickly and smoothly get in and out of cars and to tote with you. Even when tested with a feisty 11 month old along for the ride. Our volunteer rider especially loved the seat's see-through peekaboo hood. It is generous and sturdy, standing up firm to attempted abuse (our tester who had previously removed and destroyed the hoods on her other carseats). I should note that the other passengers in the backseat enjoyed the seat as well - they benefitted from the narrower profile which allows for a little more seat space for them.

Ample padding and cushioning within the seat support the youngest passengers on up to the tallest. Adjustments are easily accomplished from the front of the seat. Of course it is extremely comforting to know that the seat is lined with EPA foam and side wings that adhere to the highest protection standards for both frontal and side impact accidents.

Want to use your carseat with a stroller? Several US manufacturers are working on pairing options and Bugaboo, Valco and the Micralite Toro have already made it possible to use Maxi Cosi carseats with their strollers. And of course, this carseat pairs up perfectly with the Quinny line of strollers. Click here for my review of the Quinny Buzz - which I blamed for my present pregnant state.

I could go on and on about this carseat and what a long way it has come from the carseats of the past. The safety and convenience features are plentiful - but here are a list of my favorites:

*Side Protection System offers optimal protection against side impact
* Integrated sun canopy: always on hand and easy to store
* Practical belt hooks: retain seat belt when seating your child
* Ergonomic handle for ease and comfort of carrying
* One-pull harness for easy adjusting harness length
* Push button for easy adjusting the carrying handle
* Handy storage compartment
* Cover is easy to remove and washable
* Includes beltpads and crotchpad for baby's comfort
* Easy installation and minimum chance on wrong installation in combination with Maxi-Cosi EasyFix or Maxi-Cosi EasyBase
* Lightweight seat weight

All this said, I'll go shallow on you all again and just say this. The Maxi Cosi Mico carseat is so dang cute! It comes in a great assortment of 5 mod eye-catching colors/style that highlight your baby's personality and your hip sense of style.

Check out the Maxi Cosi Mico selection at Lets Go Strolling. MWS readers use the code MWSgift for a free gift with purchase and free shipping when you shop with Let's Go Strolling.!