Cybex Cloud S vs. Cloud T: What Are the Differences?
Cybex Cloud S vs. Cloud T: What’s New?
The Cybex Cloud T has been one of the most popular infant car seats in the Cybex Platinum range for years. Now it has a successor: the Cybex Cloud S. For new and expectant parents, this naturally raises a few questions. What is the difference between the Cybex Cloud S and Cloud T? What has changed with the new generation? And perhaps most importantly: which Base do you need for each infant car seat?
In this comparison, we explain the key differences between the Cybex Cloud S and Cloud T clearly and simply. This will help you decide which infant car seat and Base best suit you, your baby and your everyday life.
The Cybex Cloud S succeeds the Cloud T
The Cloud S is the new generation of infant car seat in the Cybex Platinum range. Like the Cloud T, it is designed for the first years of your baby’s life and can be used as part of a travel system with compatible pushchairs and strollers.
With the Cloud S, Cybex has further developed several key areas. The new infant car seat is approved from 40 cm, features a new system that grows with your baby, offers different seating and reclining positions and is part of the new modular Base S system.
Cloud S vs. Cloud T: Differences at a glance
| Comparison | Cybex Cloud T | Cybex Cloud S NEW |
|---|---|---|
| Collection | Cybex Platinum | Cybex Platinum |
| Approx. usage | From birth to approx. 24 months | From birth to approx. 24 months |
| Child height | 45–87 cm | 40–87 cm |
| Maximum weight | 13 kg | 13 kg |
| Approval standard | UN R129/03 | UN R129/04 |
| Compatible Base | Base T | Base S |
| Rotation on Base | 180° | 180° with one hand |
| Lie-flat outside the car | Ergonomic lie-flat position | Ergonomic full lie-flat position |
| Position in the car on Base | Recline function | Semi-reclined and more upright |
| Headrest | Adjustable | 14 positions |
| Grow-with-baby system | Newborn inlay | GrowTech with newborn inlay and growing pads |
| Side-impact protection | L.S.P. System | L.S.P. System |
| Ventilation | All-round air ventilation | All-round ventilation with moisture regulation |
| Car seat weight | approx. 4.5 kg | from 3.99 kg* |
| Use without Base | ✓ Yes, with vehicle seat belt | ✓ Yes, with vehicle seat belt |
| Travel system | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
* Cloud S Comfort without newborn inlay and optional components. According to Cybex, the Style model weighs 4.1 kg.
Important: The Cloud S requires a different Base
This is probably the most important difference for parents who already own a Cybex system: the Cloud S does not use the Base T. It is designed for the new Cybex Base S.
Cybex Cloud T → Cybex Base T
Cybex Cloud S → Cybex Base S
If you already have a Base T at home, you should therefore not assume that you can simply buy the new Cloud S and continue using your existing Base. The Cloud S is designed for use with the Base S and attaches to it using the specially designed Base S adapter.
What is new about the Cybex Cloud S?
The Cloud S is more than simply a Cloud T with a new name. With the new generation, Cybex has focused on further developing ergonomics, everyday usability and the way the infant car seat adapts as your baby grows.
Key developments include suitability from 40 cm, the new GrowTech system, a lower weight, new positioning options and the modular Base S system.
Suitable from 40 cm instead of 45 cm
One of the clearest differences between the Cybex Cloud S and Cloud T is the approved height range.
The Cloud T is designed for children measuring 45 to 87 cm. The new Cloud S can be used from 40 to 87 cm, with a maximum child weight of 13 kg.
This means the Cloud S has been designed to provide appropriate support even for very small newborn babies from the beginning.
New Cybex GrowTech system
The Cloud S features Cybex GrowTech. Its headrest can be adjusted through 14 positions, while the harness adjusts simultaneously with the headrest.
For newborn babies, the Cloud S includes a removable newborn inlay with integrated head support. It also features two removable growing pads. Together, these allow the interior of the infant car seat to be adapted gradually as your baby grows.
According to Cybex, the newborn inlay can be removed at around 61 cm. The two growing pads can be removed at approximately 70 cm if your child requires more space. Always follow the current instructions supplied with your infant car seat.
From full lie-flat to a more upright position
One of the best-known features of the Cybex Cloud range is its ergonomic reclining position. The new Cloud S can also be adjusted to a full lie-flat position outside the car, for example when attached to a compatible stroller.
When used with the Base S inside the car, the Cloud S offers a semi-reclined position. With the new generation, a more upright position is also available.
When the seat is reclined, the backrest and leg rest flatten at the same time. This distributes your baby's weight across a larger surface. According to Cybex, this helps reduce organ compression and lowers the chance of your baby's head tilting forwards.
If the Cloud S is installed without the Base and secured using the vehicle's three-point seat belt, the infant car seat may only be used in its designated upright position.
180° one-handed rotation
When installed on the Base S, the Cloud S can be rotated 180° towards the car door. This makes it easier to place your baby in the seat, fasten the harness and lift your baby out again.
The Cloud S rotation mechanism can be operated with one hand. According to Cybex, the seat can also be rotated while it is reclined.
This can make a noticeable difference in everyday use, as you do not have to lean as far into the vehicle when placing your baby in or taking them out of the car seat.
Base S: One Base for several stages
Alongside the Cloud S, Cybex introduces a new modular system. The Base S is not designed solely for the Cloud S.
You can start with the Cloud S for your baby. Once your child has outgrown the infant car seat, Cybex states that the same Base S can be used with the Sirona S for rear-facing travel or the Anoris S Airbag.
The Base S is therefore designed as a modular system that can accompany your family through several stages of your child's development.
Side-impact protection with L.S.P. System
The Cloud S also features Cybex's Linear Side-impact Protection (L.S.P.) System.
The L.S.P. System forms part of the car seat's safety concept, helping to channel the energy generated in a side impact into the energy-absorbing shell and headrest.
According to Cybex's internal testing, the L.S.P. System can reduce side-impact forces by 25% compared with the same seat without L.S.P.
Ventilation with moisture regulation
The Cloud T already offers all-round air ventilation. With the Cloud S, Cybex has further developed this concept.
The new generation features all-round air ventilation with moisture regulation, designed to help keep your baby cool and dry throughout the year.
The Style versions also feature innovative 3D mesh fabric. According to Cybex, this can increase airflow by up to six times compared with conventional materials.
The Cybex Cloud S is lighter
The weight of an infant car seat can make a significant difference in everyday life. After all, you will regularly be lifting the seat in and out of the car and carrying it with your baby inside.
According to Cybex, the Cloud S Comfort weighs just 3.99 kg without the newborn inlay and optional components. The Style model weighs 4.1 kg.
This makes the new generation lighter than the Cloud T, which weighs approximately 4.5 kg.
Can I use the Cloud S without the Base S?
Yes. You do not necessarily need to purchase a Base S to use the Cybex Cloud S in your car.
The Cloud S can also be secured using the vehicle's three-point seat belt. This can be particularly useful when travelling by taxi, using the infant car seat occasionally in a second car or travelling without the Base.
For everyday use, however, the Base S provides additional convenience. It makes installation easier and gives you access to features including the 180° rotation and semi-reclined position in the car.
Can the Cybex Cloud S be used on a stroller?
Yes. The Cloud S is designed as a travel-system infant car seat. With the appropriate adapters, it can be attached to various compatible Cybex pushchairs and strollers.
When used outside the car, the Cloud S can be adjusted to its full lie-flat position. Memory buttons are designed to make removing the infant car seat from the stroller frame easier.
If you want to combine the Cloud S with a stroller from another brand, always check whether suitable and approved infant car seat adapters are available for that particular model.
Cloud T or Cloud S: Which should you choose?
The Cloud T remains a high-quality infant car seat with a well-established design. If you already own a Base T and want to continue using it, the Cloud T is the matching combination.
If you are starting from scratch and want the latest generation within the Cybex Platinum range, the Cloud S introduces several interesting developments.
These include use from 40 cm, the GrowTech system, lower weight, updated seating and reclining positions and the new modular Base S system.
The most important difference to remember:
Cloud T + Base T
Cloud S + Base S
Cloud S vs. Cloud T: Frequently asked questions
Is the Cybex Cloud S the successor to the Cloud T?
Yes. The Cloud S is the new generation of infant car seat within the Cybex Platinum range and succeeds the Cloud T.
Does the Cybex Cloud S fit the Base T?
No. The Cloud S is designed for the new Base S and is used on it with the dedicated Base S adapter.
Does the Cloud T fit the new Base S?
No. The Cloud T and Cloud S belong to different Base systems. The Cloud T uses the Base T, while the Cloud S uses the Base S.
Can I use the Cybex Cloud S without a Base?
Yes. The Cloud S can be installed using the vehicle's three-point seat belt, so the Base S is not essential for using the infant car seat.
From what height can the Cloud S be used?
The Cloud S is approved for children measuring 40 to 87 cm, with a maximum body weight of 13 kg. The Cloud T is suitable for children measuring 45 to 87 cm.
How long can my baby use the Cloud S?
Cybex states that the Cloud S can be used from birth to approximately 24 months. The actual period of use depends on your child's size and weight, with a maximum approved height of 87 cm and maximum weight of 13 kg.
Can the Cybex Cloud S lie completely flat in the car?
No. The full lie-flat position is designed for use outside the car, for example when the Cloud S is attached to a compatible stroller. When installed on the Base S in the car, the Cloud S can be used in a semi-reclined or more upright position.
When should I remove the Cloud S newborn inlay?
According to Cybex, the newborn inlay should be removed at around 61 cm. Always follow the latest instructions supplied with your car seat to determine the correct time for your child.
Is the Cybex Cloud S approved for air travel?
Cybex states that the Cloud S is airplane certified. Whether you can actually use the infant car seat on board depends on the individual airline, so always check with your airline before travelling.
Conclusion: The new generation of Cybex Cloud
With the Cloud S, Cybex has further developed its well-known Cloud infant car seat in several key areas. The extended height range from 40 cm, GrowTech system, lower weight and new Base S system make the Cloud S particularly interesting for expectant parents who are buying a completely new infant car seat system.
If you already own a Cloud T or Base T, however, it is important to consider the change carefully. Most importantly: you cannot simply place the new Cloud S on your existing Base T. The new infant car seat is part of the new Base S system.
Whichever infant car seat you choose, always check before purchase that the car seat and Base are approved for use in your vehicle. For installation, adjustment and everyday use, always follow the latest Cybex user instructions.