8 Best Britax Car Seats Reviewed For Infants & Toddlers [+3 Other Models] | 2023 Update

After careful research and comparison, the One4Life ClickTight All-in-One was the best Britax car seat for infants and toddlers. The One4Life is convenient and easy to install. You get an unbeatable package with the added premium Britax safety features and 10 years lifespan.

Britax has been setting the standards for car seats since 1994. So my expectations were already high when I decided that Britax would be the brand for a car seat for my toddler. And let me tell you, I was not disappointed!

The top model that I choose, the One4Life ClickTight All-in-One, has proven time and time again that it is the most reliable, safest, and most convenient car seat out there.

Because I care greatly about my child’s safety and comfort, I invested time trying out many Britax car seats before finally landing on the  One4Life ClickTight All-in-One. In this blog, I will share my personal experience and extensive research on nine of the best Britax car seats for infants and toddlers. The list also includes six other equally good models that meet the same standards of safety and convenience. So, my review has a total of 15 products. 

Our Top Britax Car Seat Recommendations

10/01/2023 12:07 am GMT

Product Choosing Criteria

As a mom who has had to navigate the world of car seats for my little ones, I know firsthand how overwhelming it can be to choose the right one. When researching and testing the best Britax car seats for this article, I looked for the following criteria; I considered various models to ensure I was selecting the best.

So my number one priority was, of course, safety. I looked into various crash test reports, side impact protection, EPP foam layers, and other safety features. Then I looked at the overall convenience of the product – both in terms of installation and usage. I also assessed elements of LATCH connectors, a ClickTight installation system, adjustable headrests, and straps.

Since it’s an essential travel item, I paid close attention to the seat’s weight, size, and portability. Your kid’s comfort is also a priority, so each seat on this list also offers comfortable cushioning, an adjustable harness, and a multiple-position headrest.

There are many other factors that moms like us consider while choosing a car seat, but these are the ones that I found most important and relevant. 

Top Britax Car Seats (by Car Seat Type)

Now that we know how I chose the Britax car seats let’s see the products that made it. 

1- Britax B-Safe Gen2 Flexfit Infant Car Seat – The Safest Infant Seat

The B-Safe Gen2 Flexfit is built like a tank with a high-strength steel reinforced base. The SafeCell crumple zone, which is Britax’s patented energy-absorbing technology, ensures maximum protection for your little one. And the protective foam shell provides a head-toe cover, so in terms of safety, this car seat has your baby covered.

Installation is also a breeze—just connect the lower anchors, tighten the straps, and click the carrier into the base. But what’s neat is that you don’t need to reread it every few months to adjust your growing baby. The 6-position harness and headrest easily move together, creating the perfect fit as your baby grows to 35 pounds and 32″ tall.

Now, let’s talk about the Cool Flow Mesh, a lifesaver in hot weather. The tagless knit fabric improves airflow, so your baby stays cool and comfy. No sweaty, grumpy babies here!

Pros:

• Safe build
• Easy adjustment for harness and headrest
• Simple installation with SafeCenter LATCH system

Cons:

• It’s on the heavier side, so it might be a bit tricky to move around.

2- Britax B-Safe Gen2 Infant  – Special Safety Features

The Britax B-Safe Gen2 Infant car seat is designed with safety in mind. Its SafeCell Impact Protection system, steel frame, and energy-absorbing base ensure superior protection in the event of a collision.

The car seat also has a five-point harness system to secure your child and minimize the risk of ejection in an accident. Additionally, its SafeCenter LATCH system simplifies installation and makes it secure.

The extra-large canopy offers great sun protection for the infant. Overall, the Britax B-Safe Gen2 Infant car seat is a dependable and secure choice for parents who prioritize their child’s safety while traveling.

Pros:

• Minimal rebound rotation gives improved safety in a crash.
• Convenient for travel and city living when the base is not available.
• Additional safety and comfort with a deep foam-lined shell and quick-adjust head protection.
• Foot brace provides additional safety and security.

Cons:

• Stiff and scratchy fabric may be less comfortable for the baby.
• The seat is narrow; the baby may outgrow it early.

3- Britax Grow with You ClickTight Harness – Best Combination Booster Seat

This one is also equipped with every feature to make it a must-have for parents of toddlers and growing kids. You can expect the best safety, convenience, and comfort from the Britax Grow With You Harness 2 Booster. The design is also sleek, with plenty of styles and colors to choose from so your child can be proud of their seat.

The only difference from the other “Grow with you” in the list is that this one doesn’t come with ClickTight install. You must manually adjust the seat belt, but Britax makes it easy with a step-by-step guide. If you’re an experienced parent, this should be no problem.

Pros:

• Multiple styles and colors are available
• Easy step-by-step installation guide
• Easy to clean
• No added FR chemicals for best protection

Cons:

Manual belt-positioning booster mode

Britax Convertible Car Seats

4- Britax One4Life ClickTight All-In-One – The Ultimate One-Stop-Shop

The Britax One4Life ClickTight All-In-One is an excellent option that offers versatility, comfort, and safety features. With ten years of use, it converts from a rear-facing infant car seat to a forward-facing 5-point harness to a high back belt-positioning booster. This seat is the ultimate one-stop-shop solution for your child’s car seat needs.

It grows with your child from 5 pounds to 120 pounds until they’re 63″ tall. It’s also one of the first models released with ClickTight technology—just three steps, and you’re ready to go.

Of course, the features don’t stop there. The One4Life also comes with crumple zones, two layers of side impact protection, and a high-strength patented frame in the back to help absorb any crash energy.

The comfort features include built-in armrests, cooling channels, and ventilated mesh fabric to keep your child comfortable. The parent’s convenience is also taken care of with a safe wash cover (safe to machine wash and dry) and dishwasher-safe cup holders.

With all these features and a one-year limited warranty, One4Life ClickTight All-In-One is a suitable car seat for any parent looking for a long-term solution.

Pros:

• Versatile – can be used for ten years.
• Easy to install with ClickTight system.
• Built-in armrests, cooling channels, and ventilated mesh for premium comfort.
• 15-position headrest and harness for a perfect fit.
• Machine washable and naturally flame-retardant cover.

Cons:

• Most expensive option in the Britax Line.
• Heavyweight – over 20 lbs.

5- Britax Advocate ClickTight – The Most Comfortable for Toddlers

Before going into more techy stuff, let me appreciate the sleek utopian look this car seat offers. Everything from seven color palettes to ribbed textures grabs the attention if you’ve got an eye for aesthetics.

Now let’s talk about versatility; the Britax Advocate has two modes; rear-facing and forward-facing. Compared to its prime competitor Britax Boulevard (Discussed later), Britax Advocate has three layers of side impact protection (the Boulevard has two) and extra padding throughout the seat. It’s also a couple of inches wider than the Boulevard, providing better comfort for your toddler.

The covers are also washer and dryer friendly. Moreover, all the material is naturally flame-retardant with no added FR chemicals, which is a huge plus for parents concerned about the chemicals their children are exposed to.

Pros:

• 2-in-1 design for rear-facing and forward-facing modes
• Hassle-free cleanup with its washer and dryer-friendly cover
• 3 layers of side impact protection
• Audible click when the harness is tightened correctly

Cons:

• Too wide for smaller cars.
• It may be more expensive than other car seat options on the market.

6- Britax Emblem 3-Stage – The Best on a Budget

I’d never want to compromise on my child’s safety, but it doesn’t mean I must spend a fortune to get quality and reliable products. This Britax Emblem 3-Stage car seat is an example of how affordability can come with quality.

It’s convertible, lasts for years, exceeds federal safety standards, and offers the best value for money. The Britax Emblem 3-Stage car seat also boasts a patented steel frame, crumple zone for additional safety, and advanced 2-layer full body protection to keep your child safe in a crash.

And the biggest plus, it weighs just 19.5 pounds, about ten pounds less than some of the other convertible car seat options, making it an excellent choice for smaller vehicles. Like other models, the covers are machine washable and fire retardant, too, so maintenance is not an issue.

Pros:

• Affordable price point for the features and quality it offers
• Lightweight for easy installation and transportation
• Crumple zone and steel frame for added safety
• Easy to install with quick-push latch connectors and built-in lock-offs

Cons:

• No cup holders
• Fewer color options
• Lack ClickTight technology

Britax Booster Seats

7- Britax Highpoint 2-Stage Belt-Positioning Booster – Safest Booster Seat

The Britax Highpoint has a higher weight and height capacity than most other models, so even a big kid can be safely tucked in. Plus, the 10-position headrest is quick and easy to adjust as they grow, ensuring a perfect fit.

It can be used as a high back or backless booster; the high back is 40-120 pounds, whereas the backless is 48-120 pounds. And the best part is it’s kid-friendly; bigger kids can quickly learn how to belt themselves in with the color-coded seat belt guides.

Plus, it’s lightweight (uncommon in most booster seats) and easily fits in small car spaces. It makes life so much easier for moms moving from one car to another.

Pros:

• Higher weight and height capacity than most other brands
• Slim and lightweight design for easy transportation
• Belt clip and guides keep things simple
• Sleek and modern design in plenty of colors

Cons:

• No harness on this booster

8- Britax Skyline 2-Stage Belt-Positioning Booster Seat – Most Comfortable

If your child likes to nap in the car or is picky about coziness, this Britax Belt-Positioning Booster Seat is an ideal choice for you. Thanks to the plush memory foam padding and built-in armrests, your little one will feel like they’re sitting in their favorite living room chair, making car rides more enjoyable for both of you.

It’s also a two-in-one. Skyline 2-Stage Belt-Positioning Booster Seat can be easily converted from a high back to a backless booster for older kids and can accommodate up to 120 pounds and 63-inch height. The ten-position quick-adjust headrest further improves the level of comfort and safety.

Many other features, such as removable covers and dishwasher-safe cup holders, make your life easier. At the same time, the two layers of side impact protection give you an extra layer of security.

Pros:

• Plush foam padding and built-in armrests for maximum comfort
• Removable cover and dishwasher-safe cup holders for easy cleaning
• Two layers of side-impact protection
• Great price point

Cons:

• Too big for compact cars

3 Notable Britax Seats That Didn’t Make It On The Main List

9- Britax Boulevard ClickTight Convertible Seat

When it came out, this was one of the top-rated Britax seats on the market, and it’s easy to see why. The Britax Boulevard ClickTight Convertible Seat is designed for maximum safety and convenience.

The quick three-step installation is a breeze; you simply open the seat, buckle the seat belt across it, and click the seat shut. A click sound lets you know that the seat is secure, and that’s it! The 14-position harness is also easy to adjust and tightens with just a few clicks.

The steel frame, impact-absorbing base, and two layers of side protection offer superior protection from any side impacts.

Pros:

• Easy three-step installation
• Click and safe snug indicator
• Technology to reduce forward motion in case of a collision
• Compact dimensions suitable for small cars

Cons:

• A little on the heavier side
• Covers often slip off

10- Britax Marathon ClickTight Convertible Car Seat

The Marathon ClickTight Convertible Car Seat is for maximum comfort. Whether it’s seven recline positions, 14 positions harness for a snug and secure fit, or patented click-tight for easy installation, this car seat has all the great features.

The dimension is standard (23 x 18.5 x 23.5 inches). The shoulder width is a generous 16 inches, making it perfect for children from 5-40 lbs (rear facing) or 20-65 lbs (forward facing).

The Marathon ClickTight has a layer of side impact protection, a steel frame, and an impact-absorbing base for added safety. The no-rethreading harness ensures you won’t worry about readjustments as your child grows.

Pros:

• Easy installation
• Adjustable harness and buckle for a comfortable fit
• Versatile recline positions for maximum comfort
• Can be used from 5 to 65 pounds

Cons:

• The installation guide isn’t self-explanatory
• A bit heavy

11- Britax Allegiance 3-Stage Convertible Car Seat 

Britax Allegiance has the sleek, stylish look I love to take my kids out in. Particularly the one with the purple confetti pattern is my favorite. But it’s not just the good looks that made it onto our list; plenty of safety features make it a great buy.

The side impact protection, steel frame, impact-absorbing base, and tether to reduce forward movement make it an excellent choice for your kid’s safety. The installation is also easy with push-button latch connectors and built-in lock-offs. Plus, the seat grows with your kid, carries them until they’re 65 lbs, and no re-threading is ever needed.

Pros:

• Several color and pattern options
• Easy installation with push button latch
• Easy-to-clean removable car seat cover
• Easy to adjust for a growing child

Cons:

• The chest strap may not fit bigger babies

Comparison of Top Britax Car-Seats

	Rear-Facing	Forward-Facing	Booster	Max Weight	ClickTight Installation	Headrest/Harness Positions	Recline Positions	Side Impact Protection	SafeWash Cover
Britax B-Safe Gen2 Flexfit Infant Car Seat	✔	✘	✘	34 lbs	✘	5	6	2 Layers	N/A
Britax B-Safe Gen2 Infant	✔	✘	✘	36 lbs	✘	6	3	3 Layers	Available
Britax One4Life VlickToght Car Seat	✔	✔	✔	120 lbs	✔	15	9	2 Layers	Available
Britax Advocate Car Seat	✔	✔	✘	68 lbs	✔	14	7	3 Layers	Available
Britax Emblem Car Seat	✔	✔	✘	65 lbs	✘	10	3	2 Layers	Available
Britax Highpoint 2-Stage Belt-Positioning Booster	✘	✔	✔	122 lbs	✘	10	2	3 Layers	Available
Britax Skyline 2-Stage Belt-Positioning	✘	✔	✔	123 lbs	✘	10	2	2 Layers	N/A
Britax Boulevard Car Seat	✔	✔	✘	67 lbs	✔	14	7	2 Layers	Available
Britax Marathon Car Seat	✔	✔	✘	66 lbs	✔	14	7	X	Available
Britax Allegiance Convertible	✔	✔	✘	65 lbs	✘	6	2	1 Layer	Available
Britax Grow with You Harness-2-Booster	✘	✔	✔	121 lbs	✔	9	2	2 Layers	Available

Buying Guide

Choosing the right car seat for your child can be overwhelming. Still, it’s one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a parent. Here are five factors to consider when buying a car seat:

Safety

Safety is the most critical factor to consider when buying a car seat. Check if the car seat meets the minimum federal safety standards. Look for essential safety features such as side-impact protection, a five-point harness, and compatibility with your vehicle’s safety belts. Also, check the seat’s crash-test ratings and any recalls or safety issues before purchasing.

Brand Reputation

Choose a reputable, well-known brand with a proven safety and reliability track record. Look up reviews of their products, customer service ratings, and safety ratings. In the case of Britax, you can be sure that all their car seats are of the highest quality and meet the most stringent safety standards. And they take customer feedback seriously, releasing upgraded versions of their products with improved features.

Your Child’s Age, Weight, and Height

Each car seat is designed for a specific age group, weight range, and height bracket. Using the wrong seat can endanger your child and may be illegal in some states. Therefore, make sure that you pick a seat that meets or exceeds your child’s size and weight requirements according to the manufacturer’s specifications.

Ease of Use and Installation

You’ll use your car seat often, so look for features that make it easier to install, adjust and use. Seats with LATCH systems are easier to install, while adjustable harnesses and headrests are a must for comfortable journeys. Also, look for car seats with a ClickTight installation system, adjustable straps, and clear guidelines.

Comfort and Support

The car seat should be comfortable and supportive for your child. Look for cushioned seats with padded head supports and adjustable straps for a secure and comfortable fit. Also, ensure your child’s seat has plenty of legroom and is not too snug.

Budget Friendly

Car seats can be expensive, but that doesn’t mean you should buy the cheapest one. Look for a seat that offers the features you need without compromising safety. Keep an eye on rebates or discounts offered by retailers and manufacturers; you can save a lot of money.

Conclusion

There is no one-size-fits-all solution to finding the best car seat for your little one. Different models offer different features and come at different prices. So do your homework, compare various Britax models and brands, and choose the one that best suits your needs.

The Britax One4Life ClickTight All-in-One Car Seat is an excellent choice for a long-term investment. But there are several other equally good options from Britax on this list. Now it’s your turn to make the best decision for your child.

Frequently Asked Questions

What factors are most important when selecting a car seat?

When choosing a car seat, consider ease of use, how well the seat fits your child, and whether it fits your vehicle correctly.

Check the manual for height and weight limits and ensure that the seat does not hang too far over the edge of the car seat.

How do I clean my Britax car seat?

If the seat has a removable cover, simply remove the cover and wash it in cold water on a gentle cycle. If the cover is not removable, you can spot-clean it with an upholstery cleaner or mild detergent. Never use bleach or abrasive cleaners or submerge the seat in water. For more detailed instructions, refer to the manufacturer’s manual.

Can I support my tiny infant who slouches to the side?

It is safe to place rolled-up receiving blankets on each side of your baby for support, but never place anything between your baby and the straps. The straps should always fit snugly against your baby’s body. Additionally, look for car seats with adjustable headrests, side support panels, and deep seat cavities for extra support for tiny infants.

What type of car seat is best for preemies?

For preemies, an infant-only rear-facing car seat is the safest option. Only use convertible car seats for preemies if they reach the minimum weight requirements for that particular seat, usually 5 pounds. Additionally, some prematurely born babies cannot ride safely in a semi-reclined position, so you may want to look into a car seat that reclines flat.

Do I need a high-back booster or a backless booster?

Most high-back booster seats have a built-in headrest and side wings, providing additional safety for your child. However, a backless booster seat may be suitable if your vehicle’s headrest is tall enough to provide adequate support and protection. 

A backless booster may be more comfortable if your child is over 57 inches tall. Before purchasing, consider your child’s size, weight, and height.

How long must my child ride in a booster car seat?

Your child should ride in a booster seat until the seat belt fits properly, meaning the shoulder belt should lie across the shoulder and chest, not the neck or chin. The lap belt should lie across the thighs, not the child’s stomach.

Can I use my car seat on an airplane?

Yes, you can use your car seat on an airplane. However, it must meet FAA requirements. Make sure to check with the airline before travel to make sure that your car seat is allowed. Additionally, look for car seats with a label indicating “this restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft.”