Our Top Recommendations
In this complete guide to the best Britax convertible car seats, we cover the background on the company, information on its safety record, and provide you with Britax convertible car seat reviews of the top models (and much more!)
At a Glance: Safest Britax Convertible Car Seats
Image | Name | Height | Width | Depth | Weight | Best For | Header |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Advocate ClickTight | 23.5" | 20.5" | 23” | 30.6 lbs | Safety & Easy installation | |
| Boulevard ClickTight | 23.5” | 18.5" | 23” | 29.4 lbs | Impact-Absorbing Base | |
| Marathon ClickTight | 23.5" | 18.5" | 23" (L) | 27 lbs | SafeCell Impact Protection | |
| Allegiance | 26" | 18.5" | 21" | 19.5 lbs | SafeCell Protection | |
| Britax Emblem | 26" | 18.5" | 21" | 19.5 lbs | Easy-buckle system |
Safest Britax Convertible Car Seats
Advocate Clicktight | |
|---|---|
Height | 23.5" |
Width | 20.5" |
Depth | 23” |
Weight | 30.6 lbs |
The Britax Advocate ClickTight is one of the first in the Britax lineup to be equipped with ClickTight technology to make installation quicker and easier. It can seat children in the rear-facing position if they weigh between 5 to 40 pounds. As well, it can seat children in the forward-facing position if they weigh between 20 to 65 pounds.
Features include:
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CONS |
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Safety Ratings
The NHTSA gave the Advocate ClickTight a 5-star rating. Here are two videos of a crash test performed on the Advocate ClickTight in the rear-facing and forward-facing positions.
Installing the new Boulevard ClickTight convertible car seat is as easy as 1,2,3. And, you can rest assured that your child will be buckled in nice and tight with the easy-to-use Click & Safe Snug Harness Indicator. Up top, your child’s head is protected by two layers of Side Impact protection and a foam-lined headrest.
The Boulevard ClickTight can seat children ranging from 5 to 65 pounds. As your child grows, the 14-point Harness can be adjusted to comfortably fit your little one. This simple, yet safe car seat, is also fitted with an impact-absorbing base. When combined with its other features, the Boulevard ClickTight proves to be a top-of-the-line car seat that’s designed to give your child the ultimate protection.
Features include:
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Safety Ratings
The Boulevard ClickTight meets the Federal safety standards set by the NHTSA. The NHTSA gave the Boulevard ClickTight a 5-star Ease-of-use rating.
The Marathon ClickTight is another one of the few Britax convertible car seats that’s equipped with the ClickTight Installation System. It’s also fitted with the SafeCell Impact Protection and Side Impact Protection to shield your child from the most severe collision.
The Marathon ClickTight grows with your child with its 14-point Harness that can easily be adjusted as your child gets older. Likewise, it has several recline positions to help you install your car seat with ease at the proper angle. While it’s cheaper than the Advocate and the Boulevard, the Marathon ClickTight still comes with some premium features that exceeds the industry’s standards for car seat safety.
Features include:
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CONS |
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Safety Ratings
Here’s a video of a rear-facing crash test performed on the Marathon ClickTight by the WireCutter. The Marathon ClickTight is deemed safe according to the Federal safety requirements created by the NHTSA.
The Allegiance has some of the highest ratings in the Britax convertible seat lineup. It’s cheaper than the Advocate, Boulevard, and Marathon models, but it still offers high-quality features that are guaranteed and NHTSA approved to keep your child safe.
The Allegiance is fitted with SafeCell Protection that’s designed to give your child comfortable and advanced protection. It’s also equipped with easy-to-use lower anchors that can be locked and released with the push of a button. This cute and cozy car seat has a foam-lined shell that provides top-notch side impact protection for your child.
Other features include:
PROS |
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CONS |
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Safety Ratings
The BabyGearLab gave the Britax Allegiance convertible car seat a crash test score of 8/10. The Britax Allegiance convertible car seat exceeds the Federal safety requirements set forth by the NHTSA.
The Emblem is much like the Allegiance, but it has extra padding to give your child an extra dose of comfort. It’s also one of the highest-ranking car seats in the Britax convertible seat lineup. It ranks so high that BabyGearLab believes that there’s no reason to purchase a more expensive car seat. Of course, the choice is entirely up to you.
The Emblem SafeCell Protection and two layers of side impact protection that work together to make sure that your child’s head and neck are secure in the event of a car crash. It’s affordable and easy to install with premium features that make this one of the safest car seats.
Features include:
PROS |
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CONS |
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Safety Ratings
The BabyGearLab crash test gave the Emblem a score of 8/10. It exceeds the Federal safety requirements set by the NHTSA.
Background on Britax
When was the company started?
Britax has been around for more than 70 years. The company was made out of British Accessories in 1939 and quickly grew to one of the most popular car seat safety brands in Europe. From 1973 to 1989, Britax acquired several car seat manufacturers in Germany, Australia, and New Zealand. These companies included ROMER, Safe-n-Sound, and Steelcraft.
Through their international communications with vehicle industry experts and car seat manufacturers, Britax created ISOFIX in 1990. The emergence of ISOFIX was a revolutionary stepping stone for car seat safety, as it created a standardized anchorage system for child safety in motor vehicles. This new tool would set the foundation for the LATCH system that we know today.
In 1996, Britax Safety Inc. established itself in the United States and it brought with them The Freeway, the first car seat brought to the US market. Then, in the following year, Britax created the first convertible car seat known as The Roundabout. 1997 also saw the first belt-positioning booster seat (Starriser Comfy), and in Germany, the first car seat that incorporated ISOFIX was launched.
In 2000, Britax launched its first US infant car seat (Britax Handle With Care). As the years went on, and the safety standards that car seats were required to meet went up, Britax continued to make modifications to new and old car seats, ensuring that children were given the ultimate protection when riding in a motor vehicle.
How large is the company?
In 2011, Britax was acquired by Nordic Capital. Britax is a leading brand in the US, Australia, and Europe. Nordic Capital has hopes to expand this market to China and Latin America. Their annual revenue is $333,555,000 USD.
What products does the company manufacture?
Britax manufactures a complete line of car seats and strollers. They offer infant, convertible, Harness-2-Booster, and booster car seats. Their strollers are equipped with an easy-to-use braking system that allows you to lock the rear wheels with the push of a button. Britax car seats are fitted with a ClickTight Installation System and the ultimate Side Impact Protection.
What is the reputation of the company’s products?
Britax has some of the safest car seats on the market. Your child’s safety is their top priority, and at Britax, they’re always working to improve the safety of their car seats to exceed the standards set by the industry. They work with child passenger safety experts and test all of their products in a leading testing facility to ensure that your child’s car ride never felt safer.
In the past five years, Britax has won more than 100 awards from various safety experts. Some of these include a 5-star rating from the NHTSA, a BabyCenter Product Award, a Family Choice Award, and much more!
Difference between Britax convertible car seats
What are the main differences between the Britax convertible car seats?
The Britax Convertible car seat lineup includes:
- The Advocate
- The Boulevard
- The Marathon
- The Allegiance
- The Emblem
Before we get into this, it’s important to note that the Advocate, Boulevard, and Marathon are sort of in their bubble separate from the Allegiance and the Emblem. The key difference between these two bubbles, if you will, is that the Advocate, Boulevard, and Marathon are all equipped with the ClickTight Installation System, and the Allegiance and Emblem are not. Also, if you take a look at the Britax Convertible Car Seat Comparison Chart, you’ll see that the Advocate, Boulevard, and Marathon are all fitted with a Comfort pillow, and the Allegiance and Emblem are fitted with an Infant Positioning pillow. Lastly, the Allegiance and the Emblem don’t have the option of having an Anti-Rebound bar.
Now, le’s focus on the main differences within the Advocate, Boulevard, and Marathon bubble. All of the Britax convertible car seats are designed with Side Impact Protection to keep your child’s head and neck secure in a car crash. The Advocate has three layers of side impact protection, the Boulevard has two, and the Marathon only has one.
Another key difference that’s found in this bubble is weight difference. The Advocate weighs 30.6 pounds, the Boulevard weighs 29.4 pounds, and the Marathon weighs 28.5 pounds. Also, cost. The Marathon is the cheapest of these models. It’s priced at $319.99.The Boulevard costs $354.99, and the Advocate costs $344.99.
Let’s hop on over to the other bubble. In terms of Side Impact Protection, the Emblem has two layers and the Allegiance only has one. Additionally, there’s a $10 difference in price. The Emblem costs $199.99, and the Allegiance costs $189.99. Lastly, the Emblem has more padding than the Allegiance.
Britax convertible car seats on sale
Where can consumers in the USA find Britax car seats on sale?
The best places to find a Britax car seat on sale near you are at Target, Wal-Mart, buybuy BABY, Albee Baby, Bambi Baby or on Amazon.
Britax convertible car seats vs other manufacturers
Britax vs Chicco convertible car seat
Britax and Chicco are two of the world’s most popular car seat manufacturers. In addition to car seats, they also produce strollers and a variety of accessories to complement and elevate their main products. While both companies are high-rated and known for their safe convertible car seats, there are a few differences that set them apart.
First and foremost, Britax convertible car seats have a higher ease-of-use rating from the NHTSA. This means that it’s easier to install and uninstall Britax car seats. Next, Chicco car seats weigh a lot less than Britax ones. Now, even though the NHTSA gave Britax a 5-star ease-of-use rating, many consumers feel that uninstalling the car seat is more difficult than Chicco car seats.
Let’s take a look at some of the differences in the features.
- Chicco convertible car seats are equipped with cup holders.
- Britax convertible car seats are fitted with a ClickTight Installation System to make installation as easy as 1,2,3.
- Britax car seats have a Click & Snug Harness Indicator that makes an audible noise to alert you when the harness is nice and tight.
Finally, Britax convertible car seats are relatively more expensive than Chicco car seats. You’re going to end up paying around $100 more for a Britax car seat. That isn’t necessarily a bad thing depending on what you’re looking for.
All in all, both the Britax and Chicco convertible car seats are really good and safe. If you’re trying to choose between the two, I would advise that you make your choice based on your needs.
Peg Perego vs Britax convertible car seat
Peg Perego is a car seat manufacturer based in Italy. They have been making child safe transportation items and baby toys since 1949. At Peg Perego, their mission is to bring your family top-quality products that reflect popular Italian trends and ensure that your baby has the safest riding experience.
The first difference I want to point out is that Peg Perego convertible car seats weigh a lot less than Britax car seats. There’s about a 10-pound difference between the two, which can be an important factor if you tend to go a lot of places where you have to carry your baby around.
Next, both car seats are equipped with Side Impact Protection that’s designed to keep your child’s head and neck secure. However, the Side Impact Protection on a Peg Perego car seat can be adjusted as the child grows to ensure a comfortable and safe fit.
Peg Perego convertible car seats have a Contoured Steel Back Plate that’s designed to reduce forward movement. Also, all of the Peg Perego products are manufactured in Italy, whereas Britax Safety Inc. has locations in Europe, America, South America, and Australia.
Finally, Peg Perego convertible car seats are way more expensive than Briax ones. You’ll find yourself paying about $599.99 for a Peg Perego convertible car seat.
Both companies are top-rated, FAA approved, and are deemed safe to use by the NHTSA.
Graco vs Britax convertible car seat
Graco was founded in 1942 in Philadelphia, and it’s also one of the leading car seat manufacturers around. If you’ve ever heard of the Travel System, it’s because Graco introduced it to the world. The Travel System is a product that lets you quickly click your car seat in and out of your stroller. With this and other innovations, Graco is determined to make transporting children safe, comfortable, and easy for your little one and the whole family.
When comparing Britax to Graco, you’ll find that Britax convertible car seats are about $100 more expensive than Graco convertible car seats. But, just because something is cheaper doesn’t mean it’s lacking in quality. Both manufacturers are top-rated and offer premium features on their car seats.
Another difference is that Graco convertible car seats have cup holders and Britax car seats do not. Also, Britax convertible car seats are designed with Side Impact Protection that gives your child an extra layer of safety and support. Additionally, Britax has the ClickTight Installation System that makes installing your car seat as easy as fastening a seat belt.
Graco car seats can stay in the rear-facing position up until your child reaches 50 pounds, and Britax allows your child to sit in the rear-facing position until they reach 40 pounds.
Finally, both manufacturers are recognized for their high-quality products and safety ratings. Britax has a slight lead in safety and recognition, but all in all, both companies are great choices when choosing the right car seat for your child.
Britax car seat accessories
Best Britax convertible car seat covers
Britax offers a variety of car seat covers that are designed to protect your child from harsh weather conditions. Some of their best car seat covers include:
- B-Covered All-Weather Infant Car Seat Cover: This car seat cover blocks 98% of all UV rays. It also has a mesh window to keep your baby insulated and protected from bugs.
- B-Warm Insulated Infant Car Seat Cover: This car seat cover is perfect for cold weather.
- Advocate ClickTight Cover Set
- Boulevard ClickTight Cover Set
- Marathon CLickTight Cover Set
Best Britax convertible car seat cup holders
Cup holders can be a great tool to add to your child’s convertible car seat.
- Convertible Child Cup Holder: This cup holder can hold drinks of many different sizes and drinks that come in different containers, including juice boxes, sippy cups, and juice pouches. It can fit on both the left and right side, and it’s dishwasher-friendly.
Britax Convertible Car Seat Anti-Rebound Bar
- Anti-Rebound Bar ClickTight Convertibles: The Anti-Rebound Bar tool is an important addition that can reduce the impact-force of a car crash when the car seat is in the rear-facing position.
Britax Convertible Car Seat Sun Shield
- Car Seat Sun Shield: This cover is designed to keep your car seat cool and protected from the harsh UV rays. This is especially nice if you live in a place that’s hot all of the time. It can easily be put on, taken off, and stored in a compact storage space.
Britax FAQ’s
Most Britax convertible car seats are good for seven years. Britax convertible car seats that have the ClickTight Installation System are good for ten years. Do NOT use car seats past their expiration date.
In the rear-facing position, Britax convertible car seats can hold children from 5 to 40 pounds. In the forward-facing position, they can seat children who weigh between 20 to 65 pounds.
Britax convertible car seats can seat children from the time they leave the hospital up until they’re about 7 to 8 years old. Age limit isn’t too much of a factor, as long as your child meets the height and weight requirements for both the forward-facing and rear-facing positions.
In general, you should only switch your car seat to the forward-facing position once your child reaches the height and weight requirements. Children can only sit in a Britax forward-facing car seat if they weigh between 20 and 65 pounds, and they’re at least 49 inches tall.
You should switch your child to a booster once they’ve exceeded the height-weight requirements for a forward-facing car seat, but they’re not big enough to ride in the car without a car seat.
The height limit for a Britax convertible is 49 inches.
A child should remain in a Britax rear-facing convertible car seat for as long as possible, or until they exceed 22 pounds.
You can buy a Britax convertible car seat from their website, or from a local market like Target.
Britax has a list of all of their recalls on their Safety Notices page.
What's the Difference? Britax Convertible Car Seats by Magic Beans Videos
Car Seat Safety By Age: Infants in Rear-facing Seats (The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia)
With two kids of my own, I’m passionate about child safety! I’m a research nerd who’s on a mission to make the world a safer place for kids – starting with car seats!
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