Britax is a market leader in convertible car seats. They offer a variety of different convertible car seat models. Most of the Britax models are very similar. Britax offers the higher quality Boulevard and Marathon models as well as the more affordable models from Essentials by Britax, the Emblem and Allegiance models.
After reviewing these four Britax convertible car seat models, I feel confident recommending all of them. Each model fits the quality standards you expect from Britax. I feel that regardless of the model you select, you can feel confident the car seat will meet and exceed your needs.
I do suggest that you buy the best model you can afford. Although convertible car seats can be used from birth, I found that an infant car seat was the best option for my newborns. Unlike the convertible car seat, the infant car seat can be easily removed with baby resting peacefully inside.
Especially if you are planning to have more than one child, a quality convertible car seat is a good investment. You will likely use the seat daily for years. This is a product that you should not have to replace and should last through multiple children until they transition to a booster seat.
Essentials by Britax
Britax’s new Essentials line offers the top quality of the Britax brand at a more affordable price point. The reason Britax is so popular is that they produce quality, safety-focused car seats that parents love. The Essentials line includes the safety features parents expect from Britax including SafeCell Technology, stabilizing steel frame, impact-absorbing base, and V-shaped tether.
Allegiance Convertible Car Seat
The Allegiance Convertible Car Seat is currently the lowest priced Britax Essentials convertible car seat. The Allegiance model now offers families the opportunity to purchase a new Britax convertible car seat for quite a bit less than the mainline Britax brand.
The only real difference between the Allegiance model and the Emblem model is the Allegiance has one less layer of side impact protection. If you can afford the extra dollars for the Emblem, I recommend that. However, Britax car seats are safe and you should feel comfortable with the Allegiance.
I also think that the Essentials line, including the Allegiance would be a great choice for a second vehicle or to use with your child care provider.
Features from the Manufacture
- Includes SafeCell Impact Protection a system of patented safety features designed to help keep baby safe and sound.
- Deep foam-lined shell provides side impact protection to help surround baby in safety.
- 10-Position Harness easily adjusts to make it easy to keep proper harness positions for your growing baby.
- LATCH connectors lock into place with a click, and are released with the push of a button.
Emblem Convertible Car Seat
The Emblem convertible car seat model from Britax is one step up from the Allegiance model. While still more affordable than the higher-end Britax lines, the Emblem offers an additional layer of side impact protection.
One feature I love about both the Allegiance and the Emblem convertible car seats is the easily removable cover. As a mom, I know the spills and accidents that can impact a car seat. Having an option to remove and wash the cover is a definite plus in my book.
Features from the Manufacture
- Includes SafeCell Impact Protection a system of patented safety features designed to help keep baby safe and sound.
- Two layers of side impact protection include a deep, foam-lined shell and adjustable headrest provides side impact protection to help surround your baby in safety.
- 10-Position Harness easily adjusts to make it easy to keep proper harness positions for your growing baby.
- LATCH connectors lock into place with a click and are released with the push of a button.
ClickTight Britax Convertible Car Seats
Britax offers many different models of top rated convertible car seats. While they introduced the more affordable Essentials line, Britax’s ClickTight line includes the Boulevard and Marathon models. The ClickTight technology offers an easier solution for installing the convertible car seat in your vehicle.
If your budget allows, I recommended choosing either the Boulevard or Marathon over the Essentials line. The added ease of placing the car seat in your vehicle is reason enough, but because you will use this product for years, you want to buy the best product for your money.
Marathon ClickTight Convertible Car Seat
The Britax Marathon is in the middle price range of all the Britax convertible car seat options. The Marathon features the ClickTight technology to allow for easier installation. Like the Emblem versus the Allegiance, the Marathon has one fewer layer of side protection compared with the Boulevard.
The products are so similar otherwise that you can barely distinguish the two models. If you cannot afford the higher-priced Boulevard, the Marathon model is still a great choice. You will be satisfied with the quality and reliability.
Features from the Manufacture
- Quick-adjust harness
- ClickTight installation system
- Auto level indicators
- Multiple recline positions
- V-shaped tether
- Side impact protection
- Impact absorbing base
Boulevard ClickTight Convertible Car Seat
The Boulevard ClickTight convertible car seat is my recommendation of the four Britax car seats listed here. The Boulevard model is the most expensive of the four; however, it does offer both the ClickTight technology and dual side impact protection.
If you are able to splurge for the Boulevard Britax model, you will not be disappointed. As a matter of fact, I think you will be more disappointed if you purchase a lower quality car seat. With Britax, especially their premium models, you can trust you will be satisfied with the overall experience.
Features from the Manufacture
- Quick adjust harness
- ClickTight installation system
- Auto level indicators
- Multiple recline positions
- V-shaped tether
- Two layers of side impact protection
- Impact absorbing base
What to Look for in a Convertible Car Seat
When you are shopping for a convertible car seat it is important to do your research and consider the main criteria for the decision. Safety is, of course, the most important feature with a car seat. The Britax brand, regardless of the model you choose, offers top safety protection for your child.
I do not recommend using a second-hand car seat. This is a product you should purchase new. Car seats are no longer reliable once they have been in an accident. You want to ensure the convertible car seat you use for your children is still up to the top quality in safety.
Also, remember that the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that until children are two years of age or reach the height and weight requirements that they remain rear-facing while in the car seat. Convertible car seats offer the option to have your child rear or front-facing.
Here are four criteria to consider before purchasing a convertible car seat.
Ease of Use
Whether you are talking about installing the car seat into your vehicle or fastening your child into the seat, ease of use is an important consideration when buying a car seat. Convertible car seats are often heavy and bulky. Consider features like the ClickTight technology when researching car seats.
Another consideration that will make your car seat experience more user-friendly is how easy it is to clean. Removable car seat covers make cleaning up the inevitable spills and blowouts much easier to manage.
Child Comfort
Your child will spend many hours in their car seat. You want to ensure that they are comfortable. Features like reclining seats and padded harnesses will add to their comfort. You want your babies and toddlers to feel comfortable drifting off to sleep while they ride.
I feel child comfort is where the higher-end brands excel over the lower-priced products. Nothing is worse than a screaming child in the car while you are trying to drive. Consider how comfortable your child will be in the convertible car seat that you choose.
Safety Features
The most important consideration for a convertible car seat is safety. That is truly the whole point of a car seat – to keep your child safe while riding and especially if a crash occurs. Higher-end brands like Britax offer amazing safety features like side impact protection and five-point harnesses.
Do your research before you purchase a convertible car seat. Make sure that you invest in a car seat that is safe for your child and will offer you peace of mind while you drive. You cannot go wrong with the Britax brand.
Budget
Convertible car seats are expensive but this is not an item to skimp on. Just like you don’t want to buy the cheapest jogging stroller, you do not want to purchase the bargain convertible car seat. Thankfully, for those on a tighter budget, Britax now offers the Essentials line. The Essentials line provides the quality and safety features you expect from Britax at a more affordable price point.
Conclusion
I feel confident recommending any of the Britax convertible car seats. All four included here are reliable and safe. I do think that the two layers of side impact protection are worth the extra money. If you are sticking with the Essentials line, I recommend the Emblem over the Allegiance. It is worth the extra cost if you have it.
If budget is not limiting your options, then choose the Boulevard. Again, the Boulevard is the better choice over the Marathon because of the second layer of side impact protection. Regardless of which Britax model you choose, you can feel confident that your child will be protected.
