Infant Seat Center
Britax
All infant seats sold in the United States have passed the Federal guidelines for safety requirement. Below is a report summary of current line of infant seats and any recent recalls by this manufacturer.
1. Website
Britax's website is well designed. They only carry 8 infant seat models, and each one has a comprehensive list of features. There is also a 360-degree view to show how the infant seats look like. In each model, they list out the various features on the infant seats so potential buyer can do a quick comparison. For example, some are approved for aircraft use, and some meet the FMVSS 213 strict standard. All in all, one of the best websites among childseat manufacturers.
2. Models
We list the most common models here for your evaluation. Please
refer to the manufacturer's websites for detailed specifications, as
products may have changed since we last update the information.
| Name | Type | Rear-facing | Forward-facing | EPS foam liner | Latch Base |
| Companion | Infant | 4-22 lbs., up to 30 ins. | n/a | head, torso | yes |
| Roundabout | Convertible | 5-33 lbs. | 20-40 lbs. | yes | n/a |
| Marathon | Convertible | 5-33 lbs. | 20-65 lbs. | yes | n/a |
| Decathlon | Convertible | 5-33 lbs. | 20-65 lbs. | yes | n/a |
| Boulevard | Convertible | 5-33 lbs. | 22-65 lbs. | TSIP (true side impact protection) | n/a |
| Regent | Forward-facing | n/a | 22-80 lbs. | yes | n/a |
| Parkway | Forward-facing | n/a | 30-100 lbs., 38-60 ins. | TSIP (true side impact protection) | n/a |
| Monarch | Combination | n/a | 30-100 lbs., 38-60 ins. | TSIP (true side impact protection) | n/a |
3. Recent Recalls
These are 2006 and 2007 recalls on childseats. Please refer to manufacturer's or NHTSA websites for latest updates. Information obtained from NHTSA website.
Model(s): Decathlon - E9L47 - Child Restraint System
Production Dates: February 12, 2005 - July 31, 2007
Defect: Certain Britax Decathlon child restraint systems, Model E9L47, manufactured from February 12, 2005, through July 31, 2007. The harness adjuster housing can pop out of position which makes it difficult to adjust the harness to fit snuggly around the child. In the event of a vehicle crash, a child could suffer injuries if the harness is not properly adjusted.
Corrective Action: Britax will send notices to all registered owners, which will consist of the necessary parts to repair their child restraint system(s) along with repair instructions free of charge. The recall is expected to begin on August 17, 2007. Owners can contact Britax at 1-800-683-2045 or visit their website at www.britaxusa.com.
NHTSA No.: 07C-005
[Britax Safety Recall No.: BCS#080701]Model(s): Regent Classic - E9L3998 - Forward-facing only youth child restraint system
Production Dates: December 18, 2006 - January 18, 2007
Noncompliance: These child restraint systems were produced with an incorrect label sewn to the fabric cover which fails to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 213, "Child Restraint Systems." In place of the "WARNING! Death or serious injury can occur" warning label, an airbag warning label was attached. The airbag warning label is not required for the Regent Classic restraint as it is a forward-facing only youth restraint system.
Corrective Action: Owners that have filed a registration card with Britax will automatically receive a replacement cover. Owners or caregivers who have not filed a registration form should contact Britax Consumer Services Department at 1-888-4britax (1-888-427-4829) or via email at regentcoverreplacement@britaxusa.com. The recall is expected to begin on March 9, 2007.
NHTSA No.: 07C-002
[Britax Safety Recall No.: BCS#020701]Model(s): Boulevard - E9L57 - Child restraint systems
Production Dates: March 1, 2006 - August 1, 2006
Noncompliance: During testing, the tether hook opened which fails to conform to the dynamic performance and child restraint system integrity requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 213, "Child Restraint Systems."
Corrective Action: If the top tether hook opens during a crash, the child restraint could change from an upright to a reclined position increasing the risk of injury to the child. Registered owners will automatically receive labels along with instructions advising caregivers to discontinue use of the top tether when the child reaches 50 lbs. Non-registered owners can obtain labels by contacting Britax at 1-888-427-4829. The recall is expected to begin on December 1, 2006.
NHTSA No.: 06C003000
NOTE: Britax will not assign a recall number to this campaign. Please refer to the NHTSA recall number listed above.
4. Where To Buy
The safe bet to find a Britax infant seat is in a BabyRUs store. There are plenty other stores that carry their product, and it's best to check with their website to locate a retailer near you.