Britax Allegiance Car Seat Review (2024)

The Britax brand hardly requires any introduction. You have likely come across it while shopping for baby products. However, I was recently impressed to learn that Britax has now been in the baby product market for 83 years. They must be doing something right to stay relevant and competitive that long, right?

In this Britax Allegiance car seat review, we will delve into its numerous features and what they can do for you. Nevertheless, here is a brief overview to start us off.

Introducing the Britax Allegiance Seat

The Britax Allegiance is a convertible car seat that was launched in 2018 as part of the Britax Essentials car seat line. It can be used in the rear-facing position for infants and later adjusted to be a front-facing car seat when they get to the toddler stage.

While unboxing this convertible Britax car seat, you will notice that it is somewhat heavy and comes as one unit; the seat carrier is permanently affixed to the base. The package should, however, come with a removable infant cushion. On color selection, you get to choose one of the following 4 options:

  • Luna
  • Confetti
  • Azul
  • Static
Britax Allegiance 3 Stage Convertible Car Seat, Static

Pros

  • 3 conversions
  • Bassinet can be detached and used on its own
  • Compact footprint
  •  Includes travel bag and easy setup/takedown
Britax Allegiance 3 Stage Convertible Car Seat, Static
  • Easy installation: Push button latch connectors and built in lock offs make car seat installation a breeze
  • No rethreading, ever: Quick adjust 10 position harness (8.5 to 17.5 inches) with headrest grows along with your child
  • Easy clean up: Remove the car seat cover without removing the harness

Common Questions That Buyers Often Ask About the Britax Allegiance Car Seat

The Britax Allegiance car seat is a great choice to consider if you are hoping for a car seat that will serve you a bit longer than an infant seat. That is because this convertible car seat is designed to serve you right from birth until your baby’s toddler years.

As you weigh your options here are some answers to FAQs that could help you make a more informed decision. You could also read our guide on infant car seat vs convertible car seat for a detailed comparison.

What is the difference between the Britax Allegiance and Emblem?

These two car seats are often the subject of many Britax convertible car seat reviews. The truth is, the Britax Allegiance and the Emblem are almost completely identical.

Most of their features are the same except for one; the Emblem has a double layer of side impact protection. Its shell is lined with a thicker layer of foam and it has broader flanks along its sides, which may not be a good choice if you want to fit more than one convertible seats in a small car.

The Britax Emblem has broader flanks and double-layer side-impact protection.- Britax Allegiance Car Seat Review | Baby Journey
The Britax Emblem has broader flanks and double-layer side-impact protection. Source: Pinterest

How safe is Britax Allegiance Convertible car seat?

Britax has a great reputation when it comes to car seat safety. The Britax Allegiance is no exception to that trend as it is laden with safety features and ranks very well by NHTSA standards. [1]

When does the Britax Allegiance seat expire?

After 7 years from the date of manufacturing. The first year of use is covered under warranty.

Is the Britax Allegiance worth buying?

Considering the quality of its features, how long it would serve you, and the reasonable price of this good convertible car seat, the Britax Allegiance is worth buying.

The Features and Benefits of the Britax Allegiance Convertible Car Seat

In my first years of parenting, I was quite a sentimental shopper or perhaps I should say, I overthought everything. I worried about how child-safe everything I bought was and fussed a lot about durability so much until I simply could not settle on one choice.

While these concerns were valid, I have found that I now make better decisions by objectively analyzing the features or ingredients of baby products. Where applicable, I also consider how each product will impact my parenting journey. If it can keep my baby safe and comfortable, and also help me parent better or with some ease, sign me up.

With that in mind, let us examine the features of the Britax Allegiance car seat, shall we?

Ease of Installation

The Britax Allegiance can be installed using the LATCH system or a vehicle seat belt.

The LATCH connectors are easy to clip into place and make an audible click sound to let you know that they are properly inserted.

Seat belt installation is also easy to navigate as there are built-in lock-offs at the back of the seat that secure the belt in place. The lock-offs and belt paths are well-labeled thereby making the whole process less confusing.

The main challenge that I experienced while trying out this car seat is that it has no bubble level indicators. If you are not very familiar with car seat installation, it can be difficult to tell whether you have installed the Allegiance at the right angle.

It is also worth mentioning that there are no markings on the car seat to show you how to convert it from rear-facing to front-facing. The manual does provide some guidance on how to install Britax Essentials convertible car seats, but some labeling could be helpful too.

Height and Weight Limits

In the rear-facing position, this convertible car seat is recommended for babies that weigh 5 to 40 pounds and have a shoulder height of 9 to 16.75 inches.

You can safely switch your little one to the front-facing position when they weigh 20 to 65 pounds and have achieved a shoulder height of between 12 to 16.75 inches. Nonetheless, child car safety experts recommend that you keep your child in the rear-facing position for as long as the weight and height limits allow.

Car Seat Weight

Convertible car seats are equipped with extra parts due to the extra functions that they perform. For this reason, they usually weigh more than car seats that can only be used in one position. Their average weight can fall anywhere between 15 to 30 pounds.

The Britax Essentials Allegiance car seat weighs 19.5 pounds. It feels slightly heavier than most convertible car seats which is something I would attribute to its steel frame and other safety reinforcements.

Safety and Protection

The Britax brand is well-known for its dependable safety features and it lives up to that praise in this car seat model.

The frame of the Allegiance is made of steel to give it a sturdy structure that can provide adequate protection in case of collision impact. The shell is further lined with foam to provide side impact protection.

This entire structure is attached to a solid impact-absorbing base designed with safe-cell protection technology. It is no wonder that this car seat has such high convertible car seat crash test ratings.

Car seats in the front-facing position experience more inertia when your car stops suddenly or experiences collision impact. This causes them to be pulled forward which can be risky for your child.[2] Fortunately, the Britax Allegiance has a V-shaped tether that you can use to secure the car seat to prevent the seat from being pulled forward during transit.

The safety reinforcements do not end there. You still get a 5-point no-rethread harness to strap in your child. It is easy to adjust and my favorite part is that the harness straps are well-covered and are not likely to ‘cut’ into your baby’s neck.

The Britax Allegiance is well-padded and has a non-detachable base that helps absorb impact well.- Britax Allegiance Car Seat Review | Baby Journey
The Britax Allegiance is well-padded and has a non-detachable base that helps absorb impact well. Source: Pinterest

Quality and Comfort

The Britax Allegiance is a 3-stage car seat. In non-tech speak, this means that it can be reclined in 3 different angles depending on what is most comfortable for your tot. The push-to-recline button is located at the front centre of the base just below the footrest position.

I was a bit confused about how to recline the seat at first because I would push the button and nothing happens. That was until I learned how to adjust the recline of Britax Allegiance. It is a bit different from what I have encountered on other car seat brands.

You need to adjust the car seat recline position before installing it. I have mixed feelings about that because sometimes you never really know what position is comfortable until your baby is strapped in. Still, I suppose once you know what works for a certain growth phase then it is not that hard.

You can also adjust the headrest height in 10 different positions to match the height of your growing child. This is a task I often dread because it usually means adjusting the harness to a suitable position too. Much to my delight, adjusting the headrest on this car seat was painless and the harness was easy to figure out as well.

Regarding fabric, I would say that the Allegiance car seat cover is partially breathable. It gets a bit hot in warm weather but not as much fabrics such as nylon would. Turning on the AC in your car could keep your baby more comfortable in this seat.

Ease of Use and Cleaning

The manual gives clear instructions on how to wash the Britax Allegiance. The seat cover is easily removable and should be hand-washed and air-dried. This helps maintain the quality of the fabric and prevents it from shrinking which would make redraping the seat difficult.

On ease of use, I would say that the Britax Allegiance delivers a user-friendly experience. I did not experience any stiff or hard-to-handle parts. I particularly appreciate the buckle strap holders that keep the buckets out of the way as you get your baby into the car seat.

Alternative Convertible Car Seats That Are Similar to the Britax Allegiance

Comparing convertible car seat options could give you some perspective. Is the Britax Allegiance car seat the best fit for you? Are there convertible car seat options that could work better for you or offer you more value?

Here are some options that are similar to the Allegiance car seat.

#1 Nuna RAVA

Nuna RAVA as alternative. - Britax Allegiance Car Seat Review | Baby Journey

The Nuna Rava is a convertible car seat. In the rear-facing position, it is suitable for babies weighing 5-50 pounds. The 50-pound upper limit allows your baby to ride in the rear-facing position for longer. The weight limits for the front-facing seat position are 25 to 65 pounds.

The car seat is draped in a natural breathable fabric that is free of flame retardants. The seat is also well padded for comfort and side-impact protection. It comes with a removable infant insert that is well-designed and provides ample body positioning support.

The Nuna Rava is ideal if you are looking for a luxury comfort car seat. It is, however, quite heavy at 27.8 pounds and will cost you about $260 more than the Britax Allegiance. Check it out here.

Nuna Rava

  • Made with fire retardant free and naturally flame resistant material.
  • Rear facing infant car seat for babies 5 to 50 pounds and
    front-facing car seat for babies 25 to 65 pounds.
  • Well padded seat for comfort and side-impact protection.
  • Equipped with a removable infant insert that provides ample body positioning support.

#2 Britax Emblem

Britax Emblem 3 Stage Convertible Car Seat, Dash

The Britax Emblem and the Britax Allegiance are siblings that are quite alike. The Emblem is also a convertible car seat with 5 to 40 pounds and 20 to 65 pounds weight limits for rear-facing and front-facing seating. It has a no-rethread adjustable harness and can be reclined in 3 different positions.

All functional and safety features of the Britax Emblem are the same as those of the Britax Allegiance. However, the Emblem has two layers of foam padding and broader flaps for improved side impact protection. So, the Britax Emblem vs Allegiance battle simply comes down to whether you want that extra layer of protection for your baby.

The Britax Emblem will cost you $50 more than the Britax Allegiance. It is available on Amazon and PishPosh Baby.

SALE
Britax Emblem 3 Stage Convertible Car Seat, Dash
  • Easy installation: Push button Latch connectors and built in lock offs make car seat installation a breeze
  • No rethreading, ever: Quick adjust 10 position harness (8.5 to 17.5 inches) with headrest grows along with your child
  • Easy clean up: Remove the car seat cover without removing the harness.Shoulder width:13 inch

#3 Graco Extend2Fit

Graco Extend2Fit as alternative. - Britax Allegiance Car Seat Review | Baby Journey

The Graco Extend2Fit is named after its extendable panel that can be adjusted to give your baby extra leg form as they grow. This feature complements the 4 to 50 pounds rear-facing weight limit by allowing your child to ride in that position longer even as they get taller. The weight limits for front-facing seating are 22 to 64 pounds.

Other outstanding features you can look forward to in this convertible car seat include:

  • 6-position seat recline
  • Cup holders
  • A no-rethread harness that adjusts with the headrest
  • Harness storage
  • InRight technology for easy LATCH attachment

The Graco Extend2Fit costs only $10 more than the Britax Allegiance. You can find it here on Walmart.

Graco Extend2Fit

  • Convertible car seat for babies from rear-facing harness (4-50 lb) to forward-facing harness (22-65 lb).
  • Push-button InRight™ LATCH helps to ensure secure installation.
  • Seat pad is comfortable and machine washable.
  • 2 easy-to-clean cup holders keep your child’s drinks and snacks close at hand.

Summary of Britax Allegiance Car Seat vs Alternatives

BRITAX ALLEGIANCE
NUNA RAVA
BRITAX EMBLEM
GRACO EXTEND2FIT
Britax Allegiance 3 Stage Convertible Car Seat, Static
Graco Tranzitions 3 in 1 Harness Booster Seat, Proof
Britax Emblem 3 Stage Convertible Car Seat, Dash
Cosco Finale Dx 2-In-1 Combination Booster Car Seat, Sport Blue, 1 Count (Pack of 1)
Rear-facing Weight Limits
5 - 40 lbs
5 - 50 lbs
5 - 40 lbs
4 - 50 lbs
Front-facing Weight Limits
20 - 65 lbs
25 - 65 lbs
20 - 65 lbs
22 - 64 lbs
Car Seat Weight
19.5 lbs
27.8 lbs
19.5 lbs
19.25 lbs
Safety Features
Harness, Impact-absorbing base, Steel frame, 1 layer Side-impact protection, V-shaped tether
Harness, Side-impact protection, Steel frame
Harness, Impact-absorbing base, Steel frame, 2 layer Side-impact protection, V-shaped tether
Harness, Protect Plus engineering for side, front, and roll crash incidents, Foam padding
Installation systems
Push-button LATCH connectors, Seat belt lock-offs
Seat belt path guides, LATCH connectors
Push-button LATCH connectors, Seat belt lock-offs
InRight LATCH connectors
Expiry
7 years
10 years
7 years
10 years
BRITAX ALLEGIANCE
Britax Allegiance 3 Stage Convertible Car Seat, Static
Rear-facing Weight Limits
5 - 40 lbs
Front-facing Weight Limits
20 - 65 lbs
Car Seat Weight
19.5 lbs
Safety Features
Harness, Impact-absorbing base, Steel frame, 1 layer Side-impact protection, V-shaped tether
Installation systems
Push-button LATCH connectors, Seat belt lock-offs
Expiry
7 years
NUNA RAVA
Graco Tranzitions 3 in 1 Harness Booster Seat, Proof
Rear-facing Weight Limits
5 - 50 lbs
Front-facing Weight Limits
25 - 65 lbs
Car Seat Weight
27.8 lbs
Safety Features
Harness, Side-impact protection, Steel frame
Installation systems
Seat belt path guides, LATCH connectors
Expiry
10 years
BRITAX EMBLEM
Britax Emblem 3 Stage Convertible Car Seat, Dash
Rear-facing Weight Limits
5 - 40 lbs
Front-facing Weight Limits
20 - 65 lbs
Car Seat Weight
19.5 lbs
Safety Features
Harness, Impact-absorbing base, Steel frame, 2 layer Side-impact protection, V-shaped tether
Installation systems
Push-button LATCH connectors, Seat belt lock-offs
Expiry
7 years
GRACO EXTEND2FIT
Cosco Finale Dx 2-In-1 Combination Booster Car Seat, Sport Blue, 1 Count (Pack of 1)
Rear-facing Weight Limits
4 - 50 lbs
Front-facing Weight Limits
22 - 64 lbs
Car Seat Weight
19.25 lbs
Safety Features
Harness, Protect Plus engineering for side, front, and roll crash incidents, Foam padding
Installation systems
InRight LATCH connectors
Expiry
10 years

Conclusion

All things considered after going through the Britax Allegiance car seat review, the Britax Allegiance is a good pick for a convertible car seat. It has a good quality overall build and its features add value to the performance of the car seat. They are not just bells and whistles that serve to inflate the price.

Consider investing in this Essentials by Britax car seat model if you:

  • Are looking for a budget convertible car seat you can rely on
  • Prefer a car seat with high-quality safety features
  • Would like a wide array of color options
  • Do not mind the lack of stroller compatibility

The Britax Allegiance is available on Amazon and PishPosh Baby.

Britax Allegiance Car Seat Review | Baby Journey

Last update on 2024-03-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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