As a new parent, you are surrounded by plenty of responsibilities. With so much to decide, probably the one thing you should not worry about is car seats.
Britax is a popular name for car seats among parents and experts. Among the best Britax car seats, the Boulevard Clicktight Convertible Car Seat is a top convertible seat, as it is designed, tested, and built with the US and Global Components in Fort Mill, South Carolina.
In this Britax Boulevard Clicktight Convertible Car Seat review, we will discuss all the ins and outs of the product, with an in-depth and detailed analysis of its features, suitability, FAQs, and even some alternatives! So let us get started right away.
- Overview of the Britax Boulevard Clicktight Convertible Car Seat
- In-Depth and Detailed Analysis of the Features
- Britax Boulevard Clicktight Convertible Car Seat Pros and Cons
- Should You Buy the Britax Boulevard Clicktight Convertible Car Seat?
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Alternatives of the Britax Boulevard Clicktight Convertible Car Seat
- Conclusion
Overview of the Britax Boulevard Clicktight Convertible Car Seat
Once your baby grows a little older, you have to switch the rear facing car seat to a forward facing one. Instead of buying two separate ones, you can get your hands on the Britax Boulevard Clicktight Convertible.
You can utilize it interchangeably as both: a rear facing seat and a forward facing seat, depending upon your little one’s age. Adding to the functionality, the Click Tight Installation allows you to install the seat in no time and with no hassle.
Also, apart from the functionality, the level of safety it offers is a significant factor for its popularity, as it features two layers of side impact protection that shields your child’s head, child’s neck, and torso, along with a steel frame, a crumple zone and patented V-shaped tether.
Moreover, the 14 different positions of quick-adjust harness and headrest, and the 7-position quick push recline, along with the plush foam padding and fabric, and a seat cushion, collectively ensure that your child is safe and comfortable at all times, even during long and hectic road trips.
Britax seats are probably the safest car seats of all. For the last 50 years, the team of professionals at Britax has been working tirelessly to produce safe and innovative car seats, strollers, and travel systems.
All Britax seats go through rigorous testing procedures that ensure when the final product reaches you, it provides optimal safety and comfort. Not only do they place emphasis on safety and quality, but they also keep style and design on priority.
Specifications
In-Depth and Detailed Analysis of the Features
ClickTight Installation System
The Britax Boulevard Convertible car seat features the ClickTight installation system that makes installing the seat in your car as easy as a breeze, as installing the seat becomes as convenient as buckling a vehicle seatbelt for both rear facing and forward facing modes.
Since the installation using the ClickTight panel feature is only limited to three steps, you can easily and securely install the seat with no hassle. All you need to do is open the ClickTight Key located in the lower seating area of the seat, thread and connect the vehicle seat belt through the path revealed, and close the ClickTight Key securely!
Two Layer Side Impact Protection
In the case of an unfortunate car accident, side impact protection is the one feature that you will be most thankful for. According to Ford Law Offices, 25 percent of all car crashes involve a side impact collision. Hence, the two layers of side impact protection offered by Britax Boulevard are essential.
The two layer side impact protection protects your child’s head, neck, child’s shoulders, and torso from any possible injuries. The energy absorbing shell covers your child’s torso, while the foam-lined headrest surrounds their head and neck.
Impact Absorbing Base
The Britax Boulevard Convertible seats feature an impact absorbing car seat base that compresses upon the incident of a car accident and absorbs all the crash energy. As a result, your baby stays unharmed and safe.
Along with the impact absorbing seat base, the high strength steel frame, and SafeCell crumple zone also come into action to absorb maximum crash energy.
14 Position Harness and Headrest
The 14 position harness position and headrest ensure that the Britax Boulevard stays by your baby’s side through infant age to toddlerhood. As your child grows older, you can conveniently adjust the harness and headrest depending upon their growing size.
The harness has a 0.85″ increment with each increasing size, ensuring that no next size is considerably larger than the previous one. Also, it can be adjusted quickly, as it does not require any rethread harness, ever.
7 Position Recline
The seven position, quick push recline ensures maximum comfort for your little one during long and tiring road trips. The rear facing mode requires a steeper recline angle since the baby has not developed strong neck and head control. But once you shift the car seat to a forward facing position, you can recline the seat to a more upright position.
Since the handle for recline adjustment is located near the foot of the seat, adjusting the recline angle after installing it can be a bit of a hassle. Hence, we always recommend changing the recline position before you install the seat in your car.
Auto Level Indicators
The automatic level indicators on the Britax Boulevard ClickTight indicate the proper angle of the car seat with respect to the vehicle seat. This helps parents ensure that the car seat is installed correctly and securely.
When the car seat is installed rear facing, the indicator should be in the light blue zone or dark blue zone, depending upon your child’s age. On the other hand, when the car seat is in the forward facing mode, the indicator should be in the green colored zone.
EZ Buckle System
The EZ Buckle System is the perfect feature for fussy kids, as it keeps the belly pad, straps, and buckles away when you are putting or removing your kid from the seat. Also, it adds to your convenience, as you no longer have to dig around the car seat to find all the buckles and straps.
V-Shaped Tether
The Britax exclusive V-shaped, rip stitch Versa Tether is energy absorbing. It acts as a shield and reduces seat rotation in the case of a car accident. It also minimizes your little one’s force and movement, ensuring that they stay in their place at all times.
Removable Cover
When it comes to babies, we all know how messy they can get. Especially the snack times during long drives can get even messier than what you expect, so the removable cover of Britax Boulevard ClickTight comes in handy in all such scenarios.
It allows you to remove and wash it when required, so you no longer have to bear with the pungent smell of spilled milk in your car. Here is a video that demonstrates how you can remove the car seat cover to clean it.
Britax Boulevard Clicktight Convertible Car Seat Pros and Cons
Compared to similar products in the market, the Britax Boulevard Clicktight Convertible seat has the most innovative features that keep your little one’s comfort and safety a top priority.
Pros:
- Easy installation due to the patented ClickTight installation system.
- No rethreading is ever required.
- Two layers of side impact protection, along with a steel frame and impact absorbing base.
- Plush foam padding and fabric.
- Seven position recline to give maximum comfort to your child.
- Removable cover for easy cleaning.
Cons:
- No longer comes with the ‘click and safe’ snug harness feature.
- No integrated Britax Boulevard cup holder or snack tray.
- Somewhat bulky and not too ergonomic.
- Fabric and padding are not machine washable.
- 2-In-1 convertible car seat: easily transitions from rear-facing mode to forward-facing mode as your child grows from baby to toddler
- Install confidently: with ClickTight, you know it's right in just 3 easy steps: open, buckle, close
- Cool N Dry fabric: improves air flow for a cooler ride; wicks away moisture to help keep your child dry
Should You Buy the Britax Boulevard Clicktight Convertible Car Seat?
The Britax Boulevard Clicktight Convertible seat makes frequent movement and adjustment of the car seat easy, all thanks to its ClickTight feature. This feature makes this seat perfect for parents who have to switch cars often, due to travel or other reasons.
Additionally, the Federal Aviation Administration has approved this seat for airline use, which makes traveling with your kids easy for you.
You may be interested in: Can You Feed Baby In Car Seat?
Also, it replaces the need for two separate car seats: one with a rear facing position (until your child is two or more years and has outgrown the harness by maximum height capacity or weight) and the other with a forward facing mode.
If you are a parent who is looking for something long term yet durable, not wanting to replace it after a certain period of time, the Britax Boulevard Clicktight Convertible car seats are a feasible option for you.
Moreover, they provide value for the price tag attached to them, as convertible seats save you a lot of money because you can use them right from the beginning and until toddlerhood.
So if you are a little tight on the budget and are looking for an all-in-one sort of car seat, the Britax Boulevard Clicktight Convertible car seat is perfect as it proves to be worth it for every penny you spend on buying it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the Britax Boulevard comfortable?
When it comes to comfort, there is no match for the Britax Boulevard Clicktight Convertible. It features several characteristics that add to your little one’s convenience, such as the 14-position quick-adjust harness and headrest and the 7-position quick push recline. Apart from this, the extra-plush thick foam padding and premium fabric ensure that your child is comfortable and relaxed at all times.
Does the Britax Boulevard convert to a booster?
Well, if you are looking for a car seat that converts into a booster, this might be bad news for you. According to Car-Seat, the Britax Boulevard does not convert to a booster, as you can harness it all the way to 65 pounds.
On the other hand, booster car seats are usually harnessed only to 40 pounds, after which they function as a booster. However, if you are in the search for the perfect booster seat for your little one, check out this article to view some options.
Where is the expiration date on the Boulevard Britax car seat?
Like any other product, car seats also come with a Britax Boulevard expiration date. The Boulevard Britax car seat expires ten years after its date of manufacture, which is located on a label under the seat cover. When your car seat finally expires, you can either donate it for demonstration classes or trade in your used car seat to get a new one.
Is the anti-rebound bar in the Britax Boulevard ARB model worth it?
An anti-rebound bar, or ARB, is a bar that is across the bottom of a car seat usually made from metal, and its function is to reduce the impact or movement of the seat in case of a crash. The Britax Boulevard ARB model has an in-built anti-rebound bar that reduces forces by stabilizing the car seat in the unfortunate event of a car crash. Although it is not a must-have feature, it certainly is a ‘worth it’ feature for the safety of your child.
How long does the Britax base for Boulevard last?
The Britax Boulevard base lasts anywhere from 6 to 10 years after the date of manufacture. However, most of them are more inclined towards the former limit, i.e., they are good enough for around six years. When the Britax Boulevard base has lived its due years, you are advised to permanently dispose of it in a way such that no other family can utilize it, ever.
Alternatives of the Britax Boulevard Clicktight Convertible Car Seat
Britax Boulevard vs Britax Marathon
When it comes to Britax car seats, the Boulevard is not the only one that has garnered immense popularity. Another favorite among many parents is the Britax Marathon, which is somewhat similar to the Boulevard in shape and design.
Both Clicktight models accommodate children from 5 – 65 lbs, and both are convertible car seats, i.e., they can be used both as rear facing and forward facing. Also, both come with ClickTight installation technology, making it easier for you to shift the car seat from one car to the other.
However, when it comes to safety, the Boulevard takes an edge over the Marathon. The Boulevard features two layers of side impact protection in the form of additional head protection, while the Marathon Clicktight only features a single layer.
Also, the Boulevard is a bit more spacious in height and fits most cars better than the Marathon, and features four different color options, as opposed to the two variations of Marathon. But, if you are on a budget, Britax Marathon seems like a better option, as it is comparatively cheaper than the Boulevard.
- Easy installation: Patented click tight makes car seat installation as simple as buckling a seat belt
- No rethreading, ever: 14 position harness, 2 position buckle for a comfortable fit as your child grows
- Relax and recline: 7 recline positions ensure comfort and the best vehicle installation angle
Other Similar Alternatives
Graco Extend2Fit
Graco is another big name when it comes to car seats. The Graco Extend2Fit is a convertible car seat just like the Britax Boulevard ClickTight. While the former features an InRight Latch belt installation technology, the latter features ClickTight installation.
Also, the Britax has two layers of side impact protection, along with a SafeCell Impact Protection base, while the Graco has Energy Absorbing Foam. When it comes to your little one’s comfort, Britax has a seven position recline system while Graco has the same in six seating positions.
But, the Britax one does not contain any cup holders, while the Graco one has dual integrated cup holders for on-the-go snacks and drinks. Also, the latter’s fabric is machine washable, while the former’s is not. We wrote an article about the car seat – read a more in-depth review of the Graco Extend2Fit to learn more.
- 4-in-1 seat grows with your child, so you can enjoy 10 years of use, from 4 - 120 lb Extend2Fit 4-position extension panel provides 5" additional leg room
- Up to 50 lb rear-facing allowing your child to safely ride rear-facing longer plush inserts keep your child comfortable washable seat cover is easy to remove without removing the harness
- Simply Safe Adjust Harness System headrest and Harness adjust together one-hand, 10-position adjustable headrest easily adapts for your growing child.Do not use bleach
Britax Allegiance
Britax Allegiance is another one of Britax’s innovative designs. While Allegiance is on the affordable side, it features latch system connectors instead of the Boulevard’s ClickTight system. Also, it has a ten position harness, while the Boulevard has a fourteen position harness. But, on the good side, both of these harnesses do not ever require rethreading.
The most notable feature of Boulevard is the two layer side impact protection, which is substituted with a single layer in Allegiance. Also, the Boulevard has a seven position recline while the Allegiance only has a three position recline.
So, while the Boulevard is a bit pricier than the Allegiance, the features Boulevard offers provide value for the price tag attached to it. You can read our article for a more detailed analysis of the Britax Allegiance.
- 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
Evenflo Tribute LX
The Evenflo Tribute LX is an affordable convertible car seat for those who are unable to afford the Britax Boulevard ClickTight, as the former is three times as cheaper as the latter. Not only is the Evenflo Tribute LX lesser in price, but it also weighs less than the Britax Boulevard ClickTight seats.
However, the Evenflo one contains thinner padding than the Britax one and is also comparatively harder to install. It also has a weight limit of 40 lbs, which is around 18 months of age, as opposed to the 65 lbs of Britax.
While both of these car seats are not convertible to a booster seat, the Evenflo also provides lesser comfort than the Britax. Check out our detailed review on the Evenflo Tribute LX for more info.
- MEET THE HIGHLY REVIEWED CAR SEAT WITH UNBEATABLE VALUE: This fan- favorite offers a budget-friendly choice without sacrificing safety, comfort or ease
- TRAVEL SLEEK AND LIGHT: Compact design offers an ideal fit for smaller vehicles, while lightweight design makes this a popular car seat for family travel
- GROW WITH IT: With use from 5 to 40 lb (19 to 40 in. tall), offers rear-facing and forward- facing modes, 5-point harness, plus 4-position shoulder harness
Conclusion
As a parent, two things in the world matter to you the most: your little one’s safety and comfort. And when you can get these both in a single product, it is no less than a steal. The Britax Boulevard ClickTight has all the features that you could think of. From safety to comfort, and from durability to versatility, it is a car seat that you need to have by your side.
The Britax Boulevard comes in super handy on days you are constantly on the go with your child by your side. It provides them with optimal comfort through its padding and plush foam, apart from the recline positions.
Also, the two layer side impact protection keeps your mind at ease because your baby is safe, no matter where you go. Are you an existing user of the Britax ClickTight car seat? If yes, let us all know of your experience in the comments below!
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Last update on 2024-11-04 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API