Britax Boulevard Car Seat (All You Need To Know)

The Britax Boulevard Car Seat is one of the most popular Britax car seats. The car seat has established itself as a top choice for parents, thanks to its robust design and innovative features.

While it is true that Britax Boulevard is a popular car seat, a lot of new parents don’t know what this seat entails.

In this detailed article, we will look at various aspects of the Boulevard Clicktight car seat, providing detailed insights into its type, features, suitability based on age and size, safety standards, lifespan, and the possibility of transitioning to a booster seat.

Additionally, we’ll guide you through its installation process and discuss purchasing options and pricing.

Table of Contents

What Type of Car Seat is Britax Boulevard?

When it comes to car seats, there are 3 major categories: infant car seats, convertible car seats, and booster seats.

The Britax Boulevard falls under the category of convertible car seats, a versatile and long-term solution for child passenger safety.

Convertible car seats, unlike infant-only seats, are designed to grow with your child, accommodating them from infancy through toddlerhood and into their preschool years.

The distinguishing feature of the Britax Boulevard is its ability to be used in both rear-facing and forward-facing configurations. This dual-mode functionality not only offers extended usage but also ensures that parents can adapt the seat as per the evolving safety needs of their growing child.

Features of Britax Boulevard Clicktight Convertible Car Seat

Knowing the features of the Boulevard convertible car seat will help you understand what to expect from it. Below is what the car seat is made of:

1. ClickTight Installation System

This is the hallmark of the Boulevard series. The ClickTight system simplifies the car seat installation process. By just opening the front of the seat, threading the seatbelt across, and closing it, the seat is securely installed. This system eliminates the common struggles and guesswork associated with car seat installation.

2. SafeCell Impact Protection

This integrated system of safety components works together to protect your child beyond the federal safety standards. It includes an impact-absorbing base, tether, and harness, an impact-stabilizing steel frame, and Complete Side Impact Protection PLUS, which includes a deep protective shell and an energy-absorbing headrest.

3. Adjustable Harness and Headrest

The Boulevard features a 14-position harness and 2-position buckle, making it easy to provide a comfortable and secure fit as your child grows. The quick-adjust 14-position headrest grows with your child and offers added comfort and safety.

4. Multiple Recline Positions

The seat offers multiple recline positions to ensure comfort and the best vehicle installation angle. It helps in accommodating your child comfortably whether they are sleeping or sitting upright.

5. Easy-Remove Cover

For maintenance and cleaning, the Boulevard comes with an easy-remove cover that can be taken off without needing to remove the harness.

6. Two Layers of Side Impact Protection

This includes a deep foam-lined shell and quick-adjust head protection. These layers work together to absorb energy and shield your child from the most severe type of collision.

7. Indicator for Proper Angle

The car seat features an automatic level indicator to let you know the seat is angled correctly in your vehicle.

8. No-Rethread Harness

This feature allows easy adjustment of the harness and headrest as your child grows without having to rethread the harness.

9. Comfort and Convenience Features

The Boulevard also includes plush foam padding and fabrics for premium comfort, along with multiple storage options for toys and essentials.

10. FAA Approval for Air Travel

The Boulevard is FAA-approved for use in aircraft, providing flexibility for families who travel.

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What Age Is Britax Boulevard For?

The Britax Boulevard is designed to cater to a wide age range, starting from newborns to children around 65 pounds or 49 inches tall.

The rear-facing mode is recommended for infants and toddlers, as it’s the safest position for young children, providing enhanced head, neck, and spine support in the event of a collision.

Typically, children can ride rear-facing up to the age of 2 or until they reach the maximum height and weight limits specified by the manufacturer.

Transitioning to the forward-facing mode is recommended when the child outgrows these limits, ensuring continued safety as they grow. This versatility underscores the Boulevard’s adaptability to the changing safety needs of a child over time.

How Safe is Britax Boulevard Convertible Car Seat

Safety is the paramount concern for Britax, and the Boulevard Convertible Car Seat embodies this through its advanced safety features. The seat meets and often exceeds Federal Safety Standards, offering reassurance to parents regarding their child’s protection.

The incorporation of SafeCell Impact Protection, a high-strength steel frame, and an impact-absorbing base collectively work to shield your child from the forces of a crash.

Additionally, the seat features two layers of side impact protection which include a deep foam-lined shell and quick-adjust head protection, providing an extra layer of security.

Regular crash testing under various conditions ensures the seat’s integrity and effectiveness in real-world scenarios.

Therefore, in terms of safety ratings, the Britax Boulevard car seat stands tall among other convertible seats. However, to maximize the safety features of a car seat, you must ensure the installation is done correctly by following the instruction manual.

Expiration Date for the Britax Boulevard Car Seat

The Britax Boulevard Car Seat, like all car seats, has a specified expiration date, which is essential for maintaining the safety and effectiveness of the seat over time. For the Britax Boulevard, the typical lifespan is approximately 10 years from the date of manufacture.

This expiration date is crucial as the materials used in the car seat, such as the plastic and foam, can degrade over time, potentially compromising safety.

Additionally, safety standards and technologies evolve, and using a seat beyond its expiration means missing out on newer safety advancements.

The expiration date of the Britax Boulevard car seat is typically found on the label or imprinted on the seat itself. Parents need to heed this date to ensure the ongoing safety of their children.

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Will You Need Another Car Seat If You Buy the Britax Boulevard?

Yes, you will need another car seat once your child outgrows Britax Boulevard because the Boulevard is not an all-in-one car seat.

The Britax Boulevard is designed to be a long-term car seat solution, transitioning from rear-facing to forward-facing as your child grows.

However, once your child exceeds the weight or height limits of the Boulevard, or if they are mature enough to sit properly without a harness, you will need to transition to a booster seat.

The Boulevard does not convert into a booster seat, so this will necessitate a separate purchase. This progression is a natural step in child passenger safety, accommodating your child’s growth and developmental needs.

Installation Guide for Britax Boulevard Convertible Car Seat

Installing the Britax Boulevard Convertible Car Seat correctly is vital for ensuring the safety of your child while traveling. The seat’s innovative ClickTight Installation System simplifies the process, making it straightforward and secure.

Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Preparing for Installation

1. Choose the Right Direction: Decide whether you will be installing the seat in the rear-facing (for younger children) or forward-facing (for older children) position based on your child’s age, weight, and height.

2. Adjust the Recline: The Boulevard allows for multiple recline positions. Ensure the seat is in the correct recline position for the chosen installation direction.

Installing the Seat

Rear-Facing Installation:

1. Position the Seat: Place the car seat in the rear-facing position on your vehicle’s back seat.

2. Open the ClickTight Panel: Press the ClickTight dial and rotate it to open the front compartment of the seat.

3. Thread the Seatbelt: Route your vehicle’s seatbelt through the rear-facing belt path (marked with blue labels) and buckle it. Ensure there are no twists in the seatbelt.

4. Lock the Seatbelt: Pull the seatbelt all the way out and then let it retract to engage the lock-off feature.

5. Close the ClickTight Panel: Press down on the ClickTight compartment until it clicks, ensuring the seat is securely installed.

6. Check the Installation: Grab the sides of the seat where the seatbelt passes through and give it a firm shake. It should not move more than an inch side-to-side or front-to-back.

Forward-Facing Installation:

1. Position the Seat: Place the car seat in the forward-facing position on your vehicle’s back seat.

2. Open the ClickTight Panel: Rotate the ClickTight dial to open the front compartment.

3. Thread the Seatbelt: Route your vehicle’s seatbelt through the forward-facing belt path (marked with green labels) and buckle it. Ensure the seatbelt is not twisted.

4. Lock the Seatbelt: Extend the seatbelt to its maximum length and then let it retract to activate the lock-off feature.

5. Close the ClickTight Panel: Press down on the compartment until you hear a click, indicating the seat is securely installed.

6. Check the Installation: Perform a tug test by shaking the seat at the belt path. It should not move more than an inch in any direction.

Final Adjustments

Adjust the Harness: Ensure the harness is at the proper height for your child and fits snugly.
Use the Tether: For forward-facing installation, attach and tighten the top tether strap to your vehicle’s tether anchor.

Additional Tips

Always refer to the car seat manual and your vehicle’s owner manual for specific instructions and recommendations.
If in doubt, seek professional assistance. Many communities offer car seat inspection services by certified technicians.
Regularly check the installation and harness fit, as they can loosen over time.

By following these steps, you can confidently install the Britax Boulevard Convertible Car Seat, providing a safe and comfortable ride for your child.

Pros and Cons of the Britax Boulevard Convertible Car Seat

Like any product, the Boulevard has its advantages and disadvantages. Here’s an overview of the pros and cons:

Pros:

1. Safety Features:

The Britax Boulevard is equipped with advanced safety technologies like SafeCell Impact Protection, which includes a steel frame, energy-absorbing base, and a V-shaped tether to minimize seat rotation.
The seat also features 2 layers of side impact protection with a deep foam-lined shell and quick-adjust head protection.

2. Ease of Installation:

The ClickTight Installation System makes it easy to install the car seat securely using the vehicle seat belt, reducing the risk of incorrect installation.

3. Comfort for Child:

The seat offers multiple recline positions and ample padding, ensuring a comfortable ride for children.

4. Adjustability:

It features a 14-position harness and a 2-position buckle, making it easy to adjust for a growing child.

5. Longevity:

The Britax Boulevard has high weight and height limits, allowing it to be used for a longer period, from infancy to toddlerhood.

Cons:

1. Price:

The Britax Boulevard is on the higher end of the price spectrum for car seats, which might not be affordable for all families.

2. Weight and Size:

- The car seat is relatively heavy and bulky, which can make it difficult to move between vehicles or travel with it.

3. Complexity for Cleaning:

- While the cover is removable and washable, some parents find the process of removing and reattaching it a bit cumbersome.

4. Limited Stroller Compatibility:

- Unlike some infant car seats, the Boulevard is not designed to be easily snapped into a stroller.

5. Can Get Warm:

- Some users report that the fabric can make children hot, especially in warmer climates.

Where to Buy and How Much Does Boulevard ClickTight Convertible Cost?

The Britax Boulevard ClickTight Convertible Car Seat is available at various retail outlets, both online and in physical stores. Common places to purchase include:

1. Online Retailers: Websites like Amazon, BuyBuy Baby, and the official Britax website are popular choices. They often offer a range of models and colors, along with customer reviews and ratings.

2. Physical Retail Stores: Big-box retailers like Target, Walmart, and specialty baby stores also carry the Britax Boulevard. Purchasing in-store allows you to see and touch the product before buying.

3. Second-Hand Purchases: Some parents opt to buy car seats second-hand. However, it’s crucial to check the expiration date, recall status, and ensure the seat has never been in an accident if considering this option.

As for cost, the price of the Britax Boulevard ClickTight Convertible Car Seat can vary based on the retailer, any ongoing sales or promotions, and specific models or colors.

Generally, the price range is typically between $300 to USD 400. Prices may vary by region and over time, so it’s advisable to check current prices from multiple retailers to find the best deal.

Note: When considering a car seat, it’s not just about the price but the safety, comfort, and longevity of the product. The Britax Boulevard, with its advanced safety features and durable design, represents a significant long-term investment in your child’s safety during travel.

Conclusion – Is the Britax Boulevard Car Seat Worth It

The Britax Boulevard convertible car seat is worth it if you are looking for a car seat that can be used for rear and forward-facing. In terms of safety and other innovative designs, the Boulevard ranks high among other seats.

However, note that the Britax Boulevard car seat is not an all-in-one car seat. i.e., it cannot be used as a booster seat.

If you are looking for a car seat that can serve as a rear-facing, forward-facing, and booster seat, then the Boulevard is not what you need. In that case, you should consider the Britax One4Life car seat.