SAFETY SQUAD BLOG

Review: Britax Boulevard CS

The Britax Boulevard CS is the newest addition to the their array of convertible car seats.  The specifications of the seat are identical to the standard Boulevard in almost every way.

What's the same?

Rear-facing 5-35 pounds, Forward-facing 20-65

Robust solid construction

Plush interior with inserts for smaller babies

Side impact protection "wings"

Knobs for easy adjustment of harness slot height

What's New?

The CS adds the "Click and Safe" harness adjuster (hence "CS"). It's a novel approach to encourage parents to use correct harness tightness. As you tighten the harness the mechanism will "click" alerting you that the harness is tight enough around your child...

ABC Expo: The Car Seat/Stroller Connection

Our mission at Safety Squad is to leave no stone in the car seat world unturned. This past year, we have witnessed the influence the stroller industry is having on safety decisions parents make about car seats. 

So, this year we spent the first day at the ABC Expo focusing on carseat/stroller compatibility. Normally, this is something we wouldn't put much thought into, but we know that moms are generally choosing their stroller first, then limiting their car seat choices to fit the stroller.

Here is the problem: In your vehicle, not all car seats fit the same. Until parents find a car seat that works best for them and fits properly in their car, they shouldn't buy a compatible stroller.

We'll check back today and shed more light on this issue.

Don't Gamble on Infant Seats, Safety Squad's Top Ten is Coming

Over the last few months, we have been really light on the commentary. You probably noticed. We've had a busy summer and have plenty to talk about in the coming months.

This past May, we partnered with one of the largest birthing hospitals in the nation to provide personalized car seat installation training for parents. This fee-based service has begun to fill a tremendous need in Chicago. While providing premier service to parents focused on car seat installation instruction, it has also freed-up limited space for other parents in existing free or donation based services.

This summer we worked with hundreds of Graco, Chicco, Peg Perego, Maxi-Cosi and Orbit infants seats. The result: We know what is good and what is not. Before we talk more about our experience, we are going on a little trip.

Tomorrow, we are going back to Las Vegas to attend the ABC Expo. Last year, we got an inside look at the industry. We are returning this year to speak with manufacturers about the issues we have found and the solutions best for parents.

When we return, we will be publishing our Top Ten List of Infant Seats. This list will be based on our experiences with the actual base installation and carrier ease of use. 

On the convertible seat front, we are currently reviewing new seats including the Britax Boulevard CS. Stay tuned.